Let’s have a calm talk about chain strength (dont shame me for bringing up 520s)

[Bumblebee]

When my current chain wears out I'm switching to a 520.

I would consider it myself, but the current set up I have will probably outlast the bike......and my desire to ride it....

[GSXFRider]

As said, it's not the hp to me...it's the handling

Enlighten me, how does a smaller chain size make the handling better?????, the chain ONLY transmits engine power to the rear wheel.

Changing gear ratio's is a totally different discussion.

[sixpack577]

Enlighten me, how does a smaller chain size make the handling better?????, the chain ONLY transmits engine power to the rear wheel.

Changing gear ratio's is a totally different discussion.

I'm not talking about different gear ratios/sprocket sizes.
Put lighter wheels on, the bike leans side to side quicker.
The chain and sprockets are also rotating mass, and have a small effect on this as well.

[Cruising180]

Wasn't it already said that tensile strength is tensile strength? Also that a good quality EK or DID 520 chain exceeds the factory 530 chain in that regard?

[Cruising180]

Enlighten me, how does a smaller chain size make the handling better?????, the chain ONLY transmits engine power to the rear wheel.

Changing gear ratio's is a totally different discussion.

3-4lb on a scale stationary vs when that same weight is spinning 50-80mph increases the "felt weight" when transitioning through the corners. Not all of us are only into highway pulls and roll racing. I'll let you do the math if you like.

Circular Motion: Mass of a String and Tension Force – HSC Physics

This topic is part of the HSC Physics course under the section Circular Motion. HSC Physics Syllabus analyse the forces acting on an object executing uniform circular motion in a variety of situations, for example: - cars moving around horizontal circular bends - a mass on a string - objects on...

scienceready.com.au

[sixpack577]

3-4lb on a scale stationary vs when that same weight is spinning 50-80mph increases the "felt weight" when transitioning through the corners. Not all of us are only into highway pulls and roll racing. I'll let you do the math if you like.

Circular Motion: Mass of a String and Tension Force – HSC Physics

This topic is part of the HSC Physics course under the section Circular Motion. HSC Physics Syllabus analyse the forces acting on an object executing uniform circular motion in a variety of situations, for example: - cars moving around horizontal circular bends - a mass on a string - objects on...

scienceready.com.au

Thanks for posting that

[Cruising180]

Thanks for posting that

No worries. I had a feeling I knew where this was heading. I have first had experience lmao.

[GSXFRider]

I'm not talking about different gear ratios/sprocket sizes.
Put lighter wheels on, the bike leans side to side quicker.
The chain and sprockets are also rotating mass, and have a small effect on this as well.

It's called a placebo effect.............................enjoy it.

While I am NOT debating less rotating weight it will have a small difference, your riding a 550+lbs motorcycle plus the riders weight.
Replacing the wheels will have a much bigger and safer effect on this, than the chain and sprockets.

The amount of weight difference a change to a 520 chain will cause in a left/right rotation and accel/decel of the bike is negligible, and a placebo effect at best that carries a lot of risk. - ENJOY.

[sixpack577]

It's called a placebo effect.............................enjoy it.

While I am NOT debating less rotating weight it will have a small difference, your riding a 550+lbs motorcycle plus the riders weight.
Replacing the wheels will have a much bigger and safer effect on this, than the chain and sprockets.

The amount of weight difference a change to a 520 chain will cause in a left/right rotation and accel/decel of the bike is negligible, and a placebo effect at best that carries a lot of risk. - ENJOY.

I enjoy it fine on a 420lb motorcycle...every little bit adds up...
The average lighter rear wheel is only 3 to 4lbs lighter...and very noticeable.
Around 1lb weight loss with a lighter wheel on the front.
Add a pair of front rotors that weigh a half pound less each than stock rotors, and you have accomplished the same.
Several bikes, several thousand miles, no measurable chain pin wear/'stretch', no noticeable sprocket wear...and I am yet to see any of these 'risks'
Dyno testing varies by dyno, tuner, weather and conditions, as well as the individual bike...but 'Placebo Effects' are repeatedly measured on multiple dynos witn lighter chains and sprockets.
Add lighter rotors, add lighter wheels, and little by little you get noticeable handling improvements, and if you don't, I respectfully say that your riding is not at a level to notice that then.
No one is forcing anyone to do any mods to their own bikes, only discussing what is available and what the results are.
Enjoy your 530

[GSXFRider]

I enjoy it fine on a 420lb motorcycle...every little bit adds up...
The average lighter rear wheel is only 3 to 4lbs lighter...and very noticeable.
Around 1lb weight loss with a lighter wheel on the front.
Add a pair of front rotors that weigh a half pound less each than stock rotors, and you have accomplished the same.
Several bikes, several thousand miles, no measurable chain pin wear/'stretch', no noticeable sprocket wear...and I am yet to see any of these 'risks'
Dyno testing varies by dyno, tuner, weather and conditions, as well as the individual bike...but 'Placebo Effects' are repeatedly measured on multiple dynos witn lighter chains and sprockets.
Add lighter rotors, add lighter wheels, and little by little you get noticeable handling improvements, and if you don't, I respectfully say that your riding is not at a level to notice that then.
No one is forcing anyone to do any mods to their own bikes, only discussing what is available and what the results are.
Enjoy your 530

I'd love to learn HOW you got the Busa down to 420lbs wet weight and still managed to keep it street legal.

I won't even discuss illegal bikes, as they shouldn't even be on the road to begin with.

Your right every pound counts when it comes to weight savings, but there is NO way you took 160lbs off the bike and kept it legal and still able to drive farther than one pass down the 1/4 drag strip.

I've enjoyed my 530 chains for decades, have had well over 60,000kms on a single chain no less, never left be stranded.

[zucchero]

I enjoy it fine on a 420lb motorcycle...every little bit adds up...
The average lighter rear wheel is only 3 to 4lbs lighter...and very noticeable.
Around 1lb weight loss with a lighter wheel on the front.
Add a pair of front rotors that weigh a half pound less each than stock rotors, and you have accomplished the same.
Several bikes, several thousand miles, no measurable chain pin wear/'stretch', no noticeable sprocket wear...and I am yet to see any of these 'risks'
Dyno testing varies by dyno, tuner, weather and conditions, as well as the individual bike...but 'Placebo Effects' are repeatedly measured on multiple dynos witn lighter chains and sprockets.
Add lighter rotors, add lighter wheels, and little by little you get noticeable handling improvements, and if you don't, I respectfully say that your riding is not at a level to notice that then.
No one is forcing anyone to do any mods to their own bikes, only discussing what is available and what the results are.
Enjoy your 530

I recently went with vortex aluminium 46 teeth sprocket along with lighter rear wheel galfer rotor, titanium sprocket nuts, brocks aluminium anti skip clutch set along with it's titanium stud and titanium nut. For the front sprocket it's running lighter steel vortex sprocket with titanium spacer , nut and locking bolt. All of it except Galfer rotor was purchased from Schnitz racing and I must tell there's a noticeable difference in riding and I am very happy.
Going by all the post my next upgrade will definitely be a 525 chain .

[sixpack577]

I'd love to learn HOW you got the Busa down to 420lbs wet weight and still managed to keep it street legal.

I won't even discuss illegal bikes, as they shouldn't even be on the road to begin with.

Your right every pound counts when it comes to weight savings, but there is NO way you took 160lbs off the bike and kept it legal and still able to drive farther than one pass down the 1/4 drag strip.

I've enjoyed my 530 chains for decades, have had well over 60,000kms on a single chain no less, never left be stranded.

If you read my posts you would see that I am talking about two Gsxr1000's
My Gen2 Busa was in the 510lb range, and I have personally seen several other Busas, and heavier with 520's beat on regulary with zero issues.
And 530 chains for decades is the answer.
A carry-over from when chain technology was not what it is today, and manufactures covering themselves.
I watched Busas with 520s 15-17 years ago, when 520's were rated at the same, or less, than the 530's, and they were also fine.
No one here is trying to change your mind, you keep your 530

[GSXFRider]

I enjoy it fine on a 420lb motorcycle...every little bit adds up...
The average lighter rear wheel is only 3 to 4lbs lighter...and very noticeable.
Around 1lb weight loss with a lighter wheel on the front.
Add a pair of front rotors that weigh a half pound less each than stock rotors, and you have accomplished the same.
Several bikes, several thousand miles, no measurable chain pin wear/'stretch', no noticeable sprocket wear...and I am yet to see any of these 'risks'
Dyno testing varies by dyno, tuner, weather and conditions, as well as the individual bike...but 'Placebo Effects' are repeatedly measured on multiple dynos witn lighter chains and sprockets.
Add lighter rotors, add lighter wheels, and little by little you get noticeable handling improvements, and if you don't, I respectfully say that your riding is not at a level to notice that then.
No one is forcing anyone to do any mods to their own bikes, only discussing what is available and what the results are.
Enjoy your 530

No where in this post do you say a GSXR1000..........................this is a Hayabusa forum, and we are discussing putting a 520 chain on a Hayabusa.

Your right chain technology has come along way, but mistakes still happen and our bodies are injured easily on a motorcycle.
-The 530 chain has carried over decades because it works, it's safe, and can handle the abuse of neglect, lack of oiling, etc, etc, etc.
-42psi is the tire pressure recommended for most sport bikes because it's a good compromise for street and spirited riding.

There are a lot of these "standards" that have carried over for decades because they are safe and they work.
While there are many who will disregard these standards because they "think" they know MORE than the engineers at Suzuki.
I assure you YOU DON'T. While you've been lucky so far, deviating from these recommendations, one day it will bite you.

I used to be just like you, but as you age you realize your NOT as smart as you once thought you were...................you were just lucky, that's all.
Don't worry, you'll get there..................I just hope you don't eat dirt before you do, that's all.
I have watched many "smarter" riders go down, they blame the equipment, but in the end it was them.
It was, their maintenance, their neglect, their broken chain jammed into the case leaking oil on the road, writing off the bike and often themselves in the process.

Do as you please, stay safe..........................6HP ain't worth your ankle, neck or shoulder

[sixpack577]

No where in this post do you say a GSXR1000..........................this is a Hayabusa forum, and we are discussing putting a 520 chain on a Hayabusa.

Your right chain technology has come along way, but mistakes still happen and our bodies are injured easily on a motorcycle.
-The 530 chain has carried over decades because it works, it's safe, and can handle the abuse of neglect, lack of oiling, etc, etc, etc.
-42psi is the tire pressure recommended for most sport bikes because it's a good compromise for street and spirited riding.

There are a lot of these "standards" that have carried over for decades because they are safe and they work.
While there are many who will disregard these standards because they "think" they know MORE than the engineers at Suzuki.
I assure you YOU DON'T. While you've been lucky so far, deviating from these recommendations, one day it will bite you.

I used to be just like you, but as you age you realize your NOT as smart as you once thought you were...................you were just lucky, that's all.
Don't worry, you'll get there..................I just hope you don't eat dirt before you do, that's all.
I have watched many "smarter" riders go down, they blame the equipment, but in the end it was them.
It was, their maintenance, their neglect, their broken chain jammed into the case leaking oil on the road, writing off the bike and often themselves in the process.

Do as you please, stay safe..........................6HP ain't worth your ankle, neck or shoulder

I talk about Busas and Gsxr's in this thread.
We as a community here talk about all kinds of bikes, including Gsxr's...the test mules where alot of Busa technology comes from.
I'm an old MX racer...I assure you...I've ate plenty of dirt...
I'm also a full gear guy.
I've been riding and wrenching for over 36 years now, so I Have learned alot as I've aged.
I do All of my own work, so any mechanical failure falls on the part...or the nut behind the bars.
I'm also not too proud to say when I make a mistake, however, I usually catch those mistakes as I triple-check behind myself during and after any work, as well as looking the bike over and checking my tire pressure before every ride...but things can still go wrong, as I said before...motorcycles are dangerous.
I am also fortunate to know, have known, and work with some pretty brilliant engineers and physiscists, all book smarter than me...and I run numbers by them regulary, always have.
You don't even know what I do or have done for a living, or what my experience has been, so telling me that I DON'T know something is an assumption on your part.
And to say that Suzuki engineers are smart, lol...they have proved themselves otherwise with several issues in recent years...things that they can't even fix, so they no longer get credit for being 'smart'.
And 42psi, lmao; have you ever read a tire? That is MAX psi...and psi goes up with heat, so your 42psi tire is 2-4 psi Over-inflated within 20-30 minutes, weather and condition dependant.
Suzuki also doesn't make tires...
And once again, it's handling, not hp...but I'll take the extra hp too, minimal as they both are, enough little things add up.
It's also obvious how by the Suzuki book that you are, which is fine...myself and many are not.
I go by their service manuals when needed, always use a calibrated torque wrench...then I consult smarter people(like Dave Moss for tire pressure and suspension sag)
I would also refer you now to Carpenter Racing, with their 1600cc Gen3 Busa...running a 520 chain...go tell those guys how little that they know...and that they're doing it wrong...(even though I Would run a 530 on that bike, belive it or not).
You're free to belive whatever that you like, and ride and maintain your bike however that you want...but as said, you do you...I'm fine over here.
And everyone else in this thread has read your posts as well as mine...and is free to make up their own mind.
I'm here to discuss, not to try and tell anyone what they should or should not be doing.
You have a nice day sir

[oldgixxer]

I like 35psi in my street bike tires and I also like...pie

[Bumblebee]

@oldgixxer you'd get along great with our resident pie guy @SSGT_B

[TrueGrit]

42 WOW! 36/36, 34/36 for everyday riding here. I think at 42 an ant would feel like a speed bump.

[Bumblebee]

@TrueGrit

[Tony Nitrous]

I have +1 and -1 rear alloy sprockets. The weight saving holding them hand to hand with a stock steel sprocket is VERY noticeable, and as pointed out it’s not just weight, it’s rotating mass.

I’m very fussy on chains and do checks, clean, tiny bit of lube on every ride. I have the time to do it, costs me nothing. I have a couple of quite old high mileage factory chains that are still fine. I still know alloy sprockets aren’t suitable for all roles.

Hopefully mine will be going back onto something I have planned.

[Tony Nitrous]

I love the “Suzuki know best” philosophy… LOL.

They really don’t, what they know well is how to build a one size fits all product, that’s over engineered, has to last well, has to meet global design rules, have a long life, stand up to neglect,and a whole heap of other criteria and do it on a budget in mass production.

Every rider who’s ever changed a can, a screen, a tyre profile, gearing, a rear guard etc etc knows this. Suzuki have never made my ideal bike, they have made platforms that I can build on.

Suzuki know best? Is that why my bike handles better with a 55 rear? Why it doesn’t eat aftermarket MOSFET rectifiers? Why my Gen-1 ate its second gear but not its replacement? Why my Gen-3 is on its third master cylinder?

There’s a 1000 ways you can upgrade a Busa and they don’t need to be high risk.

Ride a bike with alloy sprockets, a 55 profile rear, remapped, double bubble screen, with a healthy pipe, pair blanks, 36-38 psi tyres and tell me a stock Suzuki product is better.

I’d happily try a lighter chain if the specs were suitable.