Chain? 530 vs. 520

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by RVFR, Jul 19, 2017.

  1. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    Yes, I know, it's an old topic. Just figure I'd throw it out by asking vs. search, search, search, I'd like to see a new spin on it. So was thinking here after seeing Jens chain failing, then doing Sfs, was thinking maybe going 520 on mine if and when. Thought I'd ask and see if anyone has done that. Yea the 530 is stronger, and or has more surface pin bearing area, so in theory should maybe last longer?? But with all the hyper bikes using 520s with out much trouble other than the norm, This got me thinking? What's the deal. Anyone install a 520?
     
  2. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    I went to 530... Overall impression: lower fuel economy due to more losses on transmission. It lasts longer, yes, but costs more and drags more...
    Would go for 520 without orings now just to compare.
     
  3. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    I don't know if I would base a decision on one person's chain (Jen's) failing for reason enough to switch personally. So many factors can be involved in a chain failing. Face it, chains have a very rough life...they get pulled, yanked, dirt/water/salt/sand/various chemicals thrown on them, then factor in how often an owner cleans/lubes them, and if they do that in an accepted manner. If a person neglects their chain, and rides in very harsh conditions, they are probably much more likely to have premature wearing out than someone who only rides on sunny days, religiously cleans/lubes their chain and their bike is always garaged.

    My question is, why not a 525? Just pull the trigger and report back to us boss!
     
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  4. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    You can run a quality 520 with no problem. The weight savings on rotational mass is very nice. I have run DID EVR chains on 1k track bikes for a long time without failure and we are beating the hell out of them.
     
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  5. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    And that is rain or shine. Just clean them when they get real dirty, saves the sprockets.
     
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  6. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    I ran a 520 on my 6th gen for over 16k miles before the Vortex aluminum rear sprocket lost half its teeth on one ride! If it would have been a steel sprocket, the whole set would have easily passed 20k miles. Absolutely no reason not to run a 520 setup...assuming of course you use a quality x-ring chain.
    Honda even switched from a 530 on the 6th gen to a 525 on the 8th gen. 530 is way more chain than a 100 hp VFR will ever need.
    Oh and for the record, my 8th gen now has a 520 kit on it, with a DID ERV3 chain and steel Superlite sprockets.
     
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  7. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    Ok LOL, like splitting hairs, I like that 525. I'l lolok into that. But, no yea..was just wondering if folks have done a 520 swap. I'm not seeing any issues other than what was thrown out in what a chain faces ;)
     
  8. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I hear that some of the new super light steel sprockets are not much heavier than the some of the better aluminum. I still have a AFAM rear on my CBR. They do some kind of hard anodizing to the teeth, it has lasted a lot of track miles.
     
  9. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Jay do the 520, you will be happy. I know guys that are running around 200 rwhp with 520 setups with no problems.
     
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  10. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    I agree with Gator and others, and I would just do it. You will be more than fine, however, some data of the "potential" weight savings below:

    Per JT Sprockets website:

    3.682 lbs (1.55 kgs) per 100 links for a 520X1R2 chain
    4.586 lbs (2.08 kgs) per 100 links for a 530X1R chain

    = savings of 0.904 lbs (.41 kgs) per 100 links.

    What is it, a 1lb reduction in unsprung weight is equal to a 6 lb reduction in sprung weight? Since it is the chain, not all of that would be "unsprung weight" savings though. Still, it is a significant savings of rotating mass! Do it brotha!
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2017
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  11. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    Its not just about saving mass but saving fricion surface in adition... Your math is correct, but the analysis lacks rigor
     
  12. ksoholm

    ksoholm New Member

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  13. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    The most affected part is rotational weight.
    And it does make a difference.
    I wouldn't do it if your chain is new, but if you're going to replace it, it's a no brainer.
    My chain/sprockets are 50,000km old and will need replacing soon.
    As I only do it as a whole (replace chain and sprockets), I'll be going 520.
    + 1 for keeping away from aluminium sprockets, they're only good for push bikes.
     
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  14. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Small hp and torque gains are always welcome. Rotational mass reduction even more.
     
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  15. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    I would stick with oring'd chains and steel sprockets on street driven bikes. The failure mode on each is not fun, there is not much notice that things are about to go south very quick, definitely not worth the 1 or 2 hp, track only bikes, are a totally different story though.

    With that being said, the D.I.D./ Superlite 520 kits are a great bang for the buck and your average low maintenance squid can easily pull 25k miles out of them before they start to develop tight spots. I am on my second set, with zero issues and no abrupt failures. The same cannot be said for non o-ring chains and aluminum sprockets.
     
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  16. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    Rotational and unsprung too!
     
  17. Lint

    Lint Member

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  18. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Don't forget how many races have been lost by chain breakages

    From Agostini vs Hailwood to John McGuiness at the TT a few years ago
     
  19. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    Aparently, a 525 chain and sprocket kit is around 1kg lighter then a 530 kit.
    A 520 kit is lighter again.
    525's are used on BMW S1000RR's that put out 200HP.
    So I'm pretty sure a 520 on our bikes will be just fine.
    Even if you have desnorkeled and deflapped the air box. ;)
     
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  20. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    All things considered, there's no reason not to go with a 520 set up. I know I am when this chain heads south.
     
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