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Chain of fools
#24791 10/11/2005 10:38 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
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Continuing chain saga from my prior post. Chain is toast started calling around and looking on the net for replacement chain. OOCH! I had no idea chains were that expensive. And O-Ring chain runs $100.00 and up. An X-Ring even higher.

I checked the Triumph Manual for chain type and they list the
DID 525 VM2 as the factory installed chain, OEM part.
Funny thing is the chain on my bike doesn't look like an O-ring chain, it looks like an regular roller chain.

While net surfing found these links on chain informative:
http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/motorcycle/how_to/mc_chains.html

I'm off to the bike shop to lay down some money this morning.


bigsteve
Re: Chain of fools
bigsteve #24792 10/11/2005 10:48 AM
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Posts: 1,320
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A slightly cheaper alternative. My Speedmaster was down for three whole days because I'd ordered a chain that was too short, and I couldn't stand not having the bike not running, so I went and bought a Parts Unlimited X-Ring chain. Yeah, it's the "generic" chain, but it was less than $90, and aside from the lack of plating on the side plates, is mechanically identical to the D.I.D. chains. I have to spend a little bit more time cleaning the chain, but that's no big deal to me. Point being, there are somewhat cheaper options.


Michael D. Rodriguez
Re: Chain of fools
bigsteve #24793 10/11/2005 11:24 AM
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Quote:

DID 525 VM2 as the factory installed chain, OEM part.
Funny thing is the chain on my bike doesn't look like an O-ring chain, it looks like an regular roller chain.


It is indeed an o-ring chain. When you cut it off you'll observe the o-rings. You'll need a chain breaker to cut the chain and rivet the new master link on. That is round 130 bucks. Since you have 7100 miles on your sprockets just a chain may get you on the road again, but the first tenant of chains is match the chain to the sprockets. That is, a new chain with new sprockets. Yet how many members have changed out their front sprocket without replacing the chain? Kinda like the quandry of getting a nail in a tire. Replace or repair? Your choice! I think Greg (Bayern710) made mention that his dealer charged him 60 bucks to install his new chain. Whereas Pat's (Dinqua) fiancé Jane had a chain installed. Pat, "I bought my GF one of the pretty gold chains, to match her yellow Magna, and the Yamaha shop only charged her $23 to install the new chain. The Triumph/Honda shop wanted $75..."

So the moral of the story:

If you ride with others who have 525 chains, buy the DID tool. If not shop around as dealers vary in the price they charge.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Chain of fools
bigsteve #24794 10/12/2005 8:05 AM
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Another excellent chain related FAQ site.
I thought I understood chains fairly well. The more I learn I find how little I really know.....

http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/GeneralChainFAQ.htm


bigsteve

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