Howdy folks, long time not much post. I replaced the chain on my '96 yesterday with an EK SRX Quadra X-ring, and used EK's clever screw connecting link (http://www.ekchain.jp/feature/index.html (http://www.ekchain.jp/feature/index.html)). There's a ton of threads about chains on the board but almost nothing about this chain and link so I thought I'd post some info.
The SRX is EK's next-to-best standard street bike chain. The screw connecting link is a permanent master link that does not require a chain tool to install, yet provides a "rivet-like fit" in their words. They provide a clip-type link with the chain but do not recommend it for street use. Ordered from Powersports Superstore via Amazon, the chain was $67 and the link was $12, free shipping. FWIW I also ordered a new set of JT sprockets from Amazon, $33 for the pair.
I took off the old chain, removed my wheels, took them to a shop for a new set of Avon Roadriders, and put them and the new chain back on yesterday. When mounting the chain I used a zip tie to draw the two loose ends together, then fit the screw link to hold it. With the link in place and the x-rings and side plate in order, you thread on these two small nuts and tighten them down. All that's required is an 8mm wrench. It took about 10 minutes (the directions are to rotate each nut 60 degrees at a time so you're doing it evenly) to tighten them down as far as they'd go (got pretty tough towards the end), then you back the nuts off and use pliers to snap off the threaded end of the rod. Then you pop a couple of O-rings they provided on the nubs and you're all set.
Obviously time will tell how well the chain performs, but I haven't seen any feedback on the web that there's any problem with these so I'm hopeful. $80 for a quality Japanese chain that goes on with no special tools yet presumably is as solid as a riveted type strikes me as a pretty good option.
jeff
Interesting! :thumb: .. Definitely keep the updates coming! ...
You reckon that screw link fit any chain? .. Or just the EK's?
Quote from: Janx101 on June 14, 2013, 05:23:01 AM
Interesting! :thumb: .. Definitely keep the updates coming! ...
+1 :thumb:
I used the same setup for almost a year now. No issues yet and chain only needed to be adjusted once.
Good info.
I've got the same chain and have about 1,000 miles on it with no problems so far. I haven't checked the adjustment but once during that time and it was fine approx. 600 miles after installing it. Works good.
This screw link a good idea. In KL I bought new chain for my gs500 three years ago and it was very very costly because the motorcycle man took my swingarm down too put the new chain on. Next time in Australia I will definately do this scre link idea. Thank you everyone for the good idea.
Glad to hear some other people have tried these with success. Janx from what I understand the link would probably fit in a pinch on other chains but there are small/subtle differences between manufacturers so it's not advisable.
jeff