Posts
405
Joined
10/23/2011
Location
NC
US
Edited Date/Time
1/16/2015 10:48pm
I picked up an RK GB520MXZ4 Chain about three months ago and it seems like it has stretched as bad as the stock throw away that I replaced on my KX450F. I've never used an RK chain before, I've probably bought 3-4 each of Renthal R1's and DIDERT gold's over the years and they've all seemed to last pretty well, definitely better than this one. Granted they were all on 125 and 250 two strokes as well as my last two bikes prior to this one were 250Fs. Has anyone else had a similar issue?
I don't know if I'm remembering the grass being greener or perhaps the bigger bike is the issue, but this chain seemed to lose it's gold plating and stretch way faster than other high-end MX chains. I've been stoked on Excel rims in the past, so I don't have it out for the company, just a little disappointed. I'll probably be ordering a Renthal combo from BTO soon. Anyone have any real good luck with chains/sprockets lately? Excluding the steel stuff, my bike is heavy enough as is. Thanks
I don't know if I'm remembering the grass being greener or perhaps the bigger bike is the issue, but this chain seemed to lose it's gold plating and stretch way faster than other high-end MX chains. I've been stoked on Excel rims in the past, so I don't have it out for the company, just a little disappointed. I'll probably be ordering a Renthal combo from BTO soon. Anyone have any real good luck with chains/sprockets lately? Excluding the steel stuff, my bike is heavy enough as is. Thanks
BTW, I did dyno tests with the x-ring and the stock chain and there was no measurable difference.
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&webType…
The Shop
Rocky Mountain MC has their "Primary Drive" brand gold-plated racing chain, similiar to all the big name chains. If you can put your pride aside and not name brand shop, this chain is very good. The mechanical numbers on the chain strength are on par with all the other brands. It usually costs less than $50 for a full length 520 frame. I have switched from a longtime believer in Renthal and DiD chains, now I strictly run primary drive chains on my bikes and i also have been stocking them in my shop for serviced bikes.
If you still have the chain and the sprockets that it was installed with and are able to send me pictures we can try to determine what caused the wear you are describing. I might require the actual chain if I am unable to determine the problem from pictures alone. Please email pictures to info@rkexcelamerica.com.
Thanks
Farrah Bauer
Marketing & Advertising Manager
RK Excel America Inc
As long as they keep making them, I will keep buying them.
-Gabe
Chains do not stretch!
They will appear longer when you pull the links apart, it will also appear to be shorter when you push the links together. This is due to the pins and bushings wearing out, pins diameter getting smaller and the bushings ID getting larger. The plates are exactly the same length as new.
If a good quality chain wears too fast, it is most likely from too little chain lube, or a poor quality lube, dirt material and conditions, along with misalignment/improper adjustment.
When a chain is properly adjusted, grab the chain on the rear sprocket in the middle, pulling away from the sprocket level to the swing arm. If you can pull the chain out of the sprocket teeth 40% or more, then it's time for a new chain. That is 40% of the depth of the sprocket teeth.
If you stick to the industry standard of 3% elongation (Not stretching) being the limit, you could get 2-3 chains per set of sprockets. After all, the worn chain is what wears out the sprocket.
Now, since I race every weekend, putting 3-4 hours of racing per day racing in 4 classes, I too wait longer than I should.
That said, I use the RK-MXU chains and Sunstar Works sprockets. You will not find a lighter, narrower, or longer lasting sealed chain anywhere. As far as sprockets go, I have abused all brands many times and Sunstar Works sprockets are my favorite.
I get 50+ hours out of my chains and sprockets (Using the ones mention), that is about 6 months for me. 85% of that time is racing time, not practicing or track days.
You are absolutely correct. The dirty truth is that even non-sealed chains require lubrication. Many riders just assume that because the chain doesn't have O-rings that the chain doesn't need to be lubed. ALL chains need proper maintenance and that especially includes lubrication to ensure the maximum wearlife of the chain.
Thanks for your comments!
Best regards,
Farrah Bauer
RK Excel America
Thanks
We recommend using WD40 as a water dispersant after your chain has come in contact with water. We suggest that you follow up after applying WD40 with a quality chain lubricant regardless if the chain is sealed or not. If your chain IS a sealed chain make sure the lubricant you use is safe to use on O-ring chains. FYI - Some aerosols contain caustic chemicals that can actual damage the O-ring seals. Most of our sales guys use either SYN Chain Guard by Maxima or Belray but each has their own preference as to why they like those brands.
Unfortunately chains are a dirty grimy item and like it or not, to get the best life from the chain you're going to have to clean and lube it frequently.
Hope that clears up the debate.
Cheers
Farrah Bauer
RK Excel America
Thanks
Pit Row
Pour just enough in the bowl to cover the chain.
A soft bristle brush/tooth brush and even the grimiest chain comes clean with minimal effort.
Soaking the chain in a bath of WD40 is kind of like throwing an air filter with No-Toil into a bucket of warm water with their powdered cleaner..It doesn't take much to clean to like new shape.
After the chain is clean, I use low pressure air to blow the excess WD40 off, wipe the chain with a rag, then reinstall it on the bike and throw on some Maxima chain lube.
Keeps the chain looking new, and with the chain off the bike I can hit the rear sprocket really good with the pressure washer and it is super clean.
-Gabe
-Gabe
mike
I bought 2 more of them, I'm going to use Gabe's method this time around. It's easy enough to do.
Gabe, do you ever have issues with your masterlink clips failing from taking them on/off that frequently?
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