DID 520V Pro O-ring Chain Master Link

[LSD4me]

Hi all,

I have a 2009 Ducati M696. I recently bought the 14 tooth front sprocket and have successfully broke my existing DID 520V Pro O-ring chain and installed the sprocket. To finish the install, i need the master link for the DID 520V Pro O-ring chain...Unfortunately, it seems that the 520V is discontinued and the master link is unable to be found...anywhere...Everywhere i go they tell me that the DID 520VX2 master link is a direct replacement for the 520V. ITS NOT!  . The pins are a fraction of a millimeter bigger than the old one and it just wont fit into the hole on the 520V chain. I checked DID's website and it specifically says that the 520VX2 master link is NOT compatible with older versions...

The strange part is that I had my bike serviced last year (July 2011) and I was told that my chain was in need of replacing so I also had my chain "replaced". If the 520V is discontinued, how could they have "replaced" it with the same OEM chain? Did i get scammed? Did they just leave the original chain on and just lubed it up to look like a new chain?

Does anybody know where i can find the 520V Pro O-ring master link (rivet or clip)? If i can't find one, im gonna have to bite the bullet and buy a new chain...I am fuming  at how my dealer told me they replaced my chain but it seems as thought that would be impossible considering the chain was discontinued...Does anybody know when the 520V was discontinued? I see it available in 2009 parts catalogs which makes sense as i bought the bike in 2009...Any evidence i can bring with me to the dealer to point to fraud would be helpful in getting a replacement on their dime...\\

Any help is greatly appreciated! 

[brimo]

These guys have one left.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Master-Link-DID-520V-O-Ring-Professional-Chain-/251115051123?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a779f9873#ht_500wt_1287

By the way, why was it necessary to break the chain to replace the sprocket?

[xsephirot]

These guys have one left.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Master-Link-DID-520V-O-Ring-Professional-Chain-/251115051123?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a779f9873#ht_500wt_1287

By the way, why was it necessary to break the chain to replace the sprocket?

Usually you switch out chains when you're replacing sprockets.

[thought]

Usually you switch out chains when you're replacing sprockets.

No need for the 15t to 14t changover.  You just need to loosen the left rearset and the chain slips off.

[hillbillypolack]

Hey.  Not to threadjack a bit, but when you're replacing a chain, how long do you make it?  I.E., where in the adjustment range should the new chain be?

I'm doing a 520 conversion, haven't yet gotten the sprocket but thought it may be a related (yet somewhat off topic) question.

[BastrdHK]

Hey.  Not to threadjack a bit, but when you're replacing a chain, how long do you make it?  I.E., where in the adjustment range should the new chain be?

I'm doing a 520 conversion, haven't yet gotten the sprocket but thought it may be a related (yet somewhat off topic) question.

Chain Length varies by model and sprocket combinations.  For example, I run 98 links with 15/41 gearing on an '01 M900.

**To the OP, just because the chain has been discontinued doesn't mean your dealer doesn't have 10 more in stock.  They don't disappear into thin air when the discontinuation is announced.  In the future, ask your dealer for the parts changed/removed from your bike BEFORE the service.  It is a good habit to get into with any vehicle, and gives you piece of mind.  If your dealer is unwilling to accommodate this request.....red flag numero uno 

[LSD4me]

UPDATE -

The dealer agreed to replace the chain with a VX2 as they could not locate a master link.

+1 for the dealer...for an $80 part, they kept me as a customer..good for them!

[dlearl476]

Hey.  Not to threadjack a bit, but when you're replacing a chain, how long do you make it?  I.E., where in the adjustment range should the new chain be?

I'm doing a 520 conversion, haven't yet gotten the sprocket but thought it may be a related (yet somewhat off topic) question.

Just switched to 15/43 to give it a try.  What I do is this: Get it all mounted up and somehow block the rear tire so it won't turn.  (I have mine on a pit stand, so I wedge the rubber mallet that I use to drive the axle out under the wheel, but anything will work) I set the chain adjustors so that they are about 1/4 of their adjstment from the front.  (A chain will ALWAYS get longer, so if you don't move the adjusters up, you may be doing this again as it wears) Lay the top part of the chain with the end about 12:30 on the rear sprocket.  Now PULL the lower part of the chain tight and wrap it up and around the bottom of the sprocket to meet the top part. (You really have to pull hard to get all the slack out.  Once you put the chain on the sprocket it will "kinda" stay there.  Once you do that, make sure the lower part of the chain is in the 25MM adjustment range.  It's really easy to pull it to what you think is tight, but have 2-3" of slack) Take note of how many links too long the chain is. (Hopefully it IS too long.  )  


Remember, too, that you need to cut off FULL links.  It's easy to mistake the length and cut off a half link, only to find that it won't work and when you take off the other half, it's too short.  I wish I could explain this better, but i think if you take a good look at the master link, and a good look at the chain, you'll see what I mean. You need to cut off the exact bits that the master link will replace.   If anywhere in motorcycle-doom 'measure twice, cut once' is more applicable, I can't think of what it would be.  

FWIW, I believe I got a 120 link chain and with the 15/43 set I ended up cutting one link off.  IIRC, last time when I used 14/39 I cut three.

[BastrdHK]

FWIW, I believe I got a 120 link chain and with the 15/43 set I ended up cutting one link off.  IIRC, last time when I used 14/39 I cut three.

What model bike are you talking about???  On an '01 M900 with 15/41 gearing I run 98 links and I am 70% of the adjustment range rearward (100% meaning the rear axle is as far to the rear of the bike as allowed).

Count your links dlearl476....that doesn't sound right.

[dlearl476]

What model bike are you talking about???  On an '01 M900 with 15/41 gearing I run 98 links and I am 70% of the adjustment range rearward (100% meaning the rear axle is as far to the rear of the bike as allowed).

Count your links dlearl476....that doesn't sound right.

I'll look at my invoice. The bike is put away right now. Perhaps your right, maybe the 120 link chain is for my F650.

[dlearl476]

I'll look at my invoice. The bike is put away right now. Perhaps your right, maybe the 120 link chain is for my F650.

Could be the problem. 120 link box but

From Drive Systems website:

Each kit is complete with a chromoly steel countershaft sprocket, heat treated steel rear sprocket, premium D.I.D. 520VX2 gold X'ring sealed chain cut to length and a rivet style master link.

[BastrdHK]

I can guarantee you aren't running 120 links on a stock wheel base monster.  One of the standard chain lengths is 120 links for most chain manufacturers.  I am on my 2nd DID, I am saving the 20+ links of excess from each to build a new chain out of....my own buy 5 get 1 free deal.   

At my current mileage rate and DID wear rate, it may take 10yrs.