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?
525 Chain; Which is best/worst? Where to buy?
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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.
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.
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.
Last edited:
justride
Well-known member
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 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.
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.
