d.i.d chain afam sprocks.

 

Wow, what a hot topic. You would never have thought that so many people would have an opinion on a chain. Oh well, for what it's worth here are my thoughts. I think that most of the "O" ring chains out there will work just fine. Companies like DID, EK, RK and the like will have a chain that I'm sure will work in probably 95% of applications. I like my chains to last. I'm using EK on my bikes with great results. I've currently got about 9K miles on my EK 530MVXZ chain. I also use AFAM steel sprockets. I would recommend that you match the chain size to the sprockets. If you're going with a narrower sprocket, like the 525 (starting in '97 the CBR 600's came with a 525), then use a 525 chain. If you put a 530 chain on a 525 sprocket, then you end up with extra lateral movement of the chain, which could lead to a shorter life. IMO the average rider isn't going to notice the difference between steel sprockets and alloy sprockets. The alloy sprockets will however not last as long as steel. The photos attached are of my chain which is showing no sign's of wear after 9K miles, and I haven't had to adjust it yet. I lubricate it religeously every 600 miles and clean it every 8K miles.


[IMG]local://upfiles/10297/40EA31FD0E8D4C24A60290F1E3B7EAC4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10297/3D1CA4D2F42441B9804068019149B974.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10297/861B8C2AEACE4D76B54D6C788FF9DBE5.jpg[/IMG]

 

You must not be very hard on the throttle

You should clean every time before you lube. Otherwise, you'll just be lubing the dirt on the chain. The lube won't get to where it needs to be and it'll just fling off.

 

thanks for the help.

I've decided to get the new sprokets, and a new chain so I won't have any problem with sizes. I really don't think that the sproket needs to be replaced but since I just got the bike and it needs a new chain might as well get a new sproket.

a couple quick questions:
1) Are there any places to get a good combo for a good price? not looking to spend TOO much, if you know what i mean.
2) If I don't buy them is a "set" how do I tell the thickness of the sprokets to prevent lateral movement? (ex. if i buy a 530 chain, and a 525 sproket)
3) How much of a difference is a 525 and a 530? price? durability? etc?

Thanks again for all the help.

 

I've seen some eBay RK O-Ring sets go for about $150-$200. That's a new chain and sprockets.

In any case, if you buy them seperate, they will both be sold as 520, 525, 530, etc. I think you're thicker chains and sprockets are going to be a bit more expensive, but I don't think it's a whole lot, maybe $30. I would also think, as long as you're buying quality parts, the thicker stuff should be more durable too.

As for what I really wanted to comment on, DUDE - 9K miles and NO ADJUSTMENTS!?!?! I adjust my chain, or at least check it's slack weekly. I have a Parts Unlimited chain and sprockets set, it's not top of the line, but it's not junk either. I actually adjust it at least once every two weeks...

Soooo...either you're a *****-footer, a fibber, or you're stuff is made of titanium links and diamond rollers! I'm guessing something isn't completely accurate here... [&:]

 

I don't think anywhere in there did I say I didn't check it. Those 9K miles have been done in less than a year. The slack measurement of 15mm to 25mm is where it is. If it doesn't need adjusting, then it doesn't need adjusting.

 

No one said you didn't check it...

The only thing I read, and wrote, was that 9K miles on a chain that doesn't need adjusted... ? So honeslty, do you *****-foot it? I just don't understand. The hardest, strongest of racing chains would need adjusting after a thousand miles or so of typical sportbike riding.

Just kinda blows my mind. It's your story, tell it how you want...

 

P.S. You do know that the slack measurement is supposed to be read with you ON the bike, no?

 

How long does a chain typically last?

I want to know if it's worth to buy a 520 vs a 530 if it's only 20 bucks.

What do you guys think?

 

I've put about 3K miles on this RK that I bought (first time ever buying a chain), and it still looks good. I take care of it and lube it regularly as well as adjust it.

The sprockets look great too (Parts Unlimited). I've heard 5K-8K miles, and I've also heard change 'em out when you replace rubber so...

Iono! You can look at the rollers, links and sprocket teeth though once you have a brand new chain and sprockets and you can see the difference. Just like anything they'll start to look worn.

I wouldn't imagine the life expectancy is a huge difference for either the 520 or the 530 - I guess now that I have comepletely unanswered your question I'll let someone else who knows better answer, haha.