Save money on motorbike maintenance and learn to change your own chain and sprockets
- Thread starter Noobie
- Start date
I see he is another expert that thinks 520 is the pitch 
here's an explanation from Google.....
These are all based on the 5/8-inch (16mm) pitch; and are normally known and referred to by the prefix “5” (ie 5 eighths of an inch).
The smallest chain in general motorcycle use is the 520 – the internal width between plates is also based on 1/8 inch. So the “20” refers to 2 x 1/8 inch = 1/4 (6.35mm). The total width of the chain can range from 20mm to 21.5 mm. These chains are generally found on mid-range motorcycles.
The next size is 525 – this is 2.5 x 1/8-inch = 5/16 (8mm) hence the “25”). In metric, this ranges from 22.6mm to 23.7mm. These chains are generally found on larger motorcycles.
The third size is 530 – this is 3 x 1/8-inch = 3/8 (9.5mm) hence the “30”. In metric, this ranges from 24.9mm to 25.3mm. These chains are generally found on more powerful or heavier motorcycles.
here's an explanation from Google..... Motorcycle chain sizes explained:
There are generally three sizes of chain used on the modern motorcycle.These are all based on the 5/8-inch (16mm) pitch; and are normally known and referred to by the prefix “5” (ie 5 eighths of an inch).
The smallest chain in general motorcycle use is the 520 – the internal width between plates is also based on 1/8 inch. So the “20” refers to 2 x 1/8 inch = 1/4 (6.35mm). The total width of the chain can range from 20mm to 21.5 mm. These chains are generally found on mid-range motorcycles.
The next size is 525 – this is 2.5 x 1/8-inch = 5/16 (8mm) hence the “25”). In metric, this ranges from 22.6mm to 23.7mm. These chains are generally found on larger motorcycles.
The third size is 530 – this is 3 x 1/8-inch = 3/8 (9.5mm) hence the “30”. In metric, this ranges from 24.9mm to 25.3mm. These chains are generally found on more powerful or heavier motorcycles.
Do yourselves a favour and buy one of these:
A lot of money for what it is and something of a fiddle to use, but it's impossible to over or under flare the rivets giving you perfect articulation. You will need a big ring spanner to turn the main screw. 24 or 25 mm I think from memory.
There are Chinese knock-offs available for £40 and they work perfectly well but the little nut and bolt that holds the two halves of the tool together, and the big hex head which you turn to get the compression are both made of monkey metal and will eventually round off. The instructions in the Chinese kits are shite as well so working out how to use it can be a puzzle first time.
A lot of money for what it is and something of a fiddle to use, but it's impossible to over or under flare the rivets giving you perfect articulation. You will need a big ring spanner to turn the main screw. 24 or 25 mm I think from memory.
There are Chinese knock-offs available for £40 and they work perfectly well but the little nut and bolt that holds the two halves of the tool together, and the big hex head which you turn to get the compression are both made of monkey metal and will eventually round off. The instructions in the Chinese kits are shite as well so working out how to use it can be a puzzle first time.
I use those too , excellent tool
I'd probably have bought something like that too if I hadn't just had a chain snap under me. After that experience I was taking no chances.
The main thing is to check your flaring and articulation closely. Very closely..
The mechanic who fitted my chain had a fancy-pants Snap-on kit with all the fittings in big red carry case, but he still managed to make a balls up of the job.
The main thing is to check your flaring and articulation closely. Very closely..
The mechanic who fitted my chain had a fancy-pants Snap-on kit with all the fittings in big red carry case, but he still managed to make a balls up of the job.
Indeed, any twat can hit something with a hammer but riveting is a long lost skill
Dirty Leeds
Elite Member
I’m guilty of been flipping lazy with sort of thing, I would actually enjoy doing basic stuff as I used to when I was a kid when we had a garage attached to the house, now I have no tools and just a storage container 5 miles from home, now I have twins that both have punctures, one needs chain and sprockets and no excuse for me not to have a go, but also I’m happy to support a small business with a top bloke Allan at ASL motorcycles in York @Exige ‘s friend
Actually is a valid point about supporting the garages, these guys can’t just sit around waiting for the technical jobs the chain and sprockets and tyres etc are bread and butter jobs especially in darkest winter when everyone just puts bikes away then come spring the garages are swamped with little recommissioning jobs from people wanting the bike yesterday.
Actually is a valid point about supporting the garages, these guys can’t just sit around waiting for the technical jobs the chain and sprockets and tyres etc are bread and butter jobs especially in darkest winter when everyone just puts bikes away then come spring the garages are swamped with little recommissioning jobs from people wanting the bike yesterday.
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You back in the UK Carl?
Dirty Leeds
Elite Member
Yes mate, ended up a long while away unplanned but these things happen. Actually been busy back home since I got back but got a clear path ahead although needing to get back to Slovenia soon this month, then Slovenia and Spain next month ….Harrogate later today I believe if they confirm, also need to get to Watford asap …besides that nothing doing
Bloody hell mate, going anywhere near Aberdeenshire before you head back to the continent, need an RSV1000r picking up and bring to Yorkieland.
I could be contractedBloody hell mate, going anywhere near Aberdeenshire before you head back to the continent, need an RSV1000r picking up and bring to Yorkieland.
Had one of those for about 25yrs. Has never let me down, including the couple of sessions I spent spannering at dealers.
Think it was about 45 quid back in the day.
Had mine for a while now, IIRC it was around 70 sovs then
Mine was about 90 I think, five or so years ago. Well worth it.Had mine for a while now, IIRC it was around 70 sovs then
The mech who phucked up my chain had a Snap-on thing which involved hitting a punch with a hammer. Load of shit.
These little DID things are a simpler and smarter solution. I've never used the punch on mine as I've never needed to join the new chain to the old and feed it round. I just cut the old one off with an angle grinder. And I like to give everything a thorough clean with the old chain gone before fitting the new one.
They've forgotten the tab washer in that pic. Tut tut.
MCN innit
Please see the title of the article: Saving Money innit
Dirty Leeds
Elite Member
Can let you know if I get anything up that way where is it exactly?Bloody hell mate, going anywhere near Aberdeenshire before you head back to the continent, need an RSV1000r picking up and bring to Yorkieland.
The 'prilia is in Ellon, just off the A90 chief. To come back to Hull area. Only if you happen to be up there Carl.
Well spotted.
Top man that Carl... I can recommend him.
I F'eckiing hate it when the only way is Essex tries to talk cockney.Does it involves bags of sand
Aye almost as much as a southern softie makes a pigs ear out of attempts to use our northern tongue
softie? Like a blancmangeAye almost as much as a southern softie makes a pigs ear out of attempts to use our northern tongue
Aye ladsoftie? Like a blancmange
Dirty Leeds
Elite Member
I’m having a mooch online at work, anyvan and shiply online jobs, you never know what can crop up…it would be about £200 ish to get your bike if I had other jobs up that way, you might find cheaper with someone who is transporting to or from bike dealers in Aberdeenshire though
Thanks Carl, appreciated