Need some feedback on new chain decision

[justintime2]

Have norowed my new chain selection to the following:
DID 530 ZVM Xring
EK 530 ZVX
-Any feedback on these two chains, good or bad?
-Are you guys having the chain put on or buying the tool and doing it yourself?
-Are the tools universal and will work on both chains?
Which is the best tool to get for function and $?
-How many links do I need? I think it is 112.

The current chain has stretched beyond my comfort level after only 4500 miles. I am very mechanically inclined and am pretty set on getting a chain tool and doing it myself, unless the there are horror stories of why it shouldn't be done outside a shop.

Also anyone have good recommendation for a new set of sprockets? Specific brand/model and websites to purchase. Sprockets are in good shape as i clean and lube regularly. But if it is cheap enough I may just replace for peace of mind and think about trying a 16/43 set-up! TIA

 

[Jay]

http://www.hayabusazone.com/drivechain.html

Jay

 

[him]

i think ronayers also has kits too bout 200 bucks. I didnt the chain thing it sucks as. you'll need a chain breaker and a rivit tool and a master link if you dont have one. I tried using pliers but they didnt work so i ended up taking it to the dealer to have them rivet the master link for me. Got rapped for 20 bucks on five mins of work.

 

[justintime2]

Thanks guys! parts411.com has them for $137 & $138 respectively and I have done business with them before for tires. Note sure on sprockets though. Does the chain come with a master rivet link or is that ordered seperately? What tool for all this?

 

[him]

the master link is a like that you take apart to put the chain together. Check your bike casue i found the hard way mine didnt have one. There are 2 types of master links. A clip master link and rivet master link. A clip master link uses a clip to hold the plates of the chain on keeping you chain to gether a rivet actually bends the pins of the chain out when they pass through the plates of the chain. I dont think they make clip master links for our chains, or thats what the rappiest at the stealership told me.

A rivet tool is what is used to press the chain plates together and it bends the pins over the plate keeping them secure.

 

[bacharles]

Hey justintime, I ordered a chain breaker/chain press from Newportcycleparts.com. I paid only $40 for it and it works great. It serves as a breaker and press simultaneously. Also order 2 or three extra press pins just in case. I think the pins cost about 3 or 4 dollars each. Usually the only way you'll break a pin is if the pin is not centered on the rivet when you're pressing it out. I've been having one for a couple years now and have changed a few chains, and I've only broken one pin. (basically from not paying attention to see if pin was centered...). Trust me, it's not necessary to spend the one-to-two hundred bucks on a fancy shmancy chain breaker. The $40 one works just as good.

Actually I run the D.I.D. that you previously mentioned. Graded for 10,300 lbs of tensile strength and it comes pre-stretched from the factory. I've had mine on for a little over 3000 miles and haven't made one adjustment to it yet. (I ride hard and wheelie on occassion...

). There are also advantages an x-ring chain has over a conventional o-ring chain. The two that come to mind is that the x-ring holds lubrication better and it also helps keep dirt out (not my personal testimony, but from articles I've read comparing the two). When ordering, you must order a master link. They don't come with them.

As far as master links are concerned, I personally prefer the rivet type. For a bike with the torque that the Busa pulls, I wouldn't chance a clip-type master link. Now, I've heard from people who actually race their bikes that the clip-type is fine, but I wouldn't ever dream of using one. Not unless you're planning on tack-welding that clip into place...

As a matter of fact, I've found that Newport Cycle parts has probably the best prices on chains and accessories. If I remember correctly, I think I paid about $130 for my D.I.D. ZVM x-ring.

Just a word of caution and you may already know this. When taking out links in a chain, this actually means the pins. DO NOT COUNT ENTIRE LINKS!! Example: If you count out 6 pins consecutively, that is the equivalent of 12 links. So in other words... one pin is equal to two links. Trust me on this one, I had to find out the hard way.

 

[bacharles]

Oh yeah and here's the link to Newport Cycle Parts Prices are good and their service is great. I've ordered from them on several occassions and I have always been satisfied.

 

[bacharles]

Actually the one I have is the third one down on this page. http://www.newportcycleparts.com/categories/tools/chain_tools.htm

And check it out. The price is down to $24.95