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Replacement Chain
#222365 12/05/2007 10:58 PM
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05tba Offline OP
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I am sure this question has been asked here already, but I am asking it again. Where can I get a "cheaper" chain? I don't want to spend the 200+ for the "Triumph" genuine part replacement. Any suggestions???

Thanks,


GM

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222366 12/05/2007 11:09 PM
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3/4 Throttle
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Try somewhere like this:

http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/products.asp?id=54

Obviously one in your neck of the woods !


If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
Re: Replacement Chain
Brummie #222367 12/05/2007 11:35 PM
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Fe Butt
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If you look in the tech vault there is a Honda chain set that fits our bikes. Then you could go with a standard 530 chain and sprockets and save quite a bit. If you use a std. chain youy simply have to lube it more often and keep it clean.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222368 12/06/2007 2:06 AM
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I'm pretty sure the Triumph item is a chain and sprockets set. It is recommended to replace both, so by the time you find that "cheaper chain" and buy sprockets, you're probably near 2 bills anyway. Hermy's has them for $198.

You get what you pay for.


More flags More fun!
Re: Replacement Chain
Deon #222369 12/06/2007 4:07 AM
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Or you can get a nice chrome chain like I did. Then you don't feel so bad about spendeing 200 bucks. It shines.....

Re: Replacement Chain
trash #222370 12/06/2007 8:47 AM
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I do not have my owner's manual or the bike for awhile but I want to order a chain. How many links are in the stock chain??

Re: Replacement Chain
trash #222371 12/06/2007 12:29 PM
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Quote:

Or you can get a nice chrome chain like I did.



That sounds cool. Where did you find one?
SteveB

Re: Replacement Chain
XHD #222372 12/06/2007 12:50 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Or you can get a nice chrome chain like I did.



That sounds cool. Where did you find one?
SteveB




I snagged one off Ebay for like $95.
A nice X-ring job.
They come in chrome & in colors.
I think they're more like $135 day in, day out.
They aren't "show" chrome, but they look nice.
I'm running MFR lube on it, which is pretty much invisible.
Longevity remains to be seen.

Contrarian views on 530 chains/aftermarket sprockets:
Stock chain is a 525, and the stock sprocket is undercut on the outside face.
As a result, a 530 chain with aftermarket sprockets is a bit bulkier in a couple of ways.
The tradeoff here is the amount of thread on the studs & clearance between nuts and adjusters.


Said Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike. Richard Thompson
Re: Replacement Chain
The_Dog33 #222373 12/06/2007 12:56 PM
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Quote:

If you look in the tech vault there is a Honda chain set that fits our bikes. Then you could go with a standard 530 chain and sprockets and save quite a bit. If you use a std. chain youy simply have to lube it more often and keep it clean.




The MFR lube could have a place in this as well.
Clear, no fling, self-cleaning.
As to the cosmetic issue raised above, standard chains are available with different finishes too.

Is this a hijack yet?


Said Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike. Richard Thompson
Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222374 12/06/2007 3:02 PM
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moe Offline
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Quote:

I do not have my owner's manual or the bike for awhile but I want to order a chain. How many links are in the stock chain??




From the tech vault
Re: OEM Chain Specs DID 525 VM (112 link)

Let it be known that replacing both sprockets whenever replacing the chain is the proper way to do it.

In your case buy a cheap chain and reuse your old sprockets. Flip them over though. There is a little bit about a chain tool being needed.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222375 12/06/2007 4:53 PM
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I used to use chains made by these people, http://www.diamondchain.com/products/catalog.php

They seemed to last well enough. You can buy by the foot and then use a chain breaker to cut to fit, saving a lot of cash. Don't forget to get some master links too!


Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222376 12/06/2007 7:43 PM
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Fast Eddy Sports has a chain kit with the chain and 2 sprockets for $175 including shipping.


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: Replacement Chain
PES #222377 12/06/2007 9:10 PM
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You can buy complete Triumph kits for a little under $200. that include the chain, both sprockets, and a new lock washer that doesn't come with the other kits. The Triumph front sprockets have the rubber on them which might eliminate a little vibration (debatable). For only $20. difference, I'd go the Triumph complete replacement kit.


Bob 2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
Re: Replacement Chain
XHD #222378 12/08/2007 1:08 AM
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Quote:

Quote:

Or you can get a nice chrome chain like I did.



That sounds cool. Where did you find one?
SteveB




http://www.moto-chains.com/site/898528/product/ek525mvxz

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222379 12/09/2007 2:55 PM
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send unclecharlie a pm. he did the belt drive conversion. I think he has his chain lying around.His was still fairly new too.


Erwin
05 America
Re: Replacement Chain
Erwin #222380 12/10/2007 2:27 PM
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I spent the $200 and bought the Triumph parts.....seemed very inexpensive for a chain and sprocket set that needed to be changed after 22,000 miles.....when I hit 44,000 I'll do it again with Triumph parts....let's see.....$400 in parts over 44,000 miles...even doubling the cost (and miles) it sounds inexpensive....

Re: Replacement Chain
michael #222381 12/10/2007 3:19 PM
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I don't have stock sprockets on my bike. It would be a waste of money for me to buy "stock sprockets" when I don't use them...

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222382 12/10/2007 4:14 PM
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So what sprockets are you using? 42 rear? what about the front?


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
michael #222383 12/16/2007 11:27 AM
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Quote:

I spent the $200 and bought the Triumph parts.....seemed very inexpensive for a chain and sprocket set that needed to be changed after 22,000 miles.....when I hit 44,000 I'll do it again with Triumph parts....let's see.....$400 in parts over 44,000 miles...even doubling the cost (and miles) it sounds inexpensive....




Gets my vote.

I went from my stock 16t front sprocket to an 18t, and really liked the both of them a lot. Just have to get used to the difference.

When my chain needed replacement, I had two choices from Triumph - the Speedmaster set (for the earlier year models), or the America set with the 17t front sprocket,
which I went with. Could not be happier.

I do not know how many options Triumph gives us now, since the 865 engine became standard, but I am probably not too far from getting to find out. The 17t front proves to be a happy medium - easier starts, good roll-on, rpms just a little over 5k at 90 mph (indicated).

And a lot easier to get the set than to round it all up separately.

Sprockets and chain should be done together.



Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
Re: Replacement Chain
Blackwind #222384 01/02/2008 3:38 PM
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So it turns out...All my other problems with "Not so pleasurable throttle response" and "slipping clutch" can be blamed on the old stretched out chain. I replaced it last week and noticed that all of my problems went away. I would have never expected the sensations that I was experiencing would be a result of the chain. Hmmm...Lesson learned for future maintenance issues.

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222385 01/02/2008 6:55 PM
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Old Hand
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I've used chains from these guys, http://www.diamondchain.com/products/pro_motorcyclechain.php
for years. They are about as good a quality/cost combination as you can get. You can save a bit buying a roll of chain and a number of masterlink kits and cut to fit your application.


Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
Re: Replacement Chain
Greybeard #222386 01/02/2008 7:26 PM
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Geoff, how many miles did you have on your chain?


Bob 2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
Re: Replacement Chain
RamSound #222387 01/02/2008 10:48 PM
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Quote:

Geoff, how many miles did you have on your chain?




I had almost 27000 miles on the bike when I changed out the chain. It was probably due around 24000 though...

Re: Replacement Chain
Greybeard #222388 01/02/2008 10:53 PM
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Quote:

I've used chains from these guys, for years. They are about as good a quality/cost combination as you can get. You can save a bit buying a roll of chain and a number of masterlink kits and cut to fit your application.




I replaced it with a DID chain. Stock links and size, o-ring type. I got it open ended with a compression master link. Quick and easy to replace. I put the old one on the ground on its side, practically made a semi-circle with it. It was pretty stretched!! It actually left some gouge marks in the aluminum cover/guard that set underneath the primary sprocket. Boy did I neglect the replacement of that thing. Lesson learned.

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222389 01/03/2008 10:02 AM
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Your journey reminds me of similar Georgian tale some months ago. Except their secondary drive train had closer to 36K on it.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
moe #222390 02/19/2008 11:12 PM
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Is the Triumph replacement chain continuous or does it have a master link? With 24,700 miles, I HAVE to get a new one soon, before I head east to Georgia, but I don't want to pay the $100 or more in labor to have it done at a dealer..


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: Replacement Chain
PES #222391 02/19/2008 11:28 PM
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Loquacious
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Paul,
I can send you my chain break/riveter....just mail it back when you are done with it!


we should do this every weekend!
Re: Replacement Chain
Yota #222392 02/20/2008 9:57 AM
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Or I could give it back to you in person, with a big buddy hug.


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: Replacement Chain
PES #222393 02/20/2008 10:10 AM
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Quote:

Is the Triumph replacement chain continuous or does it have a master link? With 24,700 miles, I HAVE to get a new one soon, before I head east to Georgia, but I don't want to pay the $100 or more in labor to have it done at a dealer..




Most are broken chains. I got the DID x-ring chain with the riveted master link. Very easy. Took about 10 minutes to do. Cut the old one off with the angle grinder and slid the new one on. Popped on the master link and pressed down the rivets. If you are inventive enough, you can do it without the "required" tool...

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222394 02/20/2008 11:33 AM
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I'm not sure the original question was answered. I thought the Triumph kit had a continuous chain just like stock. I'm hoping there will be a 42/18 kit available now that it is a stock set up. As far as I can tell the kits are either 42/16 or 42/17 sprockets.


Bob 2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
Re: Replacement Chain
RamSound #222395 02/20/2008 11:50 AM
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I just talked to Baxter cycle in Marney, Iowa. Stock Triumph replacement chain DOES have a master link. Chain and sprocket set, $219, plus shipping. Very helpful people.


Fidelis et Fortis
Re: Replacement Chain
PES #222396 02/20/2008 1:35 PM
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Fe Butt
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Quote:

Or I could give it back to you in person, with a big buddy hug.




Careful, I hear Yota likes to spoon.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Replacement Chain
RamSound #222397 02/20/2008 2:46 PM
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Having purchased 4 chain kits I can state unequivocally that the kit has a length of chain. That is to say the new chain is not endless.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
moe #222398 02/21/2008 12:26 AM
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+1


we should do this every weekend!
Re: Replacement Chain
Yota #222399 02/21/2008 8:06 PM
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Thanks guys. Sorry for the dumb and probably repetitive questions, but if you have a chain breaker you don't need to grind off the link as Geoff did, right? Also as mentioned above the down side of getting the kit from a dealer is you don't have the option of using a different tooth sprocket, like an 18. True? And what about all those fancy gold colored chains the sportbike guys use. Are those stronger? I saw one on Blasts old Speedmaster.

Yota, I'll probably find out if I can use Angelis's chain breaker if he is still speaking to me. Donny might still be willing to let me go over to his diesel shop and replace it. I know they have something there that can cut the chain off. It will save you the cost of shipping it.

Yeah Dog I know about Yota's alleged reputation for spooning. But he was a perfect gentleman when we roomed together in Arkansas. Maybe I am just not his type...


"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
Re: Replacement Chain
PES #222400 02/22/2008 9:54 AM
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If you have the DID chain tool, then you cut the chain by pushing out a pin using the DID tool.

If you order the oem kit, you could order the kit for a speedy(16) america (17). I need others to input here, but does one of the 270's come stock now with an 18 tooth? If so order that kit. It's up to you to figure the total price of going to an 18 tooth buying the america kit and a 18 sprocket vs buying all separate.

Colored stuff is bling. stronger chains are the 530s with which you have to go with the 530 chain rings. Tech vault for apps.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
moe #222401 02/22/2008 3:27 PM
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I used the stock specs to order my new chain even though I run an 18 tooth front sprocket. My sprockets looked absolutely fine so I ordered the chain only. I go with the old school thought "2 chains for 1 sprocket". I don't see how today's chains could possibly wear a sprocket harder than an old one with the new technology of 0-rings and x-rings. Therefore, if one was able to get 2 chain replacements per one set of sprockets, the same should at the very minimum, hold true today. Just because the dealer/manufacturer says something, does not mean it is true. In fact, I am less likely to believe either of those sources. Take it straight from those with real life experience who aren't potentially making a profit on what they tell you. They are usually the most honest.

Re: Replacement Chain
05tba #222402 02/22/2008 3:40 PM
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here is my real life experience.



I ride too hard and far from home to suffer the cheapness of not changing the chain ring/sprocket. To each their own I guess. What is the cost of the rings? I cheap hotel room? Don't get me wrong, I am one cheap sob but when it comes to my bony butt I spend the money.

Oh yeah, all the front sprockets looked like this one too. I hope you at least fipped over your sprockets, no?


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Replacement Chain
moe #222403 02/22/2008 5:02 PM
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Trouble with 2 chains to 1 sprocket is the 2nd chain wears much faster,never put a new chain on old sprockets or old chain on new sprockets. As far as replacement I'll go with a std 530 chain and cheap Honda sprockets and pocket the change.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!

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