I need a new chain.

I have a buddy that went with the RK chain and sprocket set. I was thinking of doing the same and going with the 520 conversion and stock sprocket sizes. I'm not going to be racing the bike or anything like that. Just every day riding and some long weekend rides here and there.

What do you guys think?

 

RK is a solid chain. You won't go wrong there.

+1 to stock sprockets. Unless you have a compelling reason, OEM is the
right choice for the street. You did mentioned some distance-work, if you
do enough, a +/- on the front/rear, respectively, might be in order.
That will lower the RPM vs speed, increasing gas milage at the expense
of low-end acceleration. Your call...

Here's a really keen site, it lets you play with the ratios and see what
effect it will have.....

Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Speed, RPM, Chain & Sprockets Calculator

If you want longevity, stick with the 525/530, whichever it came with.
Your milage will vary, depending on your habits, but it'll potentially add
about 2-5k-ish miles to the life. Especially, if you stick to steel for the
rear sprocket.

Not saying the 520's are wrong. It can actually be short-term, cheaper,
because there are so many kits offered. If you can get a better deal for
the 520, out the door...Take it. Just be sure the sprockets match the chain.

P.S. The main key to longevity is maintenance and a smooth wrist.
Keep it cleaned, WD-40 works great, and use a quality lube every
500-ish miles. I regularly get 12-15k from my chains.

Hope this helps, Ern

 

Good to know. Yea, with gas at $4.50/ gal here, it might be nice to go with the gas efficient route.

I've seen threads recommending -1/+2 for the sprockets, but would that compromise chain length? ..or would I be alright to keep the same chain length there? Is that setup for power, though?

HA. Sorry for 21 questions.

For cleaning, I have Finish Line Grunge Buster degreaser and the chain brush, and I use Maxima Oils Chain Wax.

 

o come on, its a bike..... a race rep liter bike at that. and we're talking about gas mileage?!

you're on the wrong bike if that's what you're looking for.


i've gone to 520 on both of my 954s. the repsol is stock and the fighter is -1/+2. you definitely shift a whole lot more with the -1/+2, but the gas mileage isn't really that far off at all. and it's a lot more fun.

but lets be honest. you're not really able to go WOT in the 1st gear especially on the street - even in stock so -1/+2 doesn't help all that much for where you're riding on the street (when you're commuting or heading to the local bike night). and it messes the speedo up if you're one that wants it to be accurate.

but if you're on the back roads, in the twisties, i love -1/+2 and would definitely suggest it. i don't think it's a waste either if you're riding between gears 2 and 5 at speed.



i like both, but if it were me, i'd go -1/+2. that's what i did for my bike (the fighter) my wife - who is newer to riding and doesn't ride in the higher rpms as often, prefers the stock gearing (the repsol is mainly her bike).

so i guess it depends on what style you have. and madhattr is definitely correct when saying the key to longevity is maintenance. but i wouldn't worry about gas mileage. with stock gearing you can't get into 6th on most roads (or shouldn't), so with a taller gearing combo, you can just grab another gear and still get the gas mileage

 

Yea, I hear the -1/+2 would probably be the better bet. Especially being out here, where there are SO MANY fun back roads to ride on.

Thanks for the input. & I definitely keep up on maintenance and keeping her clean. :]

 

I ride my 954 90% highway in my commute, 48 miles a day. I love the stock gearing. My wife's FZ6R is geared where I'm at 7500-8000RPM in regular flow of traffic. Even with a smooth 600cc 4cyl, the revs get annoying. If I was tracking it, I'd probably go with lower gearing and 520 conversion. Stock is great for the street.