OE chain
- Thread starter Marc A
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Did that on day 1 - DID 520 ZVM-X
BBB put on a race chain - 520 is lighter, smaller. 525 is the size for the street.
I've just ordered a DID 525 ZVM-X for my Gen3 so I can have 120 links and switch back to 16/46. I think the DID ZVM-X's are the best compromise between quality and cost.
I doubt anything is to be gained (from changing) unless you're riding on track
I've just ordered a DID 525 ZVM-X for my Gen3 so I can have 120 links and switch back to 16/46. I think the DID ZVM-X's are the best compromise between quality and cost.
I doubt anything is to be gained (from changing) unless you're riding on track
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No real benefit other than minimal weight saving.
I gave up using 520 after seeing several snap on track. A few going through engine casing virtually righting off an engine.
I gave up using 520 after seeing several snap on track. A few going through engine casing virtually righting off an engine.
never seen this. Have 2x 520 on both beemers, no issues.
as per Alex, main advantage 1) 520 hence bigger selection of sprockets 2) slightly lighter
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R1's are notorious for it. And a mate had one fling off from a zx10 that was in front, just missing taking his head off.
For me it's not worth the risk.
For me it's not worth the risk.
fast_ryan
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Chains
520 pitch chain and sprockets are really only best used on track/race bikes as they offer a marginal reduction in unsprung weight (but to the detriment of longevity). That and there is a wider range of 520 pitch sprocket sizes which are more readily available for use with aftermarket forged wheels.
If your bike is predominantly used on the road, with the occasional trackday, then your best off sticking with a 525 pitch chain and sprockets for longevity. If you are doing a lot of trackdays, or are racing, and are routinely altering gearing then a 520 pitch chain and a selection of sprockets is the way to go.
BMW OEM chains and sprockets are generally fine but only if you look after them properly. They are of no worse quality then a reasonably priced aftermarket set. I generally use DID chains on my track bikes because they are affordable and very well made.
520 pitch chain and sprockets are really only best used on track/race bikes as they offer a marginal reduction in unsprung weight (but to the detriment of longevity). That and there is a wider range of 520 pitch sprocket sizes which are more readily available for use with aftermarket forged wheels.
If your bike is predominantly used on the road, with the occasional trackday, then your best off sticking with a 525 pitch chain and sprockets for longevity. If you are doing a lot of trackdays, or are racing, and are routinely altering gearing then a 520 pitch chain and a selection of sprockets is the way to go.
BMW OEM chains and sprockets are generally fine but only if you look after them properly. They are of no worse quality then a reasonably priced aftermarket set. I generally use DID chains on my track bikes because they are affordable and very well made.
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I totally agree with above.
I had a T3 race bike that come with a wide range of sprockets and did swap them about often.
For track days though especially the Ltr bikes Ive found just going down on the front one up one on the back has suited most bikes, tracks.
The gen 4 fwiw is the only one I've had where i think where the standard gearing is spot on 95% of the time.
Going down on front and you'll be fighting to keep the front end down losing drive.
I had a T3 race bike that come with a wide range of sprockets and did swap them about often.
For track days though especially the Ltr bikes Ive found just going down on the front one up one on the back has suited most bikes, tracks.
The gen 4 fwiw is the only one I've had where i think where the standard gearing is spot on 95% of the time.
Going down on front and you'll be fighting to keep the front end down losing drive.
It's steel - keep it as it's new and you're not racing - better longevity.
r25sti
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why are you changing the chain? my last oe one lasted 12000 miles. 
why are you changing the chain? my last oe one lasted 12000 miles.
Just what I was thinking. I got 16000 miles out of my OE one on my Gen 1 (was knackered by then though). Plenty of track miles too
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Same ish, and oe sprockets. People moan about chain rusting but doing the basics of chain maintenance regularly was enough to keep it in good condition.
why are you changing the chain? my last oe one lasted 12000 miles.
Mainly weight saving
That's fair enough. I do like DID gold chains. It's definitely what I'd replace OEM with, if I don't sell the bike before replacement is needed!
