Author Topic: Chains (Read 3995 times)

solman · « **on:** September 07, 2007, 12:33:35 AM »

I bought a $150 chain last September and it is already trashed. I wonder if I was sold a lower tensile strength chain. I never knew that there was an assortment of different strength chains. I bought a RK chain rated for up to 1000CC bikes. Hopefully this one lasts better.

B6mick · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2007, 02:26:43 AM »

The one thing that dictates the life of a chain, is the owner.
How clean its kept, how often and how well lubed its kept.

I once had a standard DID o ring last 80 thousand k or 50 thousand miles on a 120hp 1200fj, which was my daily work horse as I was a motorcycle courier. Yet I've had a DID x ring last only 30 thousand k on the 600. Difference being I was once really really anal about my chain.

Blade · « **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2007, 03:48:10 PM »

For Bandits, I high recommend the DID ZVM or ZVM2 530 Chains. Highest strength you can get from DID and last very well.

solman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2007, 03:21:48 PM »

So far, I have been quite happy with the RK chain. Isn't the highest tensile strengthc, but so far so good. If I wanted the highest, I would've had to pay about $250 and that isn't going to happen.

Blade · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2007, 11:48:17 AM »

Okay let me ask you this. If you paid $175 to $200 for a chain kit that only lasted 6 to 8K, why not pay another $50.00 for a chain that would last up to 2 an 1/2 times longer?

FYI: I can get you a DID 530 ZVM with a steel rear sprocket for about $210.00 plus shipping. I can also get the RK too.

I just recommend the DID's because I have a little over 6K on mine with my Bandit and it is hardly even stretched. My Bandit is pushing a 6" rear rim with a 190 tire behind a 165+ hp engine.

solman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2007, 12:48:46 PM »

I don't buy the kits, just the chain. I also spent $100 on the kit so I can change my own chains. So between the price of the chain and the kit, it set me back some.

Blade · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2007, 03:39:54 PM »

Quote from: "solman"

I don't buy the kits, just the chain. I also spent $100 on the kit so I can change my own chains. So between the price of the chain and the kit, it set me back some.

Yesh but in the long run the chain installation kit will save you in the long run. Don't forget to contact me if you need anything, I will give you the best price I can

H2RICK · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2007, 01:26:23 AM »

I'm a big DID fan having had both DID and RK over the years.
DID seems to have a more durable product, no matter which quality level you pick.
My buddy, Bandit Bruce is absolutely a/r about chain maintenance and he's now replacing his stock RK on his '04 B12S with a DID 530ZVM quad ring. The stock RK went 26K kilometres (~16K miles) which I felt was not bad for a stock chain.
My goodness, Mick, you DO get your money's worth, don't you!!??!! Those are certainly impressive figures for durability.

B6mick · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:53:46 AM »

Yes Rick it wasn't a bad effort, even if I say so myself.
But as I said, I was might anal about the chain, and I had too look after it. I had just been cleaned out by my ex, and all I had to my name was my bike and my tools. After working 12 hrs as a courier, I would get home, have a meal, you guessed it, then go out and clean the chain, then lube it up with grease, 1 link at a time. Yes I had to much time on my hands. But hey 80,000 ks is the best effort, I've heard of.

Mind you the front sprocket was just a tad worn, by the time I replaced the chain. Still got it, and it hangs above my workbench, just to remind me of what being in shyte really was.

SmokeyAndTheBandit · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2007, 11:57:05 AM »

I put a Regina chain and sprocket kit on my B6 a few months ago. It only cost me $155. Didn't care for how the rivet link turned out. I had to return the rivet tip for my tool because it smashed the tip of the tool before the rivet did.

H2RICK · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2007, 04:53:31 PM »

Yep, Smokey, there's nothing like a cheap chain rivetting tool.

The newest DID rivetted link is called their ZJ style....and you HAVE to have DID's special tool to do the rivetting properly.....AND the tool is to be used ONLY for their ZJ style link....not their earlier style rivet links.....AND is not for anyone else's rivet links either.....AND it's ~C$100 dealer cost.

The upside is that if you use their tool as it's intended to be used, you'll have a DID chain that's as strong as a factory rivetted item......and on modern litre class squid bikes that's most definitely a requirement. Moral: proper chain tools are cheaper than engine cases/blown engines/shop labour/etc etc.

SmokeyAndTheBandit · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2007, 07:45:03 PM »

Wasn't a cheap tool. It was a motion pro that cost over $100! They replaced the tip under warranty, but now I question their quality after that experience.

H2RICK · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2007, 01:01:56 AM »

Smokey, we have that exact tool at the shop where I work and it's OK for older style/lower quality chains......but the new high end chains are made out of a lot stronger stuff than what that tool can handle, at least as originally equipped. Maybe the new tip you got as a replacement is made to handle the newest high quality chain ??? Only one way to find out......
Meanwhile, to handle the newest chains requires the chain manufacturer's special rivetting tool....until the aftermarket tool manufacturers catch up once more.....

SmokeyAndTheBandit · « **Reply #13 on:** October 10, 2007, 07:07:48 AM »

Hmm... good advice. I suppose when I replace the chain next I'll try the manufacturers tool. It would provide me with more confidence in the rivet.

H2RICK · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2007, 11:51:03 PM »

Well, guys, I used the new DID chain rivetting tool on Bandit Bruce's new DID ZVM chain today. After 20 minutes on the phone with the DID expert in the US (no Canadian presence for DID....and the instructions were written by Japanese engineers and then translated into Japlish by a 5 year old and, yes, there WERE illustrations....but they sucked, too) I got the link properly rivetted. Looks pretty slick and once I sorted out how to work the tool, it made sense and worked as advertised. Theoretically, the rivetted link is as strong as the rest of the chain....although I noticed that the chain itself is "quad-staked" for its entire length, rather than "pin-staked" like the rivet link.

Well, we'll see how it works for Bandit Bruce.....