EK ZZZ Chain No More - Really?

[FJ1100mjk]

After reading glowing comments about the brand and its chain, and the need to install a new chain and sprockets too, I contacted one source for the chain. A source that others have purchased their EK ZZZ chains from. I received the following reply from them:

"Sorry all 530ZZZ are now upgraded to the new 530ZVX3 chain same tensile strength new name we can get that chain for you."

Interesting, since EK still shows the ZZZ chain on their website http://www.ekchain.jp/product/extreme_sport.html Maybe its just the 530 size you can't get anymore. I never looked into it, but maybe a question to Enuma Chain Mfg will clear this up. Anyways...

Has anyone else run into the above when trying to source an EK ZZZ chain for their FJ lately?

Some other questions:

1. Has anyone here bought the EK ZVX3 chain and have a review on it?

2. Has anyone here bought a Tsubaki Sigma chain, and have any feedback on it?

3. I know someone here posted positive comments about a DID chain, and I can't recall which one, but I know that I looked into it earlier, and it must be gold-plated or something, because its price was way out there.

Thanks.

[Yamifj1200]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EK530ZZZ-GOLD-150-LINK-CHAIN-571830-/170758410329?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c1fe9059&vxp=mtr

Not cheap , but available.

Eric M

[chocker]

Hey,
it is available at powersportparts.net for 153.65$ in silver, chrome and gold. I bought from them before and there is free shipping as well in the United States. I'm from Canada and it wasn't that much for shipping anyway.

Mark

[Firehawk068]

I would guess the difference between the "ZZZ" chain, and the "ZVX3" chain would be the switch to an "X-Ring" type of O-rings in the chain.................
If this is indeed the case, there are advantages to the "X-Ring" style over the traditional o-ring design.................such as: less friction within the chain, better lubrication holding, better dirt barrier, longer o-ring and chain life, etc.......

I don't have any experience with EK as a brand of chain, but I am sure that they are a quality piece...................

When I replaced my chain and sprockets 4-1/2 years ago, this is the one I went with.............



It uses a Rivet type master link...............



When I installed it on 6-10-2010, this was my adjustment..............(I still had 1 link to cut off)



4-1/2 years, and approx. 21,000 miles later, this is my current adjustment (12-20-14)
As you can see, there has been very little stretch.....................Keep your chain clean and lubricated, and it will last a very long time!




The only experience I have with DID chains, is the one that came factory on my rear shock preload adjustment.....................But they are also a quality brand....






Motorcycle chains are one of those things that "You get what you pay for"............................Sure, you can find deals on a quality chain, but expect to pay a lot for a good one....
Don't skimp on quality here, and purchase a cheap chain.............
A primo quality one will last a long, long time if taken care of.............

So far mine has gone through (2) Pirelli Angels, and (1) Michelin Pilot Road-2.............................Next up is a Pilot Road-4  

[movenon]

I and a few others have bought ZZZ chain from https://www.indysuperbikes.com/ from memory 139.00 plus shipping. I see there WEB site is down at the moment. I think they are a small internet store. I have ordered 2 different items from them with no problem.  The chain is 120 links so you will have to remove 10 links. In the past that is the best price I have seen on that chain.

Not much help on your questions. I am real happy with the ZZZ chain.  


You will have to verify but this Cycle Gear told me that there house brand is made by RK if you are shopping around. As noted by Alan don't get a cheap chain.
At least one member here has a broken engine case from a chain that let go and that was at low speed.
George

[FJ1100mjk]

Thanks for the feedback and information on chain choices and sources for them.

Looking at EK's info, it appears that the ZZZ chain has a slightly higher tensile strength and "wear index", than their ZVX series, and no mention of x-type o-ring seals for either. The ZZZ also has something called Zero Stretch Technology (ZST). No chain adjustment for the first 1,000 kilometers. Hmm. Anyways, looks like it can still be sourced. Thanks for the links to it.

Indysuperbike.com is the source that told me that the ZZZ was upgraded to the ZVX. I am going to call and ask them for some more detail on this, and get their price(s).

From the report by Firehawk068 on RK's GB530GXW chain, that one looks to be a viable option on a quality chain, and with comparable pricing.

i have also seen some good reports on DID's EVRM2 and ZVM chains, but have not looked into them.

I now have enough info to move forward on a chain purchase. Thanks again.

[FJmonkey]

I have 10K miles on my EK ZZZ chain, and I have never needed to adjust it.... Well, I go through rear wheels every 6K or so, but the chain was not in need of adjusting. I lube with Tri-Flow, it flings off but it also cleans off easy, and the chain stays clean and lubed. A very good chain, the best one I have used in my 17 years of ownership of my FJ.   

[FJ1100mjk]

Hey,
it is available at powersportparts.net for 153.65$ in silver, chrome and gold. I bought from them before and there is free shipping as well in the United States. I'm from Canada and it wasn't that much for shipping anyway.

Mark

All three color choices for 530  say "out of stock" when selected. Makes me wonder if the ZZZ is still available.

Guess I'll call them this week.

[yamaha fj rider]

You asked about a sigma chain. I ran one of these on a 500 dirt bike. It failed on the second ride and was replaced. The second chain was ok but not great. Went back to RK chains after that. EK zzz working well on my FJ to date. Hope this helps,

Kurt

[FJ1100mjk]

Thanks for the feedback Kurt. I tried calling either of the sources above about the EK ZZZ chain. Indysuperbike appears to be defunct now, and Powersportparts (voicemails and emails
get no response) is silent.

It looks like the RK chain in Firehawk068's post above is available, and I'll probably end up with that one.

Winter is in full-swing. No rush for a couple months, or so.

[FJ1100mjk]

According to Powersportparts.net, EK ZZZ has been discontinued. EK's ZVX3 is its replacement now.

If you can still locate a EK ZZZ, grab it!