X or O ring chain

[DuciD03]

... 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 ...

[eichh]

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.

[Howie]

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.

[DuciD03]

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

[davejenknz]

Read this http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm first. Then choose.

[eichh]

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. 

[Holden]

Read this http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm first. Then choose.

I refuse to believe anything from someone WHO WrItEs LIKE,,,,, THIS!!!!!!!

[Holden]

I refuse to believe anything from someone WHO WrItEs LIKE,,,,, THIS!!!!!!!

Except this: http://www.timecube.com/

[clubhousemotorsports]

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.