Which chain?

[northern]

Hi fellas,
I'm thinking about new chain. 99% sure it will be DID.

but which one 530VX or 530ZVM-X - this is a question
Will be 530ZVM-X overkill, or just better chain?

My current one is 530VX. It's length is OK, but I notice what x-rings start to come out from it.
530ZVM-X is advertised to last longer. Will it?

Does anyone have experience.

[KiwiCol]

Hi Northern, I don't have any experience (yet) in the ZVM-X chain, but I've got one on order from USA.


Looking at the spec's they are a heavier duty chain than the VX.   I know our bike doesn't really need this spec chain, but hell, the engine is built like a brick shithouse, so may as well have the chain the same.

[northern]

I know our bike doesn't really need this spec chain, but hell, the engine is built like a brick shithouse, so may as well have the chain the same.

actually, I have same thoughts in me head 

But will it also last longer?

[KiwiCol]

I'd say it would, it's heavier duty, so tougher to wear out. (longer lasting)

[Mick_J]

I would go for the zvm, it is a tougher chain with thicker side plates and the 14 is all about grunt.

[gsxbarmy]

It will all depend on how well the chain is maintained. Just because it is heavier duty does not necessarily mean it will last longer, just that it will be stronger. Whatever you do, I would consider fitting a Scottoiler or similar to lube the chain, makes a big difference to how long the chain lasts

[V_i_c_i]

Prefer ČZ chain. Great quality for great money. 

[RickC]

I put a EK Chains 530x120 Links ZVX3 Extreme Sport Series Sealed NX-ring Gold Chain on mine, strong chain, reasonably priced from the States.

[VladTepes]

It will all depend on how well the chain is maintained. Just because it is heavier duty does not necessarily mean it will last longer, just that it will be stronger. Whatever you do, I would consider fitting a Scottoiler or similar to lube the chain, makes a big difference to how long the chain lasts

This ^

There is no point in getting a 'stronger' chain than what is required / specced.  Thicker sideplates don't make a chain last longer.  The wearing parts are the issue and this is to do with chain quality (so more about brand than 'size')  As Barmy says lubrication is key and a chain that's not adequately maintained won't last as long - IRRESPECTIVE of how expensive it is, so if you aren't fastidious then don't waste your money on a more expensive chain. 

Out of interest I met a 1400 owner the other day who had a chain where three links were binding badly.  He (as an experiment as much as anything) removed all the 120 O-rings from the chain. He keeps it well lubricated and says that it is very smooth in operation. 
Makes some sense too - orings are designed to keep the lube in, but will also keep it out, once it's gone....  Now he knows this chain will need replacing but it does illustrate the point rather nicely.

[grog]

i agree, maintenance and cleanliness the key. i stuck an ek o ring on mine. not even a x ring. why, because i was thinking itll only last a few thou. ks and sprockets will be stuffed by then. will then buy a new set of chain/sprockets. super heavy duty. o ring is not really up to spec for gsx 14. still a strong chain. result, 10 th ks later. still running perfectly, not even had to adjust. sprockets still look the same. i clean it every 1 th. ks, oil it with gear oil. for a hundred bucks my plan has far exceeded my expectations.

[froudy]

I use this chain and sprocket kit on mine..VERY good value for the money.

They last me approx 17,000 miles riding all year round.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172568267208?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Mick_J]

Yes, maintenance is vital, I always clean and lube my chains on a regular basis and have had 30K miles out of a chain and sprocket set, but I still buy the strongest chain available for my bikes.

[northern]

@VladTepes
is stronger chain have only thicker side-plates or its rivets and x-rings are also stronger? This is the question...
It seems to me, what if DID point out what their ZVM-X chain last longer, then they are not only point out side-plates are thicker...

regarding maintenance:
Chain cleaning is very important! This is not a question!
About oiling... Is it really lubricating or it is more protecting from dust and sand?
if chain is OK, all the lubricant it need is UNDER the X-rings, and putting oil on a top of it will not make it move better... (dont get me wrong, I'm not telling, what chain lubricating is not necessary).

I may be wrong, but it seems to me, scotoiler is more chain continuous cleaning (almost washing) device, than actually lubricating device. Of course, it's not so black and white

As for chain - I think I will try this ZVM-X. Bike is hobby, and there is no such thing good value in hobby 

[T 24]

I have DID 530 ZVM-X and it seems to be OK. I lubricate them after every 500 km or after every wash.

[KiwiCol]

@northern


These DID 530 ZVM-X chains definately have thicker pins, with bigger pins, you'd also get bigger x rings.  I know they're bigger as I just installed one as a replacement for an RK530 gbzx...  The new rivet link would not go into the RK chain, the new pin was too big for the hole on the RK chain.


Just as an aside, I did a 285k ride yesterday on the new chain, got home, wiped it down, then oiled it with 80 - 90 gear oil (like it says on the back of the packet & Grog's reccomendation) and this chain is soooo quiet after that!   It wasn't noisey before, just normal, but oil it like it says & man, it's almost silent.


So, I'm definately happy with this purchase.