Some help/advice on a new chain

[rice_rocket]

So while I was getting my tires swapped, it was brought to my attention the reason why my chain was loose was because one of my links were binding up.

So I'm looking into a new chain. My new to me bike is a 1994 cbr900rr

Sprockets and chain are in decent shape (minus my bum link) I measured the chain for being stretched and it's fine. So, what I was thinking is to throw on a cheap chain and let it go as is before spending more money this year on upgrading/changing sprockets.

I haven't counted the links, but a stock link (which I assume) is 108 links. On the chain itself it says 530MO EK. Now I searched on the fireblade forum and everyone says a 108 chain will work no matter what combo of sprockets I have unless it's something really crazy. Also to note the EK doesn't actually mean EK branded chain... it's a bikemaster chain.

So I'm online looking at the lowest priced chains I can find and there are plenty of bikemaster chains, but the problem is they list the 900rr as a replacement, but their standard chain is rated for a 250cc bike, their heavy duty bike is for a 400cc bike, and nothing else higher.

Also read that RK Tsukabai and DID chains are recommended on the cheaper side. DID does make one and its at $40 but it's rated at 7,200 lbs of force, it is a non-o-ring model as well. Bikemaster's 400cc heavy duty chain is 6,850 which isn't all that far from the DID chain.

My question really is.. all these ratings etc, what do I need to worry about? Obviously more is better, but it's certainly sketchy when they list the 600rr, 900rr and other bikes when they are well beyond the 400cc rating. Also the DID makes it sound beefy, but in reality only 400lbs more force.

Help?

[close2reality]

if your tight on money just replace the link with a master link..?

[tls25rs]

Ever seen the aftermath of a broken chain? Sometimes its not too bad and the chain just flies off the bike and leaves you stranded. Sometimes it destroys the engine cases on the way out of the bike. Sometimes it destroys the engine cases and locks the rear wheel solid, usually while travelling at a decent clip. If any of these sound appealing to you than by all means go the cheap chain route. My reccomendation buy a decent to good chain even though it costs a bit more and ensure that it is rated for the application.

To quote a wise man "If you can't afford to do it right the first time how are you going to afford to fix it later?"

[nt650hawk]

a brand new cheapbay chain was purchased for the endurance race. it quickly got tossed onto the track. Don't go cheap.

[rice_rocket]

It's not like I'm tight on money, I'm just not "allowed" by the wife to dump too much money The thought was maybe there are more problems other than the one link, so I'm looking into chains. So, DID chain good enough then ?

[csmutty]

Yeah get any of the major name brands in ) O, W, X, Z, K, P, Q, J, A, D, or any of the other ring shapes.

[stoinkythepig]

IMO: DID is good, EK is good, Regina is bad.

[nt650hawk]

Miles at Street and Competition can hook you up with DID and EK. I'm now soprting a EX chain after I had to file my DID off and toss it on the endurance bike.

[TTD]

Chains and tires are two places where saving money is usually not good economics.

Failure of either often causes way more financial or personal injury than the money saved.

If you are not racing, I suggest sticking with a quality 530 size chain and sprockets in steel, and go with a RIVET master link. They will last a very long time.

[csmutty]

Chains and tires are two places where saving money is usually not good economics.

Failure of either often causes way more financial or personal injury than the money saved.

If you are not racing, I suggest sticking with a quality 530 size chain and sprockets in steel, and go with a RIVET master link. They will last a very long time.

What the big guy said.

[SRTie4k]

Whats wrong with a C-clip master link?

[nt650hawk]

Whats wrong with a C-clip master link?

a brand new cheapbay chain was purchased for the endurance race. it quickly got tossed onto the track. Don't go cheap.

^^^^ this and it was safety wired..

[csmutty]

Whats wrong with a C-clip master link?

They can come off. What's wrong with a rivet type master?

[gamorg02]

not saying its a good idea but if you look at a master link you could consider EK's screw type if you don't have a riveter handy:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...asterlink.aspx

review:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168120

I picked one up to put in my tool bag.

[SRTie4k]

They can come off. What's wrong with a rivet type master?

I dunno, I figured if there was a problem with a C-clip chain, you wouldn't have given me one with the TLS.

[nt650hawk]

That’s why he got rid of the TLR. Get rid of the bike before the chain falls off.



In actuality I've raced with a DID clip type chain for 4 years and had no issue. I did have to press on the plate for the clip to properly seat. This may have been why it lasted. I did have a number of clips (3) fly off but the plate still stayed on. I eventually safety wired the 2 studs and put a little rvt on it and that seem to work

[rice_rocket]

Wirelessly posted

I sent an email out to street and competition. I've been reading so many pros and cons on clips vs. rivets..o ring vs not... too many choices !

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

You must not. I repeat MUST NOT use a non o ring chain. They are for Dirtbikes only pretty much now.

[csmutty]

I dunno, I figured if there was a problem with a C-clip chain, you wouldn't have given me one with the TLS.

If I was the one that replaced the chain I would have used a rivet master. It was that way when I bought it.

[rice_rocket]

Wirelessly posted

You must not. I repeat MUST NOT use a non o ring chain. They are for Dirtbikes only pretty much now.

Gotcha.. will do! I saw that harbor freight has a chain breaker that doubles as a rivet tool for $9.99 and had some pretty good reviews. Still, I might zip back to Corey for a hand or someone's place who has done this before. First step is to get a chain Guess I'll see what Miles has to hook me up, from what I can tell searching DID and EK their o-ring chains are all about the same price and strength.

[CBR929RE]

new quality chain and sprockets and be done with it for years (assuming you clean and lube it every so often). cheap chain and old sprockets and you'll just have to replace them again a lot sooner. false economy.

[rice_rocket]

Alright, I'm all set. Corey (hondarider102) gets a slight discount from some vendors on products (and tires). So he is going to order me up a DID o-ring chain and be done with it. Rated at 9,200 lbs strength for street/track use.

So.. other than doing an awesome job on my tires with a great discount for ordering it.. he's going to be helping me out with a new chain.

[Kazinator]

In the market to buy a chain and sprocket for my 2002 f4i.

I know I need a steel sprocket, but getting confused with all the choices.

Any links to packages?

[G21forme]

Www.sprocketcenter.com

[Slyder]

Any links to packages?

MotoMummy has some decent packages. I currently have a 520 EK MVXZ chain with Driven sprockets. My next bike will see the same. The bike after that? The same.

Also I'd be careful with the $9.99 chain tools, it sounds like a "do it all" tool, but if that was the case, Motion Pro would never be able to sell their chain tool for $90+... that is the tool you want for breaking, pressing plates and riveting masters.