I'm putting a new chain and sprockets on my bike, and I know nothing about anyone who makes them.  I've done some searching, and I see a lot of people using D.I.D. chains.  Are they pretty reputable?  Are there any other brands that are considered good?  Any to avoid?  Same question with sprockets.

I'm not a racer, so I don't need a super-expensive, racing-quality chain, but I don't want anything that is junk either.  Just a good, decent x-ring or o-ring chain and sprockets that won't wear out prematurely or be likely to fail.

Also, once that is figured out, do you think I would be able to change the chain and sprokets myself or does it suck?

Quote from: Jake D on February 08, 2006, 12:56:52 PM
Also, once that is figured out, do you think I would be able to change the chain and sprokets myself or does it suck?

In my reading, it looks like changing the front sprocket and the chain won't be too bad as long as you have a tool to remove a circlip.  It's the rear sprocket that's a pain.  But some people have said that changing the rear sprocket isn't as important as long as it doesn't look worn.

Good point. 

I just think the rear would suck. I may change my tire soon.  I'll just do it then.

Quote from: Admiral Crunch on February 08, 2006, 12:46:58 PM
I've done some searching, and I see a lot of people using D.I.D. chains.  Are they pretty reputable?

Yes.

Quote from: Admiral Crunch on February 08, 2006, 12:46:58 PMAre there any other brands that are considered good?  Any to avoid?  Same question with sprockets.

I'm going to be using a chain from Bikemaster in two weeks.  I would avoid RK (/EK?).  There really isn't any bad sprockets out there, but for street use, steel is the best and last longest.  Also, don't forget that cleaning and lubing regularily are probably the best things you can do to ensure a long and happy chain life.

Quote from: scratch on February 08, 2006, 01:25:21 PM... Also, don't forget that cleaning and lubing regularily are probably the best things you can do to ensure a long and happy chain life.

Definitely second that.  I regularly clean (WD-40 & Rag), then lubricate (SAE 90 gear oil, Rag, then Chain Wax) my chain every 600 - 1000 miles.  I replaced my front sprocket at 9200 miles with a 17-Tooth version.  Had both out for a comparison and my stock 16-Tooth looked almost brand new:


My chain had stretched by one notch on the swing arm, but the sprockets are still in great shape.  I expect another 10,000 miles out of what I have before the annoyance of chain replacement happens.

I wish I was going to get that much life out of the chain that's on it.  My bike has less than 11,000 miles on it, and I don't think it's the original chain because it has a master link (I think the OEM chain doesn't have one).  But  the chain seems neglected, and I don't really trust it.  It's got a fair bit of rust, the o-rings seem a bit ragged, and the lube the previous owner was using doesn't say anything on it about it being safe for o-ring chains.  I also noticed that some of the links wanted to stay "bent" as they came off the front sprocket.  I believe that's a sign the o-rings have failed and the lube behind them is gone.  The chain was also a little looser than spec when I bought the bike.

I've used the DID chains and Sprocket Specialist front sprockets from Chaparral since I got the GS500s.  Chains last me about 18-20k miles on the chain and I order a front sprocket at same time.  Sprocket would go 2 chains but it's cheap enough and I just change both about once a year.

Chaparral part 312-1910 DID Chain and 500-504-16 Sprocket cost $57.20+10.96+6.00 Ship last year for the 02 GS.  Used same ones on the 97 GS.  I've always used the chain with the connecting link, just saw off old continuous chain first time.

I've never changed a rear sprocket yet including on a 82CB750K with 80k miles, a 81CM400A with 98k miles, and the 97 GS500E with 80k miles.  I keep them well lubed most of the time but have never cleaned them.  I use PJ1 Blue Label lube, tried chain wax but it just doesn't hold up like the PJ1.

First change on the 02 was at 22,500 miles.

I changed out the rear on a GSXR recently... It was easy, just line up your parts as you take them off the bike.

EDIT- I got the sprockets with the chain... RK A different kind of chain for the GSXR, 530

Thanks for the info Jack.  They're out of stock on the sprockets, and they don't have a secure site for web ordering, but I might give them a call. That's the best price I've seen for the chain.

I've ordered from Chaparral online many times and just go ahead and order the chain and sprocket knowing they don't have the sprocket in stock.  The last two times they shipped the chain immediately charging the $6 shipping and the sprocket came a few days later by USPS with no additional shipping charge.  I've got good service from them over the years.

Go with a DID or RK