[remo76]

Ok here's my stupid question of the day, what are the advantages/disadvantages between a 520 or a 525 sprocket and chain combination?

 

[Maximmagnum]

I researched this a couple weeks ago, as I came from a drive-shaft bike, and had no idea of what these chain numbers meant.

The 5 part just describes the distance between the centers of the link pins (or wherever on the links, basically how long a link is) and the next two numbers describe the width of the chain. So a 520 chain is going to be narrower than a 525(and thus require a narrower front and rear sprocket) and lighter...this is not necessarily a good thing. Wear and durability will be affected, so you can expect your chain to not last as long, especially with the copious amount of torque that our bikes produce, all to save a few grams of rotating mass. It's up to you to decide if you can tolerate a shorter lived chain to gain performance. When I was researching it, I found other sites (the most helpful was in reference to trick riding Japanese bikes) that basically said, don't go under a 525 if you have over 1000cc--remember these guys are pretty much only doing wheelies and stuff like that, so keep that in consideration...their chains must be stronger to withstand what they do.

A 530 chain is wider still than a 525, so it is going to weigh more, last longer, etc...so far I haven't seen any even available for our bikes, so this is a mute point.

One big point to consider though is: Do you want to replace the front and rear sprockets? if not, a 520 chain is out of the question. if so...you will have to do it all at once...no incremental changes like going to a 14T front sprocket instead of stock 15T at a later date.

 

[flynbulldog]

There's also the risk of the chain actually failing.

There are a few race guys that use a 520 on the big bikes to save weight, reduce rotating mass and rolling resistance.
But, the assumption is that they change the chain more often to not let it weaken to the point of failure.

I would not go to a 520 on a high torque, high HP bike like the SF or a 1098/1198.
The added weight savings and smoother rotation is not enough to risk it.

IMO a good quality 525 is the right chain for the Streetfighter.

Oh and Remo, That is not a stupid question - it's a good one!

 

[Shazaam]

525 vs. 520

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?p=767828&posted=1#post767828

 

[flynbulldog]

I also believe that DID just came out with a new ZVM2 that has a much higher strength rating than previous chains.

But weights vary, I've also seen a 520 listed that was heavier than some 525s. Some research is in order.

I just went to a new chain and opted for the new ZVM2. Couldn't resist the highest wear rating yet.

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

 

[remo76]

Thank you all who replied. That explains what I was wondering

 

[DrSpencer]

I have a 2016 Monster 1200R, that comes stock with a 520VF chain.

I was sold a 14T 525 front sprocket to put on this bike (Superlite Part# 52612R-14, chromoly steel, to be exact).

Was I sold the correct front sprocket for my bike?

Can I use the new 525 front sprocket with the stock 520 chain?

Thanks

 

[flynbulldog]

I have a 2016 Monster 1200R, that comes stock with a 520VF chain.

I was sold a 14T 525 front sprocket to put on this bike (Superlite Part# 52612R-14, chromoly steel, to be exact).

Was I sold the correct front sprocket for my bike?

Can I use the new 525 front sprocket with the stock 520 chain?

Thanks

No I dont think so, the sizing is not the same. Can you measure the width of the stock sprocket with a digital caliper?

But I have my doubts about the 1200R having a 520 chain. Unless chain tech has changed a lot in the last few years that 520 would not be rated for the torque of a 1200cc engine. Where did you get the info on the stock chain for your 1200R?

 

[DrSpencer]

No I dont think so, the sizing is not the same. Can you measure the width of the stock sprocket with a digital caliper?

But I have my doubts about the 1200R having a 520 chain. Unless chain tech has changed a lot in the last few years that 520 would not be rated for the torque of a 1200cc engine. Where did you get the info on the stock chain for your 1200R?

My M1200R owners manual says that it's a 520 chain.

However, stock chain is actually a 525.

Thanks

 

[Strega]

I would not go to a 520 on a high torque, high HP bike like the SF or a 1098/1198.
The added weight savings and smoother rotation is not enough to risk it.

IMO a good quality 525 is the right chain for the Streetfighter.

What he said...

 

[Edgar]

I researched this a couple weeks ago, as I came from a drive-shaft bike, and had no idea of what these chain numbers meant.

The 5 part just describes the distance between the centers of the link pins (or wherever on the links, basically how long a link is) and the next two numbers describe the width of the chain. So a 520 chain is going to be narrower than a 525(and thus require a narrower front and rear sprocket) and lighter...this is not necessarily a good thing. Wear and durability will be affected, so you can expect your chain to not last as long, especially with the copious amount of torque that our bikes produce, all to save a few grams of rotating mass. It's up to you to decide if you can tolerate a shorter lived chain to gain performance. When I was researching it, I found other sites (the most helpful was in reference to trick riding Japanese bikes) that basically said, don't go under a 525 if you have over 1000cc--remember these guys are pretty much only doing wheelies and stuff like that, so keep that in consideration...their chains must be stronger to withstand what they do.

A 530 chain is wider still than a 525, so it is going to weigh more, last longer, etc...so far I haven't seen any even available for our bikes, so this is a mute point.

One big point to consider though is: Do you want to replace the front and rear sprockets? if not, a 520 chain is out of the question. if so...you will have to do it all at once...no incremental changes like going to a 14T front sprocket instead of stock 15T at a later date.

what happens if I have front sprocket 520 and put 525 chain?

 

[Edgar]

what happens if I have front sprocket 520 and put 525 chain?

 

[ducvet]

Similar to you wearing shoes 4 sizes too big.
It will function but there will be more wear and tear. shortened lifespan and possible wear from lateral movement of the chain.

 

[Tammyox]

I need to get another sprocket chain pack before Saturday, for my first trackday. The manual says I need a 525 chain and sprocket pack. However online I track down these 520 units. Would i be able to purchase a 520 unit for the f4i or do I need to get a 525 ? Knee draggers has the 520 one for like 160.(rk chain + vortex sprockets). Whatya think ?

HOW TO BALANCE TIRES AT HOME

 

[fastrob691]

ThreeD Chain 520 Z series X'Ring Chain - GOLD, CHROME or BLACK (choose length) (sprocketcenter.com)

FWIW i've run these on several bikes. 9300 psi and they look great. Once i wear out my 525 i'll go with this chain again, but keeping steel sprocket in the rear.

 

[fastrob691]

Have y'all seen the new maintenance free chain sold at BMW dealers currently?

I'm curious as to the numbers on that.