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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: 05-500_F-aster on June 19, 2012, 12:20:56 PM

Title: Chains
Post by: 05-500_F-aster on June 19, 2012, 12:20:56 PM
So the last chain I bought was an o-ring chain, and I've rode about 8k on it lubing it about every 200-600 miles. I did a through inspection of it the other day and I got some o-rings missing and it gets way too tight and way to sloppy in it's rotations. Needless to say I need a new one :icon_confused:  before I replace it I wad just wondering what kind of chain others rode and how long they lasted. 


Thanks for any responses  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: jestercinti on June 19, 2012, 01:19:07 PM
Bikemaster or DID makes a good chain.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: bombsquad83 on June 19, 2012, 01:34:04 PM
I tried to order a DID chain through Ronayers and they said it was no longer available.  I got an RK X-ring chain instead.  It came very well lubed, and I have no complaints.  It was $76 with the added clip type master link.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: slipperymongoose on June 19, 2012, 04:58:17 PM
I changed to an x ring chain last year, I clean, lube, and check tension and alignment every 2-3 tanks and hasn't needed adjustment yet.
Title: Re: Re: Chains
Post by: ohgood on June 19, 2012, 05:29:49 PM
Quote from: slipperymongoose on June 19, 2012, 04:58:17 PM
I changed to an x ring chain last year, I clean, lube, and check tension and alignment every 2-3 tanks and hasn't needed adjustment yet.

Lower power, on road bikes like the gs can keep chains for a loooong time if cared for. That xring may outlast two or three sets of tires.

A non oring chain might last two or three tanks of gas.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: Janx101 on June 19, 2012, 07:33:51 PM
note to self... when the $$ are available... Xring chain.....

hi-jack ... what about sprocket brands?.... i am gonna stick with stock sizes (gasps of shock and horror insert here!!) .. but whats the 'better' way to go with brands apart from OEM gear .. the extra $ for the other brand/s worth it?
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: slipperymongoose on June 19, 2012, 07:54:28 PM
I also stayed with stock tooth sizes, and went aftermarket. No complaints
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: comradeiggy on June 19, 2012, 07:57:40 PM
Sprockets are... sprockets. Aluminum is lighter but wears faster, steel is durable and heavier. That's about all the distinction between them. All the brands should be comparable.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: Janx101 on June 19, 2012, 08:20:35 PM
hmmm .. ok cool.... steel i think... for the durability .. and whatever one catches my eye .. easy enough ... thanks
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: ohgood on June 20, 2012, 05:22:45 AM
more than likely you'll need a new FRONT but not a REAR sprocket. the gs is very gentle on rear cogs.

that is true, IF IT'S STEEL instead of stupid aluminum.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: Janx101 on June 20, 2012, 06:53:14 PM
they both steel.... and both cupping out... my term..... almost ready to start hooking on the rear .... the PO's were kinda ok on maint but not super fly with it.... the chain is shagadelic though ... and i have historically changed chain and sprockets on other bikes when they show the wear i am seeing
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: 05-500_F-aster on June 21, 2012, 11:04:59 AM
Thanks guys I appreciate it. I may be asking a stupid question but I've never heard of a x-ring chain only o-ring, what is it? Now I have an o-ring chain on my bike if they are as great as you guys speak of then I am a little shocked on how long this one didn't last. 
   You guys have any possible ideas on what could cause a chain to be way to loose half rotation and then way too tight the other half of rotation?
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: BockinBboy on June 21, 2012, 11:53:49 AM
Possibly a kink in the chain, or a bend in the linkages. The later of the two is pretty hard to do though.  Check over each link carefully to look for any inconsistencies, and make sure your chain is clean (properly cleaned chain does shine a little, I promise!) and lubed.  Another possiblility could be your sprocket alignment on the rear tire.  Make sure it is straight in line with the front sprocket, left to right, and top to bottom.

- Bboy
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: 05-500_F-aster on June 21, 2012, 01:24:10 PM
Thanks for the tips I'll loo over it all hopefully Friday or Saturday and see if I see anything.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: comradeiggy on June 21, 2012, 07:04:46 PM
X ring chains have gaskets that have an x shaped cross section instead of a round cross section. The main advantage is less friction than an o-ring chain.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: bombsquad83 on June 22, 2012, 07:56:22 AM
Quote from: comradeiggy on June 21, 2012, 07:04:46 PM
X ring chains have gaskets that have an x shaped cross section instead of a round cross section. The main advantage is less friction than an o-ring chain.

And they retain lubrication better.
Title: Re: Chains
Post by: 05-500_F-aster on June 22, 2012, 12:31:08 PM
Thanks guys for lettig me know about xring chains, I will for sure be trying one out the next chain I get! I will still go home and check for alignment issues I hope there is none for I don't wanna ruin a new chain