Chain Length

[vfrocket]

What is the # of links I need to replace my stock chain? I have stock sprockets.

TIA

[my00forest]

you want a 520x110

[vfrocket]

thanks,  so thats 110 links???

[Jazzzzz]

yes, 110 links

[mp183]

Get the DID X-Ring chain.  Chaparral seems to have the best prices last time I checked.  Got mine for the GS not long ago and have one on order for my DL650.

I found that I needed to replace the front sprocket when I replaced my chain at about 18,000 miles.  Rear sorocket good as new.

This should be the chain for the GS.
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=312%2D2238&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=3D26C015BD8646398C7B5AB92160516E

You have to buy the master link seperate.  I have the clip type on my
GS but ordered a rivet type for my DL650.

This is a link to Kerry's site for everything you need to know and more.

http://www.bbburma.net/Documents/GS500_Chains&Sprockets.txt

[Kerry]

You have to buy the master link seperate.  I have the clip type on my GS but ordered a rivet type for my DL650.

When I bought a D.I.D. O-ring chain, it came with a clip-style master link.  I didn't know that, so I ordered an extra one (which I keep in my tool bag, just in case).

If you want a rivet-style link you will definitely need to order it separately.  If you go with a different brand, I couldn't say what to expect as far as an included master link.  Better safe than sorry, I suppose.

[vfrocket]

The clip should be ok??? I mean I know rivited is better, but the GS isnt pulling that much torque..

I have heard of some wrapping safety wire around the clip type master link.

[mp183]

I'm pretty sure that I did not get a master link with my chain.
I don't see a spare in my parts box.
I ordered a DID the other day for my DL650.  I did not order the link since someone I know has an extra.  I'll see if I get a link with it.

[TR]

My chain is close to 15,000 miles, how do I know if it's time to replace it? I didn't lube it as often as I should and recently had to adjust tension because it seemed to be too loose.

[mp183]

I just looked at mine when it was on the centerstand.
Rotate the rear wheel in the normal direction of travel and look at how the chain turns.  It should turn smoothly.  Look for any links that might be kinked.  If it looks good it should still be ok.
There is another way of measuring a certain amount of links to see if they exceed a certain measurment.  I'm not a great believer in that.
To me if it looks good as it turns it should be good.
I got a little over 18,000 miles on mine and  I ride all year.  That means salt etc.  I oiled my chain on a regular basis but never "cleaned" it.  Just wiped it down with a damp rag that was saturated with WD-40.

[vfrocket]

is it ok to use the clip type master link though???

[Kerry]

is it ok to use the clip type master link though???

I have ridden about 16,000 miles with a clip-style master link.  My chain has started "kinking", so it's time for a new one.  Will I go with a clip-style link again?  Yep.  But in the end, this will be your call to make.

If you DO decide to go clip-style, the photos in this post (and later in the thread) should help you with the switchover.

[vfrocket]

Why is x-ring better???

[nisus1]

x-ring has more tensile strength... making it last longer and more durable.  I don't remember the exact numbers, but x-ring has something like 8000 lbs. of tensile strength and o-ring has 6000.  Also, I used the clip master link with no issues.

I knew i needed a new chain when, as mentioned before, the chain begins to kink, as well as having to adjust the chain at shorter intervals. 400 miles... 300 miles... finally every 150 or so it was ready to drop off.  The thought of it snapping... wrapping around the rear wheel while going around a turn.  Not pretty.  The bike will ride like new once you replace your chain.

[My Name Is Dave]

Let me just give a testament to cleaning, lubing, and tightening the chain. I am at 1200 miles and did the second chain service since I bought it new. The first one didn't do much, as it was too new to slacken or really get dirty, and I was riding under 5K revs, so not a lot of strain on it. But between then and now I have been to 8K, and even redline as of recent. So it's getting a workout.

I get home last night from work and give it a rubdown with kerosene. I didn't think it was that dirty until I had made a complete loop around the chain and the dirty end and clean end were next to each other. Man, that thing was grimey! Then did the lube with some Maxima chain wax, and let it set it. Rode over to mom's house to visit and while there measured the chain. It had about 2", give or take, of slack, far off of spec. So I tighten it to about .75 (it's hard to get it exactly to 8/10ths) and give it a ride. Wow...

I never had any issues with the bike before, but it's much better now   . The gears feel tighter, the throttle is zippier, and the bike just feels right. I was dreading doing this every 500 or 600 miles because I thought it was one of those things that take time but reap very few rewards. Wrong! Do it, and do it often; you'll appreciate the GS5 that much more.  

Dave