chain questions

[delarbreavous]

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

[andyb]

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.

[yamaha fj rider]

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

[delarbreavous]

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

[andyb]

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.

[yamaha fj rider]

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

[andyb]

Really insane chains don't even have clips on offer.  Such is the problem with the ZZZ, among others.

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[delarbreavous]

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

[FJ Flyer]

I've used a Tsubaki Omega chain with a clip master for years.

[cyclenutk75]

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

[FeralJuggernaut]

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.   

[andyb]

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

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.

[delarbreavous]

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.

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

[Dan Filetti]

Called the dealer for chain prices, one 525zvm-x chain 110 links, 257.00$ plus tax.

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