bike chain

[vettman]

I have a 7720 tinsel strength chain.  Is it strong enough for my 1986 FJ1200 for normal use of bike?

[mikeholzer]

Best that I know, tinsel is ideal for Christmas trees only. I wouldn't think it would propel a bike very well.

[Pat Conlon]

Hey vettman, welcome, don't let Mike put you off, first impressions and all....
A 530 o ring chain with a tensile strength of 7720 would be IMO a bit low for normal duty on FJ's. I would not recommend it.
But....seeing as though you already have it, give it a try and keep a eye on the amount of chain stretch you get.
We have found that FJ's are hard on chains. The extra $$ you spend on a premium chain seems to be worth it over the long haul.
DID ZVM-X chains have a tensile strength of around 10,600 and the monster EK ZZZ of around 11,000.

Cheers!

[andyb]

I repeatedly broke a chain that was rated at 9100lbs, on an FJ, during normal use.

I then put my big boy panties on and bought a good chain.  Not only did it not snap and hole the cases (again!), but it didn't stretch and require adjustment so often.  I will suggest getting a plated (chrome, gold, whatever strikes your fancy) because the sideplates will resist rust a bit better if you get behind on the cleaning, doubly so if you ride in rain and such.

An EK ZZZ is rated at 9400lbs.  The chain I went to was actually rated lower than the "9100lb" one that I broke, and there doesn't appear to be a stanardized testing routine.  So ignore the rated strength, and get something with a good reputation.  EK, RK, Regina, and DID all seem to be liked pretty well.  I personally won't ever use anything but a EK or RK, but go with your own personal preference.

[weymouth399]

FWIW
I broke a regina gold chain on my KX500 on the ice, this chain had less than 10 gallons of gas on it.   
Of course it broke the cases. 
Now I run the best DID I can get. 
Thats what was on it before my friends shamed me into replacing my 13 year old never failled chain.
And when I wear the FJs chain out, it will to get a DID unless someone has bad things to say about them.
Bob W

[Pat Conlon]

An EK ZZZ is rated at 9400lbs.  The chain I went to was actually rated lower than the "9100lb" one that I broke, and there doesn't appear to be a stanardized testing routine.  So ignore the rated strength, and get something with a good reputation.  EK, RK, Regina, and DID all seem to be liked pretty well.  I personally won't ever use anything but a EK or RK, but go with your own personal preference.

Andy, re: EK ZZZ; was there some sort of third party testing which came up with that number? 9400 is low according to the mfgr's specs:
http://www.ekchain.com/zzz.htm

[Kopfjaeger]

agree with andy B. RK chains. never had an issue with them . bit pricey but cheaper then replacing engincases/sidecovers/limbs

[las1200]

knowing nothing about the chain on my fj I wonder how can identify it, brand and specs?

[RichBaker]

Most chains have some sort of markings on the sideplates.... take a look and let us know.

[junkyardroad]

I broke a regina gold chain

FWIW  I abused the shit out of a Regina Gold 530, far beyond what I expected of it.  Lots of power, heavy rider, sticky tire, etc.  The chain was still tight and showed no wear or stretch when I sold the bike.  One front and two rear sprockets, same chain.

I have never really bought in to the hypothesis of new chain/sprocket at the same time.  Too many variables, lots of folklore.

[andyb]

Andy, re: EK ZZZ; was there some sort of third party testing which came up with that number? 9400 is low according to the mfgr's specs:
http://www.ekchain.com/zzz.htm

Pat, spec came from here but the idea was that frankly, it doesn't matter what it's rated at, until they come up with a standardized way of measuring or an independent test for them.  It's a little like tire size, they all vary a bit despite their rated numbers.

Good chains > cheap chains.  And they don't seem to go in the same category, ever.  Sadly.

[jack02]

Can't speak for any other brand than DID - but my ZVM has broke thru' 10K without needing any adjustment,and that's a fact... but I do have my home-made super chain oiler to keep it happy.

[racerman_27410]

An EK ZZZ is rated at 9400lbs. 

WRONG!


obviously a misprint as that ZZZ chain is rated at 11,000 Lbs.


KOokaloo!