Brand recommendations for longer chain life

[MtnRacer]

First my riding habits:

I commute from sunnyvale to SF, about 45 miles each way, 5x a week. I average around 80 mph, don't get on the gas much, and generally just cruise in the 1 lane until I get to work.

For some reason I am UNABLE to get more than 14,xxx miles out of a chain. I can't understand why, as I'm not really thrashing the chain much. This is with regular chain spot checks/adjustments and lubes every week or so, and brand new sprockets for each chain. I'm beginning to suspect the brand of chain I've been using (RK o-ring 530) and I'm looking for other options. If it's a chain/sprocket kit, so much the better. I would appreciate any advice you folks might have.

Much thanks,
Steve

 

[GottaRollWithIt]

I really like DID chains - the gold ones look especially snazzy too. Anyhow, I think DID's last a bit longer and tend to not stretch as easily. I know i'm not alone with this - i know a guy that just stopped using RK's because they didn't last long enough. They are cheaper, but overall it's easier and less time consuming to pay a lil more and buy the DID. Then again, this opinion may bring up wide controversy getting into chain lubes, brands, etc.

 

[afm199]

14k is about 12k more than I have gotten out of RK chains. Do you clean as well as lube? That makes them last longer.

DID ERV is THE premier chain, I get much better life out of them than RK.

 

[ChuckBecker]

Do you clean as well as lube? That makes them last longer.

DID ERV is THE premier chain, I get much better life out of them than RK.

I live by these words. I get 18K miles on my Speed Triple and only change at that point for peace of mind. Could probably go 24K, but "you know".

 

[Corey]

Is your wear on the sprockets extreme? You replace the sprockets and the chain at the same time? Could it be that the chain is either too tight or too loose?

 

[superhawk]

Is your wear on the sprockets extreme? You replace the sprockets and the chain at the same time? Could it be that the chain is either too tight or too loose?

+1

Or not as aligned as you think it is

 

[superhawk]

Sent you a p.m.

First my riding habits:

I commute from sunnyvale to SF, about 45 miles each way, 5x a week. I average around 80 mph, don't get on the gas much, and generally just cruise in the 1 lane until I get to work.

For some reason I am UNABLE to get more than 14,xxx miles out of a chain. I can't understand why, as I'm not really thrashing the chain much. This is with regular chain spot checks/adjustments and lubes every week or so, and brand new sprockets for each chain. I'm beginning to suspect the brand of chain I've been using (RK o-ring 530) and I'm looking for other options. If it's a chain/sprocket kit, so much the better. I would appreciate any advice you folks might have.

Much thanks,
Steve

 

[Corey]

Chain wears out before the sprockets? Seems like that would be a case of being too tight. Just my opinion.

 

[joespeedfast]

Get an O.E.(Factory part#'s) ZX-9R/10R or O.E. GSXR 1K 530. These are expensive chains with a tensile strength rating in the 10.5K range! I've gotten 30K plus out of my last three with over 150HP ridden hard. But ya, first make sure your chain alignment is good and it's not too tight. P.S. I've never gotten more than 15K out of an ERV DID on a 600/750.

 

[QA767]

First my riding habits:

I commute from sunnyvale to SF, about 45 miles each way, 5x a week. I average around 80 mph, don't get on the gas much, and generally just cruise in the 1 lane until I get to work.

For some reason I am UNABLE to get more than 14,xxx miles out of a chain. I can't understand why, as I'm not really thrashing the chain much. This is with regular chain spot checks/adjustments and lubes every week or so, and brand new sprockets for each chain. I'm beginning to suspect the brand of chain I've been using (RK o-ring 530) and I'm looking for other options. If it's a chain/sprocket kit, so much the better. I would appreciate any advice you folks might have.

Much thanks,
Steve

I average around 15,000 miles out of my chains also, 4 different bikes with different displacements over the past 7 years with a 100 mile round trip commute. I've used RK and DID 530, with cleaning and lube at 400 mile intervals. The real killer is riding in the wet. I notice that after riding in the rain or heavy drizzle that my chains have loosend up quite a bit, requiring tightening, which I tend to think shortens the life of the chain, but sometimes after an extended period of time not riding, I say "screw the rain" and put on the rain suit.

 

[Corey]

Another thought here, is if you're commuting, what size sprockets are you using? A smaller front will wear the chain(tighter radius) more than a larger front. Do you have any options for going one tooth bigger in the front? You could always go up a few sizes in the rear with a larger front sprocket. 1 tooth in the front is about the same as 3 teeth in the rear.

 

[silverbelt]

Sounds like the chain is out of alignment or to tight. D1D chains should last longer than 15K. Also, check the sprockets and if they are even slightly worn, replace them when you put the new chain on.

Stay away from RK chains, they don't last for shit.

 

[MtnRacer]

First, thanks for all the informed responses. I really appreciate it.

Sounds like my brand suspicions may be justified. To answer some responses:

Yes, the sprockets aren't worn very much.

Yes, I clean and scrub the chain regularly.

YES, I ride when it rains, in fact, the bike spends more time out of the garage than I'd like. (sounds like a big culprit)

No, I don't think the chain's overtightened because I made that mistake with the oem chain that the bike came with and have been careful since.

I've never checked the chain alignment, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's an issue as well. I like the idea of bigger front sprocket too.

Thanks for the food for thought guys. Sounds like I'll be buying a DID. Is the ERV pretty much THE way to go or are there other suitable options? Recommendations on sprockets for the f3?

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Corey]

Looking at http://www.jtsprockets.com/48.0.html?&L=0 here's your options:


Selected Model:
Honda CBR600 F 3 USA
1997 to 1998


Front Sprocket: JTF 1371.15

Rear Sprocket: JTR 1304.43

Alloy Rear Sprocket: JTA 1304.43

Recommended Chain: : 525 / 108



Front sprocket available in: 14, 15 teeth

Rear sprocket available in: 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47 teeth

Alloy Rear sprocket available in: 43, 44, 45 teeth

Very important: Please note that the chain shown in this listing is for size reference only. For the correct chain type and grade, please refer to the vehicle's manufacturer manual.




Gear Ratio
......14.....15
47 3.36 3.13
45 3.21 3.00
44 3.14 2.93
43 3.07 2.87
42 3.00 2.80
41 2.93 2.73
39 2.79 2.60


Looks like you have options.

 

[elskipador]

my experience has been that a top-shelf DID or RK chain (in the stock width) with steel sprockets and lots of cleaning, lubing and properly adjusting will give you the best life.

 

[shraz]

go with an X-ring chain