Posts
71
Joined
4/21/2018
Location
AU
Froggy76
5/14/2018 3:03am
5/14/2018 3:03am
Edited Date/Time
7/29/2021 10:25am
Hi all and thank you for reading.
My apologies if this sounds like a dumb question but how do chains alter the performance of a bike.
I keep seeing questions about “ best chains” or read that the factory chain is crap and should be replaced.....
Can someone explain how and why a aftermarket chain is better than stock...
Cheers
My apologies if this sounds like a dumb question but how do chains alter the performance of a bike.
I keep seeing questions about “ best chains” or read that the factory chain is crap and should be replaced.....
Can someone explain how and why a aftermarket chain is better than stock...
Cheers
As far as performance of a bike.. a chain thats too tight will affect suspension function and cause shifting problems. Worst case it snaps and knocks a hole in your engine case.
On streetbikes, we usually go to a thinner chain and sprockets to reduce weight. For example i went from a 530 to a 525 setup. Im not sure if thats an option on a dirtbike since the chains are already so thin.
Paw Paw
The Shop
The difference can be seen on a dyno, but I've ran both and never felt a difference on the track.
O-ring/X-ring chains are also heavier, which increases rotational weight which is generally a bad thing. But again difficult to notice.
If you are super serious and chasing 10ths off lap times then definitely get a high end non O-ring chain (like the pros run). If not just get a middle of the road O-ring and it will last all year if not longer
If you think a slower rider and a faster rider can make the bike parts last the same, I don't know what to tell you. Can't teach common sense.
I can get almost twice that time out of the same chain on my YZ250 smoker.
Both of the bikes stock chains didn’t last nearly as long as what I’m buying for them now.
Pit Row
The 520VT2 is lighter than the 520MX, close to being as strong as the 520MX and will outwear the 520MX many times over.
The 520VT2 is 500cc rated.
Don't be put off that is an "Enduro" chain. It kills for all manners of riding in the dirt. It is a Black&Gold beast. Bonus is no case rub on my old CR125's.
Around $95-99 from Amazon.
http://www.didchain.com/chainSpecs.html
So in light of all the above recommendations and suggestions, is there actually a chain that does not need to be adjusted as often as a stock chain.
Not that I am lazy, but I quite often forget to check and tension them before I ride until I wash the bike and notice the sag. I always lub them after washing the bikes put the bikes on the stands and intend to adjust them but simply forget or get distracted.
If you guys have some ideas, please let me know. I have a brand new yz125 and yz 85 for my son.
cheers
I have also ran the Renthal R3 sealed chain with very similar results (I’m about to try the DID ERVT chain for the next season).
Being on a 125 2 dinger a high end non sealed chain (sealed will have more drag/friction than a non sealed chain even once warm) from DID, RK or Renthal would do the trick.
If you want to lowest drag: Run a non O-Ring. (Like on my 400cc Road Racer)
If you don’t want to adjust your chain run an O-Ring (Like I do on my Off-Road bikes)
Name Brand, high end chains are made better, from better materials.
(I run A$100/US$75 pushbike chains)
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Vital-MX-Product-Reviews,47/X-ring-chain…
I just ordered new sprokets and went up one tooth on the back to 13/49.
Post a reply to: Chains. Please educate me