Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Chain for 2002 Bonneville America

I have 2500 miles on my bike. The previous owner purchased it new and didn't do much riding. The chain has some rust spots on it and I would like to replace it. It is well lubed and the sprockets are in perfect shape.

I purchased this chain from Dennis Kirk - http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_ca...1504&mmyId=

As you can see they state "Maximum Engine Size - 750cc" yet the box the chain comes in states "Maximum Engine Size - 600cc"

I emailed Dennis Kirk and this is what was said -

I purchased a Parts Unlimited 525 X-Ring High Performance Drive Chain.
Your site states "Maximum Engine Size - 750cc" Yet the box the chain comes in states "Maximum Engine Size 600cc". The chain that originally came with my 2002 Triumph Bonneville America is a DID 525 VM2 chain which is also rated at 750cc. This bike has a 790cc engine. Is it safe to use this chain I purchased from you guys on my bike?

Reply -

hello, thanks for contacting us here at dennis kirk.
the 525MO chain is rated for 600cc.
the 525 X-Ring chain is rated for 750cc.
i would not recommend either for your model.
take a look at the following:
2002 to 2004 Triumph 800 Bonneville
Stock Front Sprocket: 17
Stock Rear Sprocket: 43
Stock Chain: 525x106
RK
GB525XSO Sealed Ring Chain 119354110 $133.99
GB525GXW Sealed Ring Chain 119352110 $182.99
DID
Superbike Series-525 ZVM2 Chain 110099120 $180.99
you will need to shorten them to fit your model.
have a good day,
rick

dennis kirk, inc.

www.denniskirk.com
sales: 800-328-9280
tech: 320-358-4793
fax: 320-358-3003

Now I have to return this chain for a refund and probably pay a hefty shipping fee since chains ain't light.

What chains do you guys recommend for a 2002 Bonneville America? I don't want a gold plated chain. Nickel plated would be cool. I'd like to keep the price under $150.

You can buy a factory chain kit complete with new front and rear sprockets for $186.15. If your chain is worn out, it might be a good idea to replace the sprockets as well.

CCC Triumph

I guess I didn't pay close enough attention to the first part of your post. You can probably buy a factory chain at a good price from them without sprockets.

all you need to do is clean your existing chain with keroseen, 2500 miles is not even going to stregth that cahin in the slighets bit.

I agree with Joker, you would be amazed how well a chain can clean up. Save the money and clean up first. I only use kerosene and a chain brush (available at newspeedmaster.com or other places). Then apply a good chain wax about every 500 miles - more often if riding in rain.

I agree with the rest of the guys. If you only have 2500 miles on the chain, clean it up and adjust if needed. I have 18,000 on mine and I'm just thinking about replacing at the end of the summer. The mechanic at the shop I go to for tires, said it still has some miles on it.

I emailed Dennis kirk back about the chain I received and here is what was said -

Ok, I am a little confused. I am looking at the "Parts Unlimited LM525 Pro-X Ring Chain" box right now and it states "Designed for maximum engine size of 600cc".
Now your web site states "Parts Unlimited 525 X-Ring High Performance Drive Chain Maximum Engine Size - 750cc"

- http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_ca...1504&mmyId=

The stock chain that comes on the 2002 Triumph Bonneville America is a DID 525 VM2.
I've already received the Parts Unlimited LM525 Pro-X Ring Chain and it does not meet the specs stated on your site according to the box it comes in.

Reply-

according to Part Unlimited, their 520 Pro-X chain is for 400-650cc,
their 525 Pro-X chain is for 750cc, and their 530 Pro-X chain is for 900cc.
the tensile strength if the DID 525 VM2 is 8120lb.
the tensile strength of the PU 525 Pro-X is 8400lbs.
since triumph recommends the DID 525 VM2,
i wouldn't have a problem using the PU 525 Pro-X chain if it were my bike.
have a good day,
rick

dennis kirk, inc.

www.denniskirk.com
sales: 800-328-9280
tech: 320-358-4793
fax: 320-358-3003

In the first email he doesn't recommend the chain I purchased and in the second he wouldn't have a problem with putting the chain on. The damn box says 600cc max. Is it a typo by Parts Unlimited? Does this Rick guy give a sh*t? This whole situation has given me a headache.

I am going to try to clean up the original chain. I have a chain grunge brush so I'll see what happens this weekend.

Thanks guys!

Use kerosene. Thats what the service manual reccomends. I use a cut off paint brush(one suitable for oil based paints) to scrub it down. Then I use Bel-Ray lube. I don't use the wax. The blue can is best. No fling!

As above that chain isn't even broken in yet.--- That chain he sold you will work fine, put it away and drag it back out in several thousand more miles when the one you have wears out.

Sounds like a plan.

I’ve got a 02 and replaced my original chain at 18,500. It had more life to it but I was getting ready for a trip to Florida so I decided to replace it with an after market chain. I only got about 9k out of it before I had to change it. Decided to get a Triumph chain with new sprockets and I’m at 40k on the scooter with plenty of life left on the chain. My suggestion is go with a Triumph chain, they last a lot longer…

A bit of surface rust is no big deal. Clean it up and lube it well. Save your $$ for another day.

I wore my chain out at 30,000 miles comming back from a Trip up to Western New York and Canada and out west (St.Louis). Bought Triumph kit and hope to get 30,000 miles on it. Use Engine Degreaser to clean and Chain Wax to lube. Bought a Step Jack to carry along on long trips to lift bike to lube and clean. Jack breaks down to make easy storing. Till they make a center stand for America. (lol)

I cleaned it up with a Grunge Brush Chain Cleaner and I was amazed at the result. The chain looks brand new! Lubed it up well and put my new chrome chain guard on it yesterday.