Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
What chain? What chain?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By steveloomis
  • 1 Post By Big Yellow Tractor
  • 1 Post By jjrider

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
What chain?
Installed a new 520 106 link non o-ring chain. Stretching like crazy.
Having to tighten every 300 miles.
What brand do you suggest for an o-ring one. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
D.I.D. good quality and easy to get hold of.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 May 2014
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,325
D.I.D or R.K.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Middle USA
Posts: 349
I have used DID X ring with very good results and long life, I have also used an RK and I think it was an X ring, but at least an O ring and have had very good life as well, very seldom do I have to adjust the chain.

Steve
__________________
'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 May 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by Provick View Post
Installed a new 520 106 link non o-ring chain. Stretching like crazy.
Having to tighten every 300 miles.
What brand do you suggest for an o-ring one. Thanks
What bike are you riding? Brand new and stretching? Hmmm
Could be you've over tightened your chain? All new chains stretch ... but then should stop. But cheap, NON O ring chains can continue stretching if over tightened or run really hard on high HP bike.

Over tightening will quickly ruin even a quality X Ring chain, so take care.

If you're riding any sort of long travel, dual sport or dirt based design bike, then chain slack needs to be there ... loose better than tight. If a sports bike, you can run a tighter chain, but even then ... don't go too far.

I've had GREAT luck with top of the line DID X Ring chains. I usually can get between 20K - 25K miles. Been using DID chains only since 1997, done about 250,000 miles on many different bikes.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Middle USA
Posts: 349
What do your sprockets look like? Are the teeth sharp pointed, leaning, show wear? A new chain on worn out sprockets will ruin a new chain quickly. Unless the sprockets are in very good shape, then always replace them as a set.
__________________
'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Using good quality non o ring chains I get about 3,000 miles before they need the second adjustment, first is quite quick as it "runs in". eg Regina, Elite (cheapest but good) or Reynolds. Usually last for about 8,000 miles. I would run o or X ring chain if there was enough room.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
The bike only had 5,400 miles when I bought it. Decided to replace original 21 year old chain when I put a 14 tooth on the front.
Dealer (Saturday) said he had a non o-ring so went ahead. Planned a ride for Sunday.
Sprockets are like new. Buddy owns a shop and suggested a BikeMaster BMOR.
Getting it this week. I'm almost 1/2 way through the adjustment cam in 4,000 miles. Going in the garbage. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 May 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
21 year old chain? Could be those sprockets are also 21 years old?

To be safe ... I'd go with NEW front and rear sprockets. As mentioned ... worn sprockets are murder on your new chain. Replace them both. Unless you have a lot of experience .... it can be hard to see that a sprocket is worn.

If you hold up your old sprocket next to NEW sprocket ... you may see the wear points. Sometimes not obvious. Of course badly worn sprockets are easy to spot .. but some are not ... but will still be hard on your new chain over time and miles.


Clearly worn ...


Obvious, no? But amazing how many let their sprockets get to this state!


Most would say these sprockets are OK. They aren't. The one on the right is starting to "hook". The one on the left is still OK but near it's end too.
As Steve mentioned, if your sprocket tooth edges are sharp ... not good.
If the shoulders are worn too far down ... not good.

Master Bike is a pretty good chain. Get the best you can and good sprockets
(OEM are best). Keep clean and oiled ... ride ride ride!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 May 2014
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,325
OEM is best? who makes the chain for Yamaha? A chain from D.I.D is as good as OEM and can be better.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
The front is a new 14, replaced with the POS new chain. The rear is in good shape.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
I have always used name brand chains, like DID or RK, until my last set. I have an 80,000+ mile KLR650 that I thought wouldn't outlast another chain and sprocket set, so I bought the house brand o-ring set from Rocky Mountain MC, and have been pleasantly surprised by how long it is lasting. Has ~12,000 miles on now, and looks like it will last as long as a DID at half the price. YMMV, literally.

But yes, I too have had bad experiences with non sealed chains.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 6 May 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by xtrock View Post
OEM is best? who makes the chain for Yamaha? A chain from D.I.D is as good as OEM and can be better.
I meant OEM sprockets ... not referring to the chain. sorry if not clear on that.

Stock chain used by Yamaha? No idea. Check the link stamp, it's probably a DID ... as DID supply many OEM's with chains. The DR650 comes stock with a DID mid level O ring chain, as do dozens of other Japanese bikes. A good but not great chain that is good for about 12K miles or so. But the DID VM2 X Ring I use is good for over 20,000 miles. Big step up with X ring.

Most Japanese OEM sprockets are pretty good: made in Japan, quality steel. But JT and one or two other Thai made sprockets are not bad either and a bit less money.

Some Chinese stuff is junk .... but gets better every year. Here in the USA we have a few sprocket makers claiming "miracle sprockets". Most are cheap, made in China stuff, no where close to Japanese made quality chain and sprockets. If unsure, go with OEM sprockets.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 May 2014
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I don't think you'll have problems with any X or O-ring chain from a brand you've heard of. Choose one and stick to it then you can be sure the any spare split or soft links and odd bits of chain you carry in your spares will easilly fit.

I normally get two or more front sprockets to one rear and chain. The front does a lot of work so wears quicker. It's cheep enough to change regularly. A mullered front will kill the chain, thus prematurely wearing the rear.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 827
Yamaha mostly uses D.I.D. as factory chains, don't know which one(aka VM2,ect..) and I think SunStar sprockets. I mostly get D.I.D. as well (VM2 gold)X-ring if possible. Never even considered a non-o-ring chain, pointless unless it would be a low hp sunday, good weather only, bare asphalt , putt-putt bike.

I replace the front sprocket as soon as I see any wear on the teeth that can be seen looking closely. The chain will last 2x longer if always run on good sprockets. I sell my old chains to local cheapo's for $15-$20, They can't believe I'd replace a chain before it breaks. I then laugh when down the road they complain about having to fix a case from a broken chain. They can't understand why it happens.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa Twin Chain Problems? theoverman83 Honda Tech 14 21 Feb 2014 18:34
XT 600 chain slide (roller): any better options? Zergman Yamaha Tech 5 17 Jan 2014 10:03
Alternative to Chain Lube in the developing world theoverman83 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 20 11 Jun 2013 14:33
Stuck in Tashkent, need chain tools jparke Northern and Central Asia 16 21 Aug 2012 17:22
Clutch kit and Chain recommendations zcarter Yamaha Tech 9 22 Mar 2012 23:21

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top