In everyones opinion. Whats the best chain and sprocket set up. Im thinking about keeping a stock front sprocket and going up one tooth in the back. Also what is the absolute strongest chains and its pros and cons. Im not the most knowledgeable with chains. Thanks guys

 

I would go -1 front and stock rear. Only going up 1 on the rear is such a small change you will not notice any difference. I would switch from 530 chain and sprockets to 520 to save weight in the rotating mass of the chain and sprockets. Today's 520 chains are more than strong enough for all sportbikes.

My bike had a RK 520 chain and sprocket kit when I got it. I have put over 17k miles on it and the chain is still in good shape. I eventually changed the sprockets to -1/+1. Most people go -1/+2 because this will work with a stock chain length of 108 links. Any larger will require a longer chain.

I am about to install some extensions and a +3 rear sprocket for drag racing and had to purchase a longer chain. I researched all the different chains and decided on an EK 520ZZZ Series chain. Its tensile strength is greater than most 530 chains. Only downside to these chains are the cost at over $200. They are supposed to be some of the strongest chains on the market.

EK MOTORCYCLE CHAINS | Enuma Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd.

 

remember mobbins has over 160 rwhp (980 kit, decked head, cammed) - normally i would say to go 520 on a 954 - but i wouldn't suggest it to you mobbins - unless you get the strongest 520 chains they have available in which case you'll be spending so much money - that it maybe more advantageous to go with a 525 or 530 kit.



if you want to spend that much on a chain - sure, get the lightest strongest most expensive chain you can. but as for me, i can't justify spending that much on a chain unless i would be able to get tons of mileage out of it, so i'll be going with a 525/530 set up that's a little heavier.

 

I have a 42 tooth in the back now . I would have to use a 530 chain if I went with a 16 44 set up correct ? I'm ok with a 530 high tensile as long as it will last

 

So after looking alittle bit. I found that if I wanted a 16 44 setup I would have to go with a 525 . Correct ? Im looking at a 525 zzz ek for about 150. Plus sprocket for 50

 

Wow I feel dumb . Now I looked and that chain is 120 links. I need 108. You cant cut it right ?

 

My bike has 146.5 HP / 71 torque and the current RK 520 chain has over 17k miles on it plus hundreds of drag strip passes which is much harder on the chain than anything you can throw at it on the street.

I found an EK 520 ZZZ 150 link chain new on ebay yesterday for $125 shipped. Good deals are out they if you are patient.

Stock chain and sprockets are 530 and stock gearing is 16/43. You can change just the chain but its recommended that you change both the sprockets and chain at the same time. Going down 1 on the front is equal to 3 up on the rear. Sprockets are not interchangeable between different chain sizes. Unless you stay with the stock size of 530 you will have to change both front and rear sprocket to match either a 520 or 525 chain size.

 

Yes, you cut it down to the size you need. Stock chain is 108 links.

 

No. You decide what size chain you want to run then purchase the size sprockets you want for that chain size.

Either stay with 530 or switch to 520.

 

They make these $300+ chains which come with some kinda insane warranty and supposedly never stretch, forgot the name. As far as sprockets, supersprox would be my pick. Lifetime warranty and they combine strength and light weightedness.

Almost as important as which chain you get it how you take care of your chain. Proper maintenance can yield thousands of miles out of a chain/sprocket setup.