I'm sure this has been discussed to death, but maybe not quite as much as oil/chain lube

What does everyone use for chains/sprockets? I want to stay with the stock sizes.

I found this on ebay...
DID 530 VX GOLD Chain JT Sprockets fits Honda CBR 600FH Hurricane 1987-90 | eBay

Looks pretty good, and not too bad re: price. Do the DID chains need master links? Never done a chain before so I am a bit unsure. TIA

 

It doesn't say whether it has a clip type or press type master. If its a clip type those are easy. If its a press fit you will need a chain press. They aren't as easy to do as the clip but they still aren't hard. You just have to make sure its pressed good

 

Some research states its a pressed rivet... bummer. I don't have a chain press so I might just DIY it.

 

You can buy a clip link from a bike shop if you dont want to risk damaging the press fit link. I think the 630 pitch one for my zx10 was $4

 

Personally I'd never use a clip style link on anything except maybe a dirt bike. Even these old bikes make enough power to potentially cause a problem with the clip, and I'm not willing to take a chance on the chain failing.

That DID kit is all high quality stuff. I'm using an older (now discontinued) DID o-ring chain and JT steel sprockets, and I'm very happy with all of it. The x-ring is supposed to be even better. You don't need to buy a chain press tool to install the master link either. I used a c-clamp with a small ball bearing/BB to flare the rivet. Slowly tighten the clamp while measuring the rivet head with a micrometer. There should be a spec included with the chain for the correct diameter of the rivet head when it's flared to the right size. If you need any help with the install let me know..

 

I've never had a clip type fail me. My zx has gone into the 10s and 9s with a clip type link and the guy that built it was rather large. I prefer press fit but I have no problem using a clip. I just check it before every ride to make sure its in place.

 

I know a lot of people use them and never have a problem, but since the rivet links are just as easy to install and don't have a potential to fail I'll only use one as an emergency spare. The reason I don't like them is if the clip were to come loose while riding and fly off, which is probably what will happen if it fails, you wouldn't really notice it until the link started to come apart or you looked at the chain again. With the rivet link that can't happen so I don't have to worry about it while riding

 

I use clip style links too and never had one fail. I like to remove my chain for cleaning, so I just safety wire the clip in place.

 

I've heard people having no problems with the clip style. I think I'll just feel better having a riveted link! Really looking forward to the new kit... the nasty chain and sprock on this bike have been irking me for a while.

 

Well its on. Looks great. Old chain was stretched a bit, but not too bad. It was the rust from the PO (never cleaned it I bet) made me uneasy about it. Sprockets were meh, probably could have left them but may as well change it all. The front sprocket was swimming in a mixture of dirt/mud/oil/metal shavings. I borrowed a motion pro chain breaker/riveter from a local forum guy (this one) Made the job SO much easier.

Here is the final product.


The only problem I had was when I was removing the rear sprocket, I noticed the bearing in the cush drive hub is shot. The wheel bearing itself is ok. I guess that rear wheel is coming off again in the near future...