Jay fooey

what's better O-ring or X-ring chain

is there any real benefit to go from a 530 to 525 chain?

Umm, what type of special tool I should purchase to remove/installed the chain, on calsportbike.com there are a bunch of tools, any recommendations? also when looking at Todd's web site on the chain page it shows "add rivet, Link:No rivet link or Add rivet link(+$6)". What is that is that all about ?

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WSMC #689

ABearden

I've never used a non-O ring chain, so I couldn't tell you. Todd's site says it keeps the lube in better. :dunno Technically a 525 chain is going to have less weight (not by much) so you'd have have a (barely) faster spin up. Maybe another benefit?

As for tools, you'd need a chain breaker and then a chain press or riveter. A riveted chain is stronger and more secure than a master linked chain. You could borrow the tools from a friend. Personally, since I couldn't afford the tools I used a fatty screwdriver and heavy hammer to pop the link once I removed the master clip. A dremel works well too and has more uses, but if you're cutting down a chain to be installed, you need to be careful not to damage the section of chain you're going to use. For installation, I used some old gears (teeth around the holes where the pin comes though) and a C-clamp to press the master link together and then used the clip that came with it to hold it in place. But I would assume it's much easier if you have the rivet-type and/or the proper tools.

As for that stuff on Todd's site, the link/no link option is for the link that closes the chain. Looks like the X-Ring chain doesn't come with one. I'd say call Todd and ask.

TahoesHateMe

i did a 520 conersion on mine. i didn't buy the rivit tool. I cut off the old chain with a cutoff wheel. used a master on the new chain and safety wired it on because it kept loosing the master clip/ Its been solid with the safety wire

Jay fooey

Thanks for the info ...

one more question...
if I convert to a 525 or 520 chain, does that mean I also have to get thinner sprockets too? or can I just slap the chain on ?

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WSMC #689

TahoesHateMe

the sprockets are differant. The lower the number the thiner. How are your sprocket? When I did mine they had a lot of wear and had to be replaced anyway.

Jay fooey

I just replaced the rear sprocket when I went +2. But I want to try +3, so I guess when I convert it would be a good time to try it...

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WSMC #689

GSXR-Freak

Jay, A O-Ring and X-Ring are basicly the same. The X-Ring was make to create LESS friction as the links bend and turn around the sprockets.

As for the 525 or the 530, the 525 is lighter and will help the motor spin up faters, but it will wear faster for the same given chain.
DID ERV2 chains are GREAT. I changed over from a stock 525 size, using the DID gold chain, but not the ERV2. They did a good job, and I thought why not try there BEST chain they make. They claim the DID ERV2 520 is stronger then the 525 that I had used in the past.

Long story short, I put on a new set of Renthal Sprockets (I have used Renthal with EVERY chain I use), always using the ultra lights. Fitted my new ERV2 chain, and pressed the master link on, then rivit the link. Here it is 5 track days, and over 6K miles later, I have adjusted the chain a total of 3 times. Cleaned it once. Lubed it maybe 5 ot 6 times. There is VERY little sign of wear on the sprockets or chain. This chain may have cost me more to get, but has lasted a LOT longer then any other chain I have used.

FYI, the DID ERV2 ONLY comes in a rivit link, so you need a tool to make the masterlink work correct.

As for tools, here is a quick run down of what you need.

Chain Breaker
Chain Press
Rivit tool (if you use the rivit link)
dremmel or angle grinder

The basics of installing it.

1) remove the counter shaft sprocket. You can use the motor in gear, and step on the rear brake to help keep it from turning.

2) remove the rear wheel.

3) Cut the old chain with your grinder. Dont bother trying to break it will the chain breaker, I have seen MANY breaker pin snap from this.

4) turn your chain adjusters in so the rear wheel will go as FAR forward into the swingarm as it can.

5) install the new rear sprocket, and then the wheel back into the bike.

6) install the new counter shaft sprocket, and put the nut on as tight as you can get it, or to the spec for your bike (if the counter shaft starts to turn before the nut is tight, dont worry, we will come back to it)

7) take the new chain, and work it around the new counter shaft sprocket, then around the rear.

8) messure and then mark the link to cut, and using the grinder, grind off the head of the pin that you need to break.

9) use the chain breaker to push out the pin.

10) slide the master link into the chain, and using the shain press, you need to press on the master link plate.

11) install master link clip, or use the rivit tool to rivit the link.

12) if you need to tighten the counter shaft still, you can use the rear break to hold the sprocket from turning, and then tighten it the rest of the way.

13) Adjust the chain

14) install what ever is left you had to take off.

This should give you the basics of what you need to know. But if you are willing to wait till Aug 21st, we can do it at the cycle party..

John

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Almost Illegal Racing gear - http://www.cafeshops.com/airacing

The list:
99 GSXR750, yosh full race pipe, PCII, TRE, Tail light int., 180 rear tire, Almost Illegal Racing suspention, +3 rear sprocket, flush mount turn siganls, cut fender, 51,000+ miles!!! 89 Hawk 650GT Jetted (by me)

Jay fooey

thanks John, your a wealth of information! :thumbup
the cycle party sound like a good time to do it, but I'll have to truck the bike in, because the chain is making some bad grinding noise.

btw on another note: hope your home is safe from the fires, I'm assuming since your posting you must be @ home and everything is ok?

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WSMC #689

GSXR-Freak

Well the cycle party would be fine with me, if you want to truck it out. If you want it done before that, we can do that too...

As for the home... I am not sure yet.. I am at my friends house, and since he has DSL, I grabbed my wireless router and laptop, and setup on his network.. I stopped by there sat afternoon, and the fire had just kicked up again, but they are letting people that live up there into there homes, but no visitors...

John

__________________
Almost Illegal Racing gear - http://www.cafeshops.com/airacing

The list:
99 GSXR750, yosh full race pipe, PCII, TRE, Tail light int., 180 rear tire, Almost Illegal Racing suspention, +3 rear sprocket, flush mount turn siganls, cut fender, 51,000+ miles!!! 89 Hawk 650GT Jetted (by me)

SPEED

DID was calling their chain an "X" ring, and now call it an "O" ring for the ERV 2. Actually, an "X" ring is an "O" ring, but if you cut one, you can see that since it has flat sides, it makes an "X."

The benefit is less mass rotating around which is always good. I used the DID ERV 2 for my 929, and loved them. You will need to Buy both sprockets if you change the chain size.

I always go with the rivet link for added safety. Notice CBRriding fool said he had to safety wire his master link clip to make it stay on. Master links can come off and you don't wanna ever have that happen to you if you can help it. Remember, I know what that's like :thumbup .

Let me know if you need help in any way.

Mike.

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