That particular D.I.D. chain comes with a "clip type" master link...

You'll have to cut off the old chain, with a grinder, dremel tool etc...

You can install the new chain with the clip type link just using a pliers...

You can buy an optional rivet type master link...but this requires a special chain tool.

Some may argue the safety of the clip type link...probably safe for 500cc motorcycle...questionable for those 80 HP and up bikes...

I've used both rivet type and clip type without issue...I did apply aircraft safety wire to the clip type link..."just to be sure"...




Front sprocket..

"JT" brand is widely available and seems to be good quality....I have this...

Sunstar is OEM...also good..

Quote from: FirstGS500E on February 15, 2015, 02:46:39 PM
Thanks twocool! Does that type of chain require special tool? Also, there's a lot of choices sprockets, any recommendation? I've never replaced chain/sprocket before so if any tools are needed I'd like to go ahead and order them as well.

Thanks again

-E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0udWDBem4


Video of chain install with "cave man tools"


Cookie

I don't see any safety issues with the clip, as the pins stay static (don't rotate) in comparison to the clip, chance of wear on the clip is almost non-existent.

MR. Lee

Again I agree with you!

But only to a point...when you get into the high HP motorcycles, there are some weird twists or other side forces on the chain, and clips HAVE come undone...

Under 50 HP, I can't see a problem....I may change to a rivet type anyway, if I get around to it, but the clip is working fine for me so far, but with the aviation safety wire, for good luck.

Cookie

Quote from: MeeLee on February 15, 2015, 05:16:05 PM
I don't see any safety issues with the clip, as the pins stay static (don't rotate) in comparison to the clip, chance of wear on the clip is almost non-existent.

Thanks again!!

I went with these:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/18225/i/sunstar-520-front-countershaft-sprocket

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/42856/i/did-520vx2-x-ring-chain

I hope they are sufficient

-E

Quote from: twocool on February 15, 2015, 03:35:04 PM

Dare I say that safety wire job is... two cool...

Really though, thats pretty damn neat!

I just picked up a new DID standard o-ring from Denniskirk.com. Was $69, with a clip type master link. I think it should be OK

In regards to durability.. people do put 520's on their Liter sport bikes with a clip master link.

I have no idea why they trust that, or how that little chain deals with 160+ hp's, but they do..

Cos its lighterer and spins on the sprockets fasterer! 

I've used clip links on dirtbikes with no drama, used/seen clip links on small road bikes with no drama. .  Have friends who did have dramas here and there, and with poorly executed rivet links too!

Every time I use a clip link though it's gotta be a real stiff click! Or it gets binned, I have always carried spare complete links and extra plates n clips in my little bike kit... sure it's an additional cost but not that much $..

Only ever had to replace the clip bit once while on the road.. and that's cos I thought it was just  good enough when I put it back on there! 

Bugger the touch screen!

With a big power bike I would think it over somewhat more though

Most of the problems I've heard about those cheaper chains, on smaller bikes (sub 500cc), is mostly that they stretch faster. The stock chain of my Honda 250cc was much tougher than the $30 aftermarket racing chain with clip i replaced it with....

A thirty buck chain didn't last? Go figure eh!?

My DID chain ran me about $100. Got the 520VX2 x 110 in gold from motorcycle superstore. Also ordered a new Sunstar 520 front countershaft 16T sprocket, $18 on sale. Package came today with my helmet upgrades! A Cardo Scalarider Q3 wireless comm system, chin curtain and new pin lock fogshield for my HJC helmet. Set up the comm and can't wait to get on the bike!! Too bad it's only 7 degrees here in Cbus Ohio. I think I'll be rolling the bike into my living room to clean it up, replace chain/sprocket and remove the old purple decals. So my little apartment will look like a shop for a while, I guess.

Thanks for all your input guys! I'll post some pics of super clean, tuned up bike after completion

-E

Cool....


last year, I  installed the same chain and sprocket as you.   Love 'em...

Temperatures here in NJ is a "balmy" 14F...after several days in the negatives....Hmmmm


Cookie

Quote from: FirstGS500E on February 20, 2015, 02:49:35 PM
My DID chain ran me about $100. Got the 520VX2 x 110 in gold from motorcycle superstore. Also ordered a new Sunstar 520 front countershaft 16T sprocket, $18 on sale. Package came today with my helmet upgrades! A Cardo Scalarider Q3 wireless comm system, chin curtain and new pin lock fogshield for my HJC helmet. Set up the comm and can't wait to get on the bike!! Too bad it's only 7 degrees here in Cbus Ohio. I think I'll be rolling the bike into my living room to clean it up, replace chain/sprocket and remove the old purple decals. So my little apartment will look like a shop for a while, I guess.

Thanks for all your input guys! I'll post some pics of super clean, tuned up bike after completion

-E

It's highly recommended that you replace the front sprocket also! As others have said- a worn sprocket will wear out the chain quicker
Replace the rear sprocket too if it's worn.That's unlikely though- they tend to last ages.

I always buy DID VX2 chain and sunstar front sprockets.Both are cheap but great quality for the price.

Quote from: twocool on February 15, 2015, 03:33:59 PM
That particular D.I.D. chain comes with a "clip type" master link...

You'll have to cut off the old chain, with a grinder, dremel tool etc...

[/quote]

I would recommend a chain breaker tool.
It can even press the pins baxk in the links, in case you want to reuse the chain.

Quote from: Ron888 on February 21, 2015, 10:14:08 PM
It's highly recommended that you replace the front sprocket also! As others have said- a worn sprocket will wear out the chain quicker
Replace the rear sprocket too if it's worn.That's unlikely though- they tend to last ages.

I always buy DID VX2 chain and sunstar front sprockets.Both are cheap but great quality for the price.

This is very true.
With a new chain on a worn sprocket only one sprocket tooth at a time is doing the main bit of pulling on the chain links as opposed to multiple teeth pulling equally on the chain. The chain will only last a fraction of the time a new chain with a new sprocket would. I always replace sprockets with chains, at least the drive sprocket. Its a smart investment, seeing as chains are usually the most expensive part. Sprockets are relatively cheap.

This is wildly evident on bicycles, a new chain on a worn rear gear set (smallest, so think: similar to drive sprocket on motorcycle). The new chain will actually skip over the rear cog set as you pedal, and its pretty likely to break a chain. I made that novice mistake while racing mtn bikes in college. Thought Id throw a new chain on for a race and ended up breaking it twice during the race. The part that hurt most was destroying a $60 bicycle chain and still needing to replace my rear cog set and crank chain rings.. If you think motorcycle stuff is spendy.. look up the price of a Sram XO chain, chainrings, and cogset!

I doubt a motorcycle chain would break from a worn sprocket, but I could see it being stretched and worn faster that needed.