I'm due for a new chain and sprockets and I'm after some suggestions. Now the original DID o-ring chain lasted 38k km which is IMO great! The chain that replaced it was I think an RK XSO ('RX'-ring). Thing is, the "new" chain has stretched to buggery over the last month or so and is due for replacement. It's only done 13-14k km which is frankly appauling. Tempted to go for a DID X-ring (520 VM).

Any suggestions/experiences?

EDIT: prices also would be handy.

wow been saying this a lot lately...

I've had the best luck with DID roller chains.  You can get a decent one from almost any dealer for $20 (USD).  I had one of those cheap rollers on my TL with some ss aluminum sprockets and things worked wonderfully...and I wasn't exactly throttle soft.  If it was me with the GS I'd do the same thing over again...get a good set of sprockets (don't pinch pennies on sprockets) and a DID roller and call it good.  As cheap as they are I usually have an extra one on hand for a spare.  You just have to be a bit more vigilant about maintenance on the rollers.

Outside of that...the golden rule to tinkering is if it worked before you fixed it and not after, unfix it.  Get the OEM 520V chain and whatever the stock sprockets were and call it good.

I just used the base model DID o ring for mine and it still seems ok cost about $80 by memory but for a GS500 I would not go top of the line it really wont be worth it

Where'd ya pick up the chain for $80? I've got a friend who works at a bike shop, but havent got a price off him yet.

my original chain only lasted 23,500km or so it's been replaced with a new O-ring chain, and it seems to not be stretching as quickly as the other one...

Gave SCM a call and they can do the sprockets for $14 front (16t), $45 rear (39t), they don't sell DID chains though, although then have the RK XSO ( ). Still have to check alignment on the rear wheel.

Cot mine at MCA in the city but they were having a sale at the time so I got the chain cheap

Rats, if they were $80 normally I'd grab 2!

Going to bung on a DID X-Ring (520VM) chain from the mechanic's, sprockets from SCM, cost is about $140 for the chain ($20 cheaper than the equiv. RK), $60 for sprockets. They also have a DID O-ring (520V) for $116.

In other news, look out Sydney, I'm licenced to drive on 4 wheels now.....  It'll take a while to get used to the controls being so diff. to the ol' GS.

I am about to replace Chain and Sprockets, have gotten 39000kms out of current set, Have had prices from $100 up to $260 (all apparently standard chains?) What type of chain is the suzuki supplied and what chain is closest to or better than the chain that came on the bike as new?

The same applies to sprockets prices from $15 to $35 front and $50 to $65 Rear. Keep in mind i am NOT a racer and use the bike for commuting so would like to get the best life out of them.

Can any one assist?


Cheers Old Man.

The original is an endless DID 520 O-ring chain, dunno about specific model/part# though.

My 05 has a Regina O-Ring Chain as its stock OEM chain.


Looking at their website the part number is: 135 ORN6
http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/production_range/scheda_or.shtml


or the higher spec Z-Ring : 135 ZRH
http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/production_range/scheda_zr.shtml

Here's some good info on fitting a rivet type chain
http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/generic/chain-rplc.php

QuoteMy 05 has a Regina O-Ring Chain as its stock OEM chain.


Looking at their website the part number is: 135 ORN6
http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/production_range/scheda_or.shtml


or the higher spec Z-Ring : 135 ZRH
http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/production_range/scheda_zr.shtml

I have approximate prices on these from Western MC:

the 135 ORN6 is around the $130.00 to $140.000 mark and the 135 ZRH is around the $180.00 $190.00 mark. Coundnt get actual pricing as they coundnt get thru to supplier, (probably at lunch!)

Oldman

Ended up buying F+R sprockets from Wmc for $63 the pair, and a SFR  Xring chain from Wrp for $85.

Wrp?


What sort of link did the chain have?

QuoteWrp?

Whites Racing Products (He runs a small Factory/shop from his van and lockup in Ingleburn) Mob No: 0413 461 353 He will open lockup by appointment.

QuoteWhat sort of link did the chain have?

Just the standard King Link (not the Rivet kind)

I have only just put the chain on so i cannot give any info on stretch etc as yet, but my workmate has had his on a 750 for a month and has not complained...... yet!

Oldman

Check out the chain gang. http://www.chaingang.com.au/

Sprocket wear is probably the reason your second chain didn't last as long. Get good quality sprockets and a decent chain and you should be good. I am thinking aluminium sprockets for a bit more go but I will be talking to the chain gang before I do it.

James