02 Bandit 600s chain/sprocket

[red66stang]

My chain is on its last legs. A friend of mine suggested I convert over to a 520 chain. I was wondering where I should go to get the kit (sprockets and chain, anything else?) and how I would know that it would work. What are you guys running? I also wouldn't mind going down a tooth or 2 in the rear. Thanks.

Nate

[zeebandit]

There is a kit on ebay right now.

[Red01]

Why is your friend suggesting this?

This is primarily a racing mod - to reduce a little weight and friction. The difference is not likely to mean much to a street rider on a B6. Most would rather have the longer life and extra strength of the OEM size 530 chain. Just about everyone that sells street bike chains and sprockets will carry the right sprockets for the B6/12 in 520 as well as 530.

[red66stang]

This will be the first chain I've replaced on a bike, what size do I need then? 530 sounds like it would work fine. Is there a certain length I need or will someone at a store be able to show me what I need?

[Chi-TownBandit]

I think there are some aftermarket chains selling right now, pretty cheap, with the OEM specs.  Replace the sprockets too, if you got the extra cash, while you're at it.
  --this is a funny icon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[red66stang]

how many links do I need?

[Red01]

Go out to the bike and count them. Count the pins, not the plates.

[FreediverGa]

My chain is pretty much cooked and I thought about maybe going with the 520 F/R sprocket and chain setup myself.  I just didn't know what the advantage would be.  I know it's lower rotational weight  or something like that!

[thattat2guy]

keep a 530 on your bike, the 530 is stronger and will last longer, 520s are thinner and will give you nothing but problems, i've had one snap and they stretch faster

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[Kamzilla]

Kind of on topic...

I can't find my manual, so can anyone tell me what chain the 96 B6S uses?  I replaced my sprockets and chain about a year ago, but can't stand the chain (I didn't get an O-ring).  I have to adjust it more than I should and it's got more kinks than...whatever it is that has a lot of kinks....

The sprockets look fine, so I shouldn't have to change them also, right?

Anyone have any suggestions for brand?

[Red01]

Size is a 530. Don't bother with an O-ring chain, that's ancient tech. Get a modern X-ring (or similar shaped ring). I prefer DID. The VM should do just fine on a B6, in fact, that's what I'm using on my B12 rightnow and it's holding up fine, though most B12ers will opt for the even stronger ZVM.

[flip]

I just checked the owners manual for my 96 b6. It lists the chain as  RK50MFOZ1,  112 links.

[Kamzilla]

Paul, Flip,

Thanks a lot guys.  Paul, you alone have given me advice so many times now I can't even keep up.  

I was a little impatient, did some digging, and ended up ordering the DID Pro O-Ring 530 V Chain, 112 links before I got any replies.  Figured I'd get longer life out of that.  

I just checked back with BikeBandit.com ( I usually order from them, and have credit ), and they didn't have the X-ring 112 link size.  

Should I give them a buzz first thing tomorrow to cancel?

[Red01]

The O-ring chains don't last nearly as long as the newer designs like X-ring. I'd cancel the O-ring order myself.

[chupacabra]

I'm running a D.I.D. 530ZVM. I think I got it from Denniskirk.com. The last chain I had was the VM and it was good too, but a few buck more I'm tring the ZVM.