Hey Guys,
It's been wayyyyy too long since I've gone riding, so I'm determined to get my bike on the road ASAP. I need to replace the chain, and I've got a couple questions:
1. Do I need to buy a master link to use with the D.I.D. 520V series O-ring chain?
2. I'm replacing the front sprocket too (only 10 bucks). Do I need to replace the rear as well?
As soon as I find out exactly what parts I need, I'm placing my order with Chaparral motorsports. TIA
Every chain I've ever bought came with a master link. If you still have the OEM chain on the bike you will have to cut it off or drive out a pin because it will be an "endless" chain with no master link. Boltcutters or die grinder will work if you don't have a punch that'll fit the pin.
Definitely change both sprockets when you change the chain. The chain & sprockets wear together & putting on new of one while leaving the old of the other will accelerate wear on both. Change both sprockets & chain as a set.
Think about going one tooth smaller on the front (i.e. a 15 instead of a 16 toother) if you want a little more acceleration. Downside is that the engine will be turning about 6% faster at cruising speeds.
BTW, I thought Chapparral went out of business? Or am I thinking of someone else?
I've put about 250k miles on chain drive bikes and have never replaced a rear sprocket. This includes 80k on a CB750K, 98k on a CM400A, and 76k on my GS500E. I ride the GS 15-20k a year and put on a new DID 0-ring chain and front sprocket each spring. Been getting them from Chaparral. I use the 15T front sprocket.
Quote2. I'm replacing the front sprocket too (only 10 bucks). Do I need to replace the rear as well?
Nope, but a rear sproket is quite cheap. GSJack gives good advice. :thumb: Your call.
I think I am going to replace the rear sprocket anyway...just for peace of mind. I think the previous owner of my bike neglected a bunch of things, so it'll make me feel better to know that I replaced both sprockets as well as the chain. I have part no.'s for the chain and front sprocket, but can't seem to find the rear sprocket on Chaparral's website.
Does anyone have the part number handy?
Just called for the 39 tooth steel sprocket; part no. 474S39; $32.96
I have a chain breaker.
Or, if you want one for yourself; they're about $20 to $40. I just found one:
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=315%2D0420&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=029D1F01EDA3C4049991CE6D845AC92B
Lol, you're always coming to the rescue.
I called Chaparral myself and ordered everything
They said I should get it in three working days
After that it's time for the install. The only part I really don't look forward to is cleaning all the old crap off the sprocket cover and that area.
I might have to swing by or something to break the old chain...I'll let you know!
I noticed that non o-ring chains are extremely cheap. Is it safe to try one since I rarely use the GS anyway (since recently i've moved and I can no longer commute by motorcycle).
Say that I only use the GS500 for another 3,000km .. what condition will a non-oring chain be in after this time ?
What are the disadvantages of a non-oring, if it's just the life of the chain i'm willing to try one - if they're unsafe, or are messier, or noiser, i might reconsider.
Non-O-Ring chains must be lubed after EVERY ride. They get about 10% of an O-Ring chain's mileage. Not worth it at all for the price difference. The price difference looks appealing, but it's not nearly worth it.