StromTrooper banner

Help needed with Drive Chain

4K views 20 replies 16 participants last post by  camotoe 
#1 ·
Its time to change my drive chain. tried suzuki Dubai but as always they don't have parts... the part # is 27600-32C10-118.

My Vstrom is 2008 model.

Did anyone go for a non OEM chain ? any recommendations? best websites to buy from ?

The chain should be "O"ring 525 - 118. All i need is the chain the sprockets still in very good condition.

Thnks
 
#2 ·
There are plenty of aftermarket o-ring/x-ring chains that would be as good and better than stock. It would be in your best interest to replace everything as a set though , so it will last longer (much longer).
Check with Blair at SV Racing parts (here on the site under Vendors) , his prices are right , and he ships to a lot of places.
 
#6 ·
Many brands of chain work well

Bike Bandit has lots in stock. EK, RK, DID, Tsubiaki, and others. You often buy a chain with more links than required, lay out your old chain and cut some number of links off the new one to make them the same size. It's easier than it sounds, a grinder or Dremel works well.

Ron Ayers has this DID chain.

If your sprockets are in good shape don't worry about replacing them with the chain. I would inspect them both carefully while the chain is off. Sprocket wear isn't real obvious until they are very worn unless you have a good eye and know exactly what to look for. Typically I run a rear for a couple chains and a front for two or three. Your lubrication habits make a huge difference on chain & sprocket life. Your type of riding does too, frequent hard acceleration and rear braking puts more force on the chain & sprockets and causes more wear.
 
#10 ·
I just installed my second DID 525 from bike bandit (gold finish for a bit of bling this time). Used a cheap tool from mikessv.net. Had to dremel off a couple of links - count thrice, cut once. Works great.

Real OEM, IIRC, is continuous and requires swing arm removal to install.

Careful, clutch actuator bolt snapped before torqued. Was able to drill out and replace - very lucky.
 
#11 ·
I cast my vote for changing sprockets along with the chain. No particular reason except then you don't need to be thinking about them while you're riding. Also gives you the opportunity to play with the ratios and maybe get them better suited to your particular riding.
 
#12 ·
I think Suzuki sprockets last longer, it may be my imagination though. EK makes screw type master links if you don't want to buy a chain tool. Many just peen the master link by hand with a punch tool and hammer. These chains almost always come longer than needed, so you get a common 120 link chain and take a couple links out. You need a chain breaker and a dremel or a die grinder etc. JT/SUN sprockets are my second choice after Suzuki.

If you have a decent dealer, I would just have them change the sprockets with Suzuki items and put a name brand o-ring or x-ring chain on. It takes practice to put master links on correctly. Or get a chain tool and try it, a shop may shorten the chain for you too. My bike came with a clip type master, I probably should swap to a rivet master, but then again I have never lost a clip master on the street either. You can always use a clip type, but even then they take a little practice to put on correctly.
 
#13 ·
Just installed the new EK Three-D (3D) Chain. It's the 525Z in Black/Gold.

Meant to be their latest and greatest, plus it looks great :thumbup:

 
#14 ·
Yes, change sprockets, too. I ordered OEM, but the rear, at least, was stamped Sunstar.
 
#17 ·
My 525 stock chain died around 25k miles so i tried to find a cheap chain locally (evansville, IN) just to limp around for a week or two until i could get the good chain/sprockets here. No one carries 525s around here and the one place that did carry them was about $100 for one. Everyone had 530s for cheap, though.
I went with ebay (RPEmotorcycle, specifically) to get 530 chain/sprockets since theyre so much more common. JT 15/46 sprockets and RK X-ring chain with master link were 190 shipped. Might be something to consider. Good luck!
 
#18 ·
get the screw type master link

get the screw type master link - so much easier
 
#20 ·
Thnks for all the good advices !! i've just emailed Blair. Hope it works out.if not i will probably try the DID 525 (Lordsmoke) ... or the EK Three-D (3D) (zedex9r)... Merry Christmas everyone !!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top