Hi, I want to change the chain on the FJ and not having a rivet tool decided that the ek type chain could be the best thing to buy because they are the only ones offering the screw-type master link. The problem is that this master link only works with 530 SRX and 530 SROZ chains (no ZZZ). Any comments on what would be the best choice?
Thanks
Alain
I ran the SRX on the FJ for awhile. Worked okay, didn't wear very well compared to others I've used though.
What's wrong with a clip link? $20 for the tool to properly press the plates on. A little safety wire around it, and check on it periodically, like when you fill the tank and check the oil. That's what I do on my Kawi.
Riveting a link without the tool isn't impossible, it's just a headache. If you want to do a fair chunk of work that likely needs done anyhow, you can just make the chain endless on the bench (or have a dealer do it for you, probably for a mild fee), and pull the swingarm to install it. While you're in there, grease the swingarm bushings and even add zerks? Hell, many shops will install the chain for you relatively reasonably, just shop them around a bit so they don't screw you on the chain's price in the first place.
In over thirty years of riding on and off road I have not seen a problem with clip style master link if properly installed and if you need to take it off no problem.
Kurt
Pulling out the swingarm is something I can't do unsupervised.
I would gladly use a clip on master link but all the interresting chains (zzz, DID zvmx) are made to be used with a rivet-type link.
So what would be the best chain to buy with a clip-on master-link?
Alain
I believe I'm using an RK GB530XSO on the ZX9R, which comes with a rivet link but has clip types available. Looks like mine will go around 15-18kmi all told, which isn't terrible for the amount of abuse I give it (the bike is dragraced pretty heavily on 15/44 gearing and has >150 passes on this chain). Isn't terrible, but there should be something stronger available with a clip type link. Would look up more, but I'm prepping to go to the track in the next hour or so.
Many times you can buy a clip style master link for a chain if you want one, also a master link for a standard chain has the same clip and is cheaper than oring type if you want a new clip (taking the chain off then re-installing good idea to replace clip). Hope this helps?
Kurt
Really insane chains don't even have clips on offer. Such is the problem with the ZZZ, among others.
I thought I read somewhere a few years ago that many chain manufacturers were not offering clip links. Maybe that was just for their top strength chains.
DavidR.
Went through the EK and DID specs charts, all the interresting chains use a rivet type link.
525zvm-x
530zvm-x
525zvx2
530zvx2
If I bought one of these chains would a good Samaritan be willing to lend the rivet tool? All shipping costs at my expense.
Alain
I've used a Tsubaki Omega chain with a clip master for years.
Quote from: delarbreavous on July 04, 2012, 08:57:51 AM
Went through the EK and DID specs charts, all the interresting chains use a rivet type link.
Alain,
Although the ZZZ chain comes with a rivet link, you can purchase a clip link from their web site* for a 530 chain for less than $10 - or at least you could last time I bought a chain from them. I thought I had a brand new one amonst all my stuff but haven't found it. Otherwise I'd give it to you. I bought the link and decided to invest in a rivet tool and use the link that came with it. If you order a ZZZ chain you could probably substitute a clip link for the rivet type at no extra charge. However, I'd just get a rivet tool.
*Or whatever web site you purchase the chain from.
GT
I lost a clip on I-40 at midnight near Needles Cali. Got lucky it only broke a chain guard and the primary cover... Rivet link for me from now on. If your riding buddies don't have a rivet set tool already for borrow, you should take the lead for them. :drinks:
Quote from: cyclenutk75 on July 05, 2012, 05:57:18 PM
Alain,
Although the ZZZ chain comes with a rivet link, you can purchase a clip link from their web site* for a 530 chain for less than $10 - or at least you could last time I bought a chain from them. I thought I had a brand new one amonst all my stuff but haven't found it. Otherwise I'd give it to you. I bought the link and decided to invest in a rivet tool and use the link that came with it. If you order a ZZZ chain you could probably substitute a clip link for the rivet type at no extra charge. However, I'd just get a rivet tool.
*Or whatever web site you purchase the chain from.
http://www.ekchain.jp/product/extreme_sport.html (http://www.ekchain.jp/product/extreme_sport.html)
Really? Because even EK themselves say that they don't make them.
On their lesser chains yes. The ZZZ is/was their flagship model, and it is not offered with a clip link that I've ever seen nor heard of.
The chain's strength is it's weekest link, I'm not sure you can mix master links with any kind of chain, I'll stick with the charts.
Called the dealer for chain prices, one 525zvm-x chain 110 links, 257.00$ plus tax. :wacko1:
Found it on the net at Canada's motorcycle for 179.00$ shipping included.
Guess where I'm buying! I'll just have to find a place that have the proper tools to install it. (the dealer is
charging 35.00$ to install a chain, I don't think they will appreciate me coming in with my chain!)
Alain
Quote from: delarbreavous on July 06, 2012, 10:08:21 AM
Called the dealer for chain prices, one 525zvm-x chain 110 links, 257.00$ plus tax. :wacko1:
Found it on the net at Canada's motorcycle for 179.00$ shipping included.
Guess where I'm buying! I'll just have to find a place that have the proper tools to install it. (the dealer is
charging 35.00$ to install a chain, I don't think they will appreciate me coming in with my chain!)
I know we like to pick on dealers, (often rightfully) but I'm thinking $35 for chain installation is reasonable. Hell, by the time they wheel the bike in, secure it, cut the old chain off and get the new one installed and adjusted, and wheel the bike back out, it would be tough to do all this in less than 30 mins.
Most shops have a shop rate of at least $70/ hour -net net, this is not all that expensive -seems to me.
To your other point Alain, the price of the chain is too much and
should be ordered online, unless the shops are willing to work with you. Generally, the shops mark parts prices up so much that smart consumers simply go around it as you intend to do and buy online. Locally I have seen 5 different motorcycle shops, of different sizes come and go over the past 10 years. My point is, as a business model, it is seemingly not the gold mine you might think it is. They do need to make $$ to cover their costs and stay in business.
Where I can, I support my local businesses and will discuss frankly with them that their prices are unreasonable. As an example, I went to one of these now-closed dealers a few years ago, just to try on a helmet before I ordered it online. I told the sales guy as much and he was fine with it. After I selected the one I wanted, I was ready to walk out, and he said to me, 'do you mind me asking what your online price is?' I told him. He grimaced, looked (presumably) at his cost for that helmet, grimaced again, then said 'I can't meet that number, but I can sell it to you for an additional $10' -and you can take it home now'.
I bought it from him, he was
working with me and I appreciated it. My point is that dealers (stealers) are not all bad, all the time. It sure is nice having them around when you need something now, or want to put your hands on something and feel it, size it, test it before you actually buy it. I lament that there are not more dealers near where I live for these reasons.
Cheers,
Dan
Quote from: andyb on July 06, 2012, 08:00:39 AM
Really? Because even EK themselves say that they don't make them.
On their lesser chains yes. The ZZZ is/was their flagship model, and it is not offered with a clip link that I've ever seen nor heard of.
Yup. I shit you not. I say again....I'd just invest in a rivet tool. In fact, I did.
"smart consumers simply go around it as you intend to do and buy online"
And really smart consumers install their own chains and save the 35 bux.... for a tank of gas and lunch...
Eric M
Quote from: Yamifj1200 on July 06, 2012, 05:45:34 PM
"smart consumers simply go around it as you intend to do and buy online"
And really smart consumers install their own chains and save the 35 bux.... for a tank of gas and lunch...
Eric M
True. but we are a handy bunch with tools and know-how. MANY, in fact most motorcyclists, are not fortunate/ tooled up/ skilled/ brave... enough to even attempt it and other such mods, and are at the mercy of the bike shops. These are the folks that keep these shops in business I'm thinking.
Dan
Quote from: Yamifj1200 on July 06, 2012, 05:45:34 PM
And really smart consumers install their own chains and save the 35 bux.... for a tank of gas and lunch...
That would depend entirely on what value you place on your own time.
may as well pay the $35, still a decent saving , and if they ruin the chain and cut it too short , fair chance they should cash up for another one , , you stuff it up, its an expensive chain :good2:
Quote from: WestOzXJR on July 06, 2012, 11:07:30 PM
Quote from: Yamifj1200 on July 06, 2012, 05:45:34 PM
And really smart consumers install their own chains and save the 35 bux.... for a tank of gas and lunch...
That would depend entirely on what value you place on your own time.
It also gives you the opportunity to check your sprockets, swingarm, etc. to add to the piece of mind that it was (hopefully) done right.
Quote from: delarbreavous on July 06, 2012, 10:08:21 AM
525zvm-x chain 110 links,
The master link will be the least of your problems if you order a 525. FJ takes a 530.
If you go to a shop and buy a part normally some one helps you with some expertise. Making sure you get the right part recommending things that will help, yes you will pay a little more for this service but it can be worth it. Also you can ask for a discount if some one asked nicely I used to give them all the time. Tell them you can buy it cheaper from another business but would rather buy it here can you give me a better price many times they will say yes and have it now. Be ready to prove the price and if it is mail order they make you wait for the part not letting you have the on the . Hope this helps.
Kurt
Sure, that can happen. More common is that you walk into a shop or parts counter and some pimply faced kid comes up to serve you. When they ask what you're riding and you say FJ 1200, they look at you funny and ask, "Who makes that?" or "Sorry, we don't do antiques here" or "My parts fische (or listing) doesn't go back that far".
When you tell them what you can get the part for online, they just laugh weakly and say, there's no way to begin to match that price, but don't you really want us to order it for you? You pay up front and it takes twice as long to get it than it would if you ordered it yourself.
Arnie
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on July 10, 2012, 08:39:06 PM
If you go to a shop and buy a part normally some one helps you with some expertise. Making sure you get the right part recommending things that will help, yes you will pay a little more for this service but it can be worth it. Also you can ask for a discount if some one asked nicely I used to give them all the time. Tell them you can buy it cheaper from another business but would rather buy it here can you give me a better price many times they will say yes and have it now. Be ready to prove the price and if it is mail order they make you wait for the part not letting you have the on the . Hope this helps.
Kurt
Quote from: Arnie on July 10, 2012, 09:27:48 PM
Sure, that can happen. More common is that you walk into a shop or parts counter and some pimply faced kid comes up to serve you. When they ask what you're riding and you say FJ 1200, they look at you funny and ask, "Who makes that?" or "Sorry, we don't do antiques here" or "My parts fische (or listing) doesn't go back that far".
When you tell them what you can get the part for online, they just laugh weakly and say, there's no way to begin to match that price, but don't you really want us to order it for you? You pay up front and it takes twice as long to get it than it would if you ordered it yourself.
Arnie
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on July 10, 2012, 08:39:06 PM
If you go to a shop and buy a part normally some one helps you with some expertise. Making sure you get the right part recommending things that will help, yes you will pay a little more for this service but it can be worth it. Also you can ask for a discount if some one asked nicely I used to give them all the time. Tell them you can buy it cheaper from another business but would rather buy it here can you give me a better price many times they will say yes and have it now. Be ready to prove the price and if it is mail order they make you wait for the part not letting you have the on the . Hope this helps.
Kurt
+1 on that.. I can't remeber the last time I got served at an auto parts store/hardware store/paint shop/insert any place here where the person behind the counter actually knew about the product I was after without asking a supervisor or consulting a book. I think it was sometime in the late 90's..
I reckon you are far better off making an informed decision and ordering yourself online.
Lately this holds true with just about anywhere you go. Whether it be the bike shop, the auto parts store, the music store, or the electronics store. You'd expect the people that WORK there to be the experts, but when you walk in and you know more than the guy behind the counter, it can be frustrating. Although, in truth, with the help of a few minutes on the internet, any of us can learn enough to know more than the counter guy. Especially on specialized stuff like FJs. I've found that by asking around the service bays, you can usually find someone to say, "Yeah, I think Bob in the back has messed around with those old bikes." Bob's your guy.
Just sayin'. :pardon:
Must be different here I have known the parts manager at my local Yamaha dealer for over twenty years. Long before he was the PM when he was delivery person for a local distributor. I guess if look there are still some good help out there. When you fined them keep going back to the same person. Lots of the time it's cheaper to hire young kids who do not know very than some one with experience and knowledge.
Kurt
So I Went for it and bought a zvmx530 (yes Doug, I bought a 530! ;-).) with the proper link, I also bought the two sprockets and a new
Locking washer. Called the dealer told them my buddies bought me a chain for my birthday and asked if they could install it, they said yes! I also asked if they had the proper tool for that chain,went through the DID website and the zvmx chains can only be installed with the KM500R rivetting tool or you have to change the pin on the old models or the km501e for the km500r pin.
Will investigate at dealer.
Alain
Fun info: cost of a DID 50ZL chain at the dealer... 482.49$