D.I.D. 520ERV3 Chain...Over kill for daily driver? - Ducati.ms

desmofetish · Aug 23rd, 2006, 7:34 pm

I am replacing my chain and gearing within days and need some final input before I sign the sales slip. I have a 2001 748 as my daily driver. Though I do try my best to get out to the coast and canyons as much as possible, I have not yet had the time to fit in a track day and don't know that I will during the new chains life. I can and do ride aggressively on the street, however, I am sure I do not push any limits... or come close by racing standards. Therefore, is the D.I.D. 520ERV3 chain simply over kill? I understand it is one of the bests, which is nice to know, but if I will be using it on a daily ridden, sole transportation bike, both rain and shine, should I save my money by stepping down to a lesser chain...

Also, I will be going to a lightened 14 tooth front sprocket and 40 tooth rear (from my present set up of 15/41) with AFAM quick change carrier... any complaints?

Okay, your turn... I'll shut up and listen!

Cheers,
Thomas

bubbazenetty · Aug 23rd, 2006, 8:33 pm

My 2cents.

Always buy the best chain you can afford, as it's always cheaper than a busted crank case (when a lesser chain breaks).

brianmdavis · Aug 23rd, 2006, 8:33 pm

For the street, you're wasting your money. EXCEPT, if you want the bling factor!

cheech · Aug 23rd, 2006, 9:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbazenetty

My 2cents.

Always buy the best chain you can afford, as it's always cheaper than a busted crank case (when a lesser chain breaks).

+1

i don't agree it's overkill. anything with high stress components are definitely worth investing a little more money into. i have erv3 chain too with afam quick change 15/41. i recommend 15/40. its better gearing for both street and occasional track.

vtwins4life · Aug 23rd, 2006, 10:25 pm

Are you doing a 520 conversion or just changing to a ERV3? If you're converting to a 520 for the street, I agree with Brian. Overkill for the street but may be more beneficial on the track. No matter how good the 520 chain is (which I agree DID ERV3 is my favorite), the tensile strength is not as good as a 525. You can still drop a tooth in the front to change your gearing and not have to get a new chain. I don't know why you'd drop a tooth in the rear though (was this based on someone's advise?).

BTW, I have DID ERV3 on both my bikes with no problems.

moto · Aug 23rd, 2006, 10:43 pm

Thomas has a 748. They come with a 520 chain from the factory. I would assume that it is just time.

I use the DID ERV3 on all my bikes. I don't like to skimp on tires or chains. You don't want to get stranded or hurt. I'd rather spend the little extra on a better and not worry about it anymore.

brianmdavis · Aug 23rd, 2006, 10:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by moto

Thomas has a 748. They come with a 520 chain from the factory. I would assume that it is just time.

I use the DID ERV3 on all my bikes. I don't like to skimp on tires or chains. You don't want to get stranded or hurt. I'd rather spend the little extra on a better and not worry about it anymore.

But Martin... You're Mr. $

LOL!!

emullo · Aug 24th, 2006, 3:47 am

Why not try the new zvm2 chain ?

http://www.didchain.com/xring1.htm

desmofetish · Aug 24th, 2006, 12:06 pm

Perhaps I have opened up a can of worms...then again, I guess that was the point. Getting different opinions. If the investment is worth while, I do not mind shelling out the extra funds. That being said, I don't like wasting it either when it can be used for other upgrades.

My current set up on my 2001 748 already has a 15 front/41 rear with the 520 DID ERV3. Unfortunately, perhaps due to a fault in the installation or sprocket failure, the rear sprocket began to oval in the center, allowing for play in the sprocket and chain. This therefore caused premature wear requiring me to make the necessary corrections.

I have little interest in the top speed of the bike, but prefer the stronger pull at lower speeds. It was suggested therefore to use the 14/40 set up by Rick at Cogent Dynamics.

I know there are other chains available at a much lesser expense... but will they maintain as well as the 520 DID ERV3? Or is the 520 DID ERV3 actually a greater risk as I understand it to be more of a race chain. Does this mean it will not work as great as other options on my daily transportation/ weekend canyon diver set up?

I have also been told that the RK GB520GXW chain is a better option for street use. It is also alot cheaper... I don't truly know the difference between the two and therefore am relying on the knowledge of my peers...

I appreciate all who have offered their opinions... please continue to do so!

**Chuckracer** · Aug 24th, 2006, 12:36 pm

Any of the commercially available name brand chains are fine. The RK is a great chain.

It's kind of a strange question. What's the difference in price between the RK and the DID?

Personally, money is always an issue with me, and while I won't scrimp on my bike, if I can save a buck or too, I'm on it. I think this is where your coming from?