I figured since theres snow on the ground I would replace my chain. Its for my 01' S4 do I want an X or O ring chain? Is one better than the other? I mostly commute on the bike and every now and then unleash hell but I dont pull 6000 rpm holeshots with it. Im in no hurry so I figured I would get your opinions. Thanks
Quote from: eichh on January 09, 2009, 12:25:15 PM
I figured since theres snow on the ground I would replace my chain. Its for my 01' S4 do I want an X or O ring chain? Is one better than the other? I mostly commute on the bike and every now and then unleash hell but I dont pull 6000 rpm holeshots with it. Im in no hurry so I figured I would get your opinions. Thanks
You want an X ring chain, and if there is mileage on the chain you want sprockets too. This is also a good time to change gearing if you like. Since you are doing it yourself I highly recommend you shop at
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com) (board sponsor) speak to Chris Kelley, he will tell you all you need to know.
Quote from: eichh on January 09, 2009, 12:25:15 PM
I figured since theres snow on the ground I would replace my chain. Its for my 01' S4 do I want an X or O ring chain? Is one better than the other? I mostly commute on the bike and every now and then unleash hell but I dont pull 6000 rpm holeshots with it. Im in no hurry so I figured I would get your opinions. Thanks
Why would snow on the ground make a new chain required?
I'm no expert, just wondering.....
Quote from: stopintime on January 09, 2009, 01:18:46 PM
Why would snow on the ground make a new chain required?
I'm no expert, just wondering.....
Because he needs a new chain and with the snow, now is a good time because he cannot ride?
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 09, 2009, 01:20:05 PM
Because he needs a new chain and with the snow, now is a good time because he cannot ride?
That's why you make the big bucks....
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 09, 2009, 01:20:05 PM
Because he needs a new chain and with the snow, now is a good time because he cannot ride?
[laugh] ;)
Mr Incredible 0 - Stopintime 1
[clap]
Quote from: stopintime on January 09, 2009, 01:43:28 PM
[laugh] ;)
Mr Incredible 0 - Stopintime 1
[clap]
Certain words come to mind.
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 09, 2009, 01:53:22 PM
Certain words come to mind.
I deserve and will take all of them, standing up [thumbsup]
Yes, I have allot of free time and its a pain in the ass to ride in the snow. Im going to go to the IMS show by Chicago in Feb. and I remember DID had a booth last year I will see if they have any specials if I buy one there. The gears look great it has a 39 on back right now and I have a 37 on the shelf I never tried, what kind of differance would I see if I put the 37 on? The chain is the original with 12,000 on it so its about due.
5% lower revs at all times - theoretically higher top speed - the opposite of the quicker acceleration obtained by the 14T front sprocket mod.
I run a 15/39 on my S4, and really like it.
OEM was a 37, a little too tall IMO.
I run 15/41 on a 900 and like it.
don't forget the "W-ring" chain and who knows what else there is out there. So much is probably marketing hype, the claim to fame for the x and w ring chains are less drag on the links so more power transmitted to the rear wheel. More about branding I would bet, the true difference is in the better materials that go along with buying the top of the line chain.
As I am not competing anytime soon I chose my chain by what chain specs. correspond with the bike . After that it is about choosing a color, I have used chains from all the major manufacturers with no noticeable differences.
Quote from: just another painter on January 09, 2009, 05:08:36 PM
I run 15/41 on a 900 and like it.
AFAIK, wide ratio transmission on a '96 M900, that's a big help.
S4 have the close ratio.
Quote from: eichh on Today at 01:25:15 PM
I figured since theres snow on the ground I would replace my chain. Its for my 01' S4 do I want an X or O ring chain? Is one better than the other? I mostly commute on the bike and every now and then unleash hell but I dont pull 6000 rpm holeshots with it. Im in no hurry so I figured I would get your opinions. Thanks
Why would snow on the ground make a new chain required?
I'm no expert, just wondering.....
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 09, 2009, 01:20:05 PM
Because he needs a new chain and with the snow, now is a good time because he cannot ride?
LOL - ok I know you guys are smart; your being facetious; right? ;D
... getting back to X ring VS O ring ....
speaking from a little experience; I had the OEM O ring 520; which is a DID chain on the bike for 19K mi; last late march after the bike had been sitting for 5 months; I cleaned the chain and noticed it was stiff in some links ... and was "clucky" in the transmission area; thought it was a little rust ... it got better; and I even went to a Ducati dealership to get a second opinion ... teck - chains in good condition; just a little stretched they all do .... rode for 1k; then got talking to the sexy parts chick; she "sold" me on a DID X ring gold & black x ring; after install I immediately noticed a difference on the feel of the bike; noticeably smoother; its the best upgrade to date and it looks cool since it matches the gold brimbo calipers and carriers ... just my 2 cents.
oh and I had a good look at the sprockets and didn't think they needed replacement since everything had been cleaned and luberd on a regular basis; 15-41; if I remember correctly ...
Commonwealth motorcycle said the bike came with a 525 chain do you know how that differs from a 520? I believe im sold on the x chain it seems to be good choice.
A 525 is a little wider than a 520, and is designed to handle more torque. Conversion to 520 is popular and will work. The advantage is a reduction in drive component weight, therefore a performance gain. If you go 520 you need to buy sprockets for a 520 chain too. Me, I would stay with the 525.
Quote from: eichh on January 10, 2009, 12:40:21 PM
Commonwealth motorcycle said the bike came with a 525 chain do you know how that differs from a 520? I believe im sold on the x chain it seems to be good choice.
A 525 is a little wider than a 520, and is designed to handle more torque. Conversion to 520 is popular and will work. The advantage is a reduction in drive component weight, therefore a performance gain. If you go 520 you need to buy sprockets for a 520 chain too. Me, I would stay with the 525.
I agree with the above; but with some maintainence and smooth acceleration the chain should be fine; race bikes use 520 for the added performance. Pro & con explained well by howie.
Just off the top of my head for refrence.
M800ie 03 - 520
s2r 800 06 - 520
s2r 1000 06 - 525
U'er on an S4; refer to the workshop spec's, Commonwealth is probably right that the 525 was OEM
Read this http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm (http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm) first. Then choose.
Thanks everyone for your input and that link. I think that covered everything I need to about chains to make an informed decision and actually have a conversation with a salesperson without having a blank stare on my face. [thumbsup]
Quote from: davejenknz on January 11, 2009, 12:22:40 AM
Read this http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm (http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm) first. Then choose.
I refuse to believe anything from someone
WHO WrItEs LIKE,,,,, THIS!!!!!!! :-\
Quote from: wark on January 11, 2009, 02:16:48 AM
I refuse to believe anything from someone WHO WrItEs LIKE,,,,, THIS!!!!!!! :-\
Except this: http://www.timecube.com/ (http://www.timecube.com/) [thumbsup]
I often here the line "racers do it" like that is supposed to make it good? some things to think about with that statement.
1. Top racers do not pay for parts
2. parts are changed on a full on race bike much more often than a street rider.
3. performance = light weight and low frictional losses , if it lasts 1 race plus 1 lap it is considered perfect.
true race parts are NOT a good idea for most street bikes, what is good is when you build your bike with parts best to suit the purpose.
oem DID chains are not x rings but o rings as far as I know, I will cut one up and let you know.