what size chains are on the gs stock

[johncam4]

520, 520v, 530v what is stock on a old body style one and what do the sizes mean....oh yeah and stuff like o ring and x....can some one clear up all this stuff about gs chains....kerry?...

[luke1645]

i know its a 520 chain but not sure what the v stands for

[Kerry]

All model years come with a 520 width, 110-tooth chain.

My (now richard's) 1996 bike came with a D.I.D. 520V (O-ring) chain, while my 1999 came with a D.I.D. 520VM (X-ring) chain.

If you are looking to replace your chain, check out this compilation of GS500 Chains & Sprockets.

Here is (are?) the relevant D.I.D. data from the Chaparral catalog:

Code Select Expand

TYPE                          TENSILE          WEAR LIFE    Chaparral
                             STRENGTH (lbs)     INDEX        Price
Standard (520)                  7,200              100       $29.70
Professional O-ring (520V)      6,830            2,350       $57.20
Gold Premium X-ring (520VM)     8,120            3,450       $86.90

I replaced my original X-ring (VM) chain with an O-ring (V) unit.  Why?  Well, if you really want to know...I went about it mathematically.  

The O-ring "price-to-wear life" ratio is $57.20/2,350 = 2.4 cents per "wear unit"
The X-ring "price-to-wear life" ratio is $86.90/3,450 = 2.5 cents per "wear unit"

Since the ratios were so close, for me the question became partly "How often do I mind replacing the chain?" and partly "How much money do I want to drop every time I need a new chain?"

I opted for the more frequent, less expensive swap.  Feel free to choose differently.  (Only, do us ALL a favor and skip the Standard chain!)

EDIT: Changed link from sisna.com to bbburma.net

[Kerry]

stuff like o ring and x....can some one clear up all this stuff about gs chains[...]?

I neglected to answer the question about O-ring vs X-ring chains.

This refers to the cross section of the rings that seal in the factory-supplied lubricant.  See the illustrations on the D.I.D. FOR THE STREET page.

(Also, don't miss the D.I.D. Q&A page and the D.I.D APPLICATION CHARTS AND SPECIFICATION page.)