525 Chain; Which is best/worst? Where to buy?

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I intend to change the chain and sprockets on my V Strom 1000 this winter. I've done a whole lot of searching. Looks like its down to either DID, or RK (quite a lot cheaper)! What are your experiences?
 
Both are quality but compare tensile strength to make sure you're comparing equal quality chains between brands.

Can't go wrong with a DID VX3 and they're not crazy expensive.

Fakes are out there for both brands so avoid Ebay/etc.
 
If you're installing it yourself and don't already have a good riveting tool, EK's screw-type master link makes a strong case for consideration.
 
I’ve always used RK chains, a little cheaper than DID and they seem to hold up just fine. Those are the two brands used by most Japanese bike manufacturers.I’ve bought a few chain and sprocket kits from The Sprocket Center online.Their prices are pretty good, when I checked a few years back it was still cheaper with exchange, duties and shipping than buying here. Not sure if that is still the case.
 
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I tried the supposedly maintenance free chain BMW was touting a while back. It's made by Regina and really is no better than a quality chain from other suppliers and there was a premium tho not huge.
This is a fair assessment
 
Did my chain a few weeks ago with the 525 DID SET (front&rear sprocket and 4 O Rings or X rings with grease included) on the R6. I think the RK was out of stock at Fortnine.
I used an angle grinder to remove the old rivet head, a chain tool kit and one of those electronic caliper to make sure the new revit head mushroomed to the right size (there are specifications) . When setting in the new revit head, keep track of how many turn you apply using the chain tool kit. half a turn, 1/4 a turn. Remember you can't go back.
Bought the Motul C2 chain lube and C1 cleaner

long ass video but shows how to use the chain tool kit
start at the 15 minute mark
 
I have seen countless versions of that chain tool; exactly the same but with different names on the stickers. Some are names that I recognize. Some are not. Many of the cheaper ones online, have comments that say they are junk and break upon first use. Makes me wonder if some are properly hardened, and some of the cheap ones are not.
 
MacDoc said:
I tried the supposedly maintenance free chain BMW was touting a while back. It's made by Regina and really is no better than a quality chain from other suppliers and there was a premium tho not huge.
This is a fair assessment
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The way that guy talks with his hands made me nervous as hell, waiting for the crash.
 
Aside from EK's screw links, and like... X-rings, has there been any innovation in drive chains in the last 20 years?
 
I bought the RK chain tool form Sprocket Center about 20 years ago , it’s the one they use and recommend and it’s still going strong.
 

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https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08977XZ4N...9d6a&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1I use this one/ looks exaclty alike just different branding without any problems.

Think the problems araise when not grinding the old rivet head completely off, not using the proper accessories, applying to much force (probably the alignment was off).
If you grind the old rivent completely off, with the right accessory (tool bit) alinged with the chain. The tool will push the old rivet without much force. Same goes for putting on the new rivet. half turn, check with the digital caliper, turn, check etc
The video is good for showing this
 
Ash said:
If you're installing it yourself and don't already have a good riveting tool, EK's screw-type master link makes a strong case for consideration.
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This is the only way to go. It's easy, won't come apart but a bit pricey. No special tools only a grinder to remove the old chain. I've never had one fail and no creative language required for installation! Happy apexes

Sent from my SM-S731W using GTAMotorcycle.com mobile app
 
Bobo said:
I bought the RK chain tool form Sprocket Center about 20 years ago , it’s the one they use and recommend and it’s still going strong.
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Same tool here - simple and easy to use.

This thread reminded me to buy a new chain and sprockets. I've used the screw type master links and they were super easy and the chain had good life with no issues, but I just bought the DID rivet type so I could use my tool again.
 
Put the bike on rear stand, stick in neutral, and give the wheel a spin. If you see you chain jump up and down , its probably binding.
Fun Fact. After replacing my chain, I could push the bike around easier.
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