Chain, chain, chain - Chain of LUV

[Burns]

As my "noobie" handle might have clued you, I'm a brand new FJ owner. As noted in my intro post I just unloaded my new-to-me '89 from my truck last night.

A quick once-over revealed that it is time for a new chain.   That's not the sort of thing I would put off on any motorcycle, let alone on a 259 KG torque monster, so "new chain"  on the top of my 2 do list.

What brand/vendor do you recommend? 

I have a chain breaker that does the job on a 530 - will it be up to the FJ monster links or do I need something bigger?

Is there anything quirky about changing this chain?


BTW thanks for the owner's manual link, mates.  I now have that PDF in an  "FJ" folder on my desktop that I'm sure will be getting more entries soon.

[rktmanfj]

EK ZZZ or DID ZVM, wherever you can find the best price... try eBay and Amazon.

[Capn Ron]

Welcome Burns!
What part of the world are you from?  We've got FJ Owners on most continents, rallys in some of them and much free advice!  On that last note, many here steered me towards an EK-ZZZ chain.  I had a dealer-installed chain on my bike and was adjusting that thing after every two days of riding (400 mile days).  I got fed up with that routine and replaced it with the EK-ZZZ and both sprockets.  Rode another 12,000 miles on that trip and only had to adjust the new chain twice.  TWICE! 

Keeping it clean and properly lubed is a breeze once you get into that habit and it'll last you for many years!!

Cap'n Ron. . .

[ddlewis]

"Chain chain chain, chain of FOOLS"...

If the chain is toast, cut it off w angle grinder in 10sec.  Only break one if you're going to reuse which happens... never..  Chain tool mostly handy for the rivet-peen function, this IMO.

[Capn Ron]

Is there anything quirky about changing this chain?

As ddlewis pointed out, just cutting the old chain will be your easiest method.  If you do that...and aren't replacing sprockets, just wire the new chain to the back of the old (cut) chain...using that to pull the new chain around the front sprocket.

Cap'n Ron. . .

[Burns]

Thanks for the tips fellas.  I'll be shopping for the EK.

I'm leaning toward changing the sprockets (which look ok) just to give that new chain its least hostile environment. 

[markmartin]

+1 on the EK-ZZZ.  Adjustment --- maybe once between tire changes.  

If you're going to change the sprockets as well, it would be a good time to consider the different sizes available and the ratios that result.  Stock is 17/42   Depending on the type of driving you expect to do, it may be to your liking to select accordingly.  

Randy at RPM has a good selection. http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39&filter=Sprockets

The 'Search' function will help to see what others have done and their observations on different combinations. 

[Country Joe]

Is anybody else running or has run an EK MVXZ chain on their FJ? Or I guess more importantly, has anyone broken one on their FJ?

Joe

[ribbert]

There's nothing to discuss here.

Best chain, rivet link, that's it!
Don't be influenced by what's easiest to fit (clip) or a few dollars cheaper, it will be on there for a long time (or maybe it won't)

Noel

[aviationfred]

There's nothing to discuss here.

Best chain, rivet link, that's it!
Don't be influenced by what's easiest to fit (clip) or a few dollars cheaper, it will be on there for a long time (or maybe it won't)

Noel

Rivet type master link is the only way to go. Here is the riveting tool that I have. It works great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATV-Bike-Motorcycle-Cam-Drive-Chain-Breaker-Riveter-Rivet-Riveting-Cutter-Tool-/200924656964?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2ec80af544&vxp=mtr

Fred

[andyb]

+1 on the EK-ZZZ.  Adjustment --- maybe once between tire changes.  

If you're going to change the sprockets as well, it would be a good time to consider the different sizes available and the ratios that result.  Stock is 17/42   Depending on the type of driving you expect to do, it may be to your liking to select accordingly.  

Randy at RPM has a good selection.

Not on a 89 it isn't.  17/40.

Otherwise absolutely right.  18/43 is the same good compromise that stock is, with a bit of an easier life for the chain.  Realize that you'll have to buy a bit extra length in the process, though.   The other nice thing is that if you wanted to give it longer legs, you could cut another few links out and drop the rear back down, probably without changing the chain per the usual requirement.

EK ZZZ is a kickass chain.

Buy stuff from Randy.  Best service and pricing you'll be able to find.

[rktmanfj]

+1 on the EK-ZZZ.  Adjustment --- maybe once between tire changes.  

If you're going to change the sprockets as well, it would be a good time to consider the different sizes available and the ratios that result.  Stock is 17/42   Depending on the type of driving you expect to do, it may be to your liking to select accordingly.  

Randy at RPM has a good selection.

Not on a 89 it isn't.  17/40.

Otherwise absolutely right.  18/43 is the same good compromise that stock is, with a bit of an easier life for the chain.  Realize that you'll have to buy a bit extra length in the process, though.   The other nice thing is that if you wanted to give it longer legs, you could cut another few links out and drop the rear back down, probably without changing the chain per the usual requirement.

EK ZZZ is a kickass chain.

Buy stuff from Randy.  Best service and pricing you'll be able to find.

+1 on the 18T c/s and RPM service.

Randy's got chain on the site now?   

Screw what I said about eBay and Amazon... get one from him.   

[movenon]

EK ZZZ  ..... No master links... Best price I have found is.  http://www.indysuperbikes.com/product.php?productid=700059&page=1

George

[andyoutandabout]

I like D.I.D.
Never used anything else so can't comment on EZ items.

[FeralRdr]

I'm a big fan of the DID ZVM-X chains.  When I pulled my FJ out of storage several years ago, the old Diamond brand chain that was on her, was toast (rusty and squeaky (no lube in the rollers)).  I replaced it with a DID ZVM-2 and got around 30,000 miles on it before having to replace it with a ZVM-X.  To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with either an EK or DID chain.  Our FJ's originally came with DID 530 O-Ring chains (At least according to the factory Service Manuals), and today's modern chains are made with newer materials and better technology.  Both my OEM chain and the Diamond replacement only lasted about 20,000 miles apiece, though I have to admit that I didn't take as good a care of them as I did the ZVM replacement chains.