Chain question

[FireFly]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of changing from a 520 to a 525? I never really understood this... IS this just a way to compensate for changing sprocket sizes?? Thanks

[OreoGaborio]

FROM 520 TO 525?

chain/sprocket longevity.

The chain width matches the sprocket width... A 520 chain and the sprockets that go w/ it are narrower & therefore in theory weaker than a 525 if they're constructed the same way w/ the same materials.

the disadvantage is, you have more rotating mass w/ a 525 than a 520 so if a soccer mom comes flying up behind you & can't slow down you'll accelerate out of the way & live if you have a 520, where as you'd die in a blaze of glory w/ soiled underwear and piranas eating the flesh off your bones in a fourth world country filled with terrorists if you have a 525.

GOD HELP YOU IF YOU HAVE A 525 I SAY!!!!

[FireFly]

SH#t...... I got the 525.. ......heheheh but its all good.

[OreoGaborio]

Originally posted by FireFly
SH#t...... I got the 525.. ......heheheh but its all good.

so do I

[a13x]

Racers started running 520 chains because they are the lighter than 525, or 530, etc. They are lighter because they are narrower therefore have less materials, therefore less mass. Same with the 520 sprockets, they are skinner and weigh less.

When racing, this is a 'good thing' to run the lightest parts possible.

520 chains became fashionable on streetbikes as a 'upgrade' because well, what racers run is what street riders want to run. (be it cars, motorcycles, bicycles, you name it).

The downside to 520 is that generally the chain and sprockets don't last as long as their larger counterparts. This is because less materials also tend to make things weaker, along with lighter. So you have to replace them more often is the rule of thumb.

Generally you see chain widths dictated by the HP a bike puts out. A uber-lightweight 125GP bike can run a much skinner chain than a 1000cc superbike with 210 HP.

There is really no major advantage to running a 520 chain on the street other than you get to say 'I did the 520 chain conversion' when sitting around and bench racing.

520 chain with lightweight aluminum sprockets tends to save 2lbs over OEM 530 setup FYI.

[Onedwn5up]

its a weight advantage as alex described. Also less rotating mass. 2lbs lighter in the drivetrain equals faster acceleration/engine spin up.

I however, never bothered. I kept the 525 chain and just swapped sprockets. A whole season later my chain is still tight as can be and everyone that I know that runs a 520 has it stretched like a slinky.

For the most part though, 520 replacement sprockets are easier to come by last moment at the track. But Street & Comp carries everything while at NHIS.

[KB]

Stick with whatever came stock on your bike.

Assssskk the fools that own Rc51's what happens when you put a 520 kit on your bike and it's a torque monster?

Can you say goodbye to your rear sprocket!!!!


KB

[bigred875]

I however, never bothered. I kept the 525 chain and just swapped sprockets.

i have thought about...but I beat on my chain and sprockets too much so I am sticking with the stock 525

However, I dod believe there are some palces putting stronger 520 parts that hold up well...but I'm not sure...

[RandyO]

the side plates of 520 chains are identical to those on 525 and 530 chains, theo only difference is the width, or the length of the pins & rollers between the side plates

the big weight savings in a 520 conversion is not the chain, it's going from a steel sprocket to an aluminum one

what wears faster isn't the chain, it's the sprocket teeth, narrow ones aren't as strong as wide ones, aluminum is not as strong as steel

[benVFR]

Is the diameter of the pins smaller as well?

The way chains "stretch" is the pins wear and get smaller, allowing the links to be pulled further apart. If the pins are smaller the chain will wear faster.

Wear is the least of my concerns. I had a decently worn chain jump & break on my bicycle last winter at about 30mph down a hill last year. I saved it but it was WAY more excitement then I care to experience again. I didn't even get stranded cause I had a chain tool and just repaired it enough to ride home but it was freaky.

Do NOT want to ever have that happen on a motorcycle. I'm not even going to push the lifetime of my 530 chain.

[OreoGaborio]

Ben....

Originally posted by RandyO
the only difference is the width, or the length of the pins & rollers between the side plates

+1... pin diameter is the same