My chain is shot and needs replaced. What size do I need though? What are the advantages or disavantages of the different sizes? Thanks guys!!!!

 

for the F3's I like to go down one sprocket in the front and use a 520 chain. This will allow the bike to rev quicker in each gear and the smaller chain with allow unsprung weight to transfer to the rear wheel rather than being used to move the heavier chain. All in all the bikes feels snappier, not sure if thats a legitmate word.

 

You said down one sprocket, but I have no idea what sprocket is on the bike now. What size sprockets will make the bike rev faster?

 

Basically, if you go any size that's smaller in the front or bigger in the rear you'll get better acceleration but less top end power. Stock gearings is a 15 front 43 rear. Normal size chain is a 530, but you could go with a 525 or 520, just remember the chain will wear out faster if you go with a smaller chain.

 

Thanks a ton!!!!! That's pretty much what I needed to know!

 

Nope.

A DID 520 chain will last longer than the oem 530 will.Betcha any amount of money or parts.

Another benefit of the 520 is that it will reduce (in small measures) wear and tear on the motor,due to less drag/weight.Every little bit helps

 

Actually your 97 F3 came with a 525 chain. So dropping to a 520 isn't going to make that much difference. If you go with alloy sprockets as opposed to steel (OEM is steel, and lasts longer), that could save some of the weight and improve on the excelleration. Naturally smaller sprockets in front or bigger in back with help as well. The issue there is you're going to effect your actual speed compared to the indicated speed on your speedometer.

 

Actually, the load would be spread out more on a 530 than a 520 chain/sprockets setup, so wear would be better on a 530. And the force outputted from the engine would be the same regardless of what chain you're running, so there would be no difference in wear and tear internally. Only thing that might effect wear and tear internally would be running shorter gearing which would make you run higher rpm's, causing parts to wear out prematurely.

And the only difference with a 520 vs a 530 is the less rotating mass from the chain and sprockets so you'd lose less power at the rear wheel with a 520 vs 530.