Mounted a 520 Regina chain with JT and Esjot sprockets now. Have noticed many swear to DID chains, and some get the 525 kit from OTR, or elsewhere.

Will 525 kit be better for longevity? Any drawbacks?

Thanks again!

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Chev.

2009 XT660Z
Gone: 2011 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport,
1996 XRV750, 2003 R1150GS.

you would have to match the sprocket to the wider chains, also check you have clearance to run them.


I know its a personal, the one thing you can do to make your chain and sprockets last about 5 times longer is to fit an Scottoiler. I know many hate them, you will get way more miles and have to adjust your chain much less, just fit it and use it properly.

Clearly, the sprockets would need to fit the chain. And agree, for many, an automatic oiler would most likely be something to consider.


Given sprockets matching the chain: What could be the reason to chose a 525 kit (chain and sprockets) over a 520 kit?

__________________
Chev.

2009 XT660Z
Gone: 2011 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport,
1996 XRV750, 2003 R1150GS.

I fitted a 525 with sprockets to match and upgraded the bearing in the hub.

I ride the old thing very hard and rarely have to adjust the chain. All in all a good mod for me. BTW I use a Scott oiler

and those expensive Cush drive things from whats 'is name in S Africa. Pardon me I'm tired.

Great! Thanks for that confirmation


Perhaps the larger contact areas between chain and sprockets reduce the wear

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Chev.

2009 XT660Z
Gone: 2011 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport,
1996 XRV750, 2003 R1150GS.

525 or even 530 chains do last a lot longer.

The best wearing chain i've heard of is the DID ZVM-X

In 520 DID rate both that and the VX2 at ZVM-X at a chain life index of 3500

The 525ZVM-X is rated at 4000 or 14% longer

On my previous 750 super tenere i've been running both 525 and 530 after

DID 520 VM 15417
DID 530VM Gold 28050
DID 525ZVM Gold 23099

And a AFAM DC 520 MTX only lasted 6033 before it was completely shot

On my small pony (xt660z) both the original and the first 520VX2 lasted ~20.000km and i'm on the second 520VX2.

Since the 525 is heavier than 520 i guess that i will go with a 520 again the next time. But i'll prefer the 520ZVM-X over the VX2 since i think that it will last better.

I might also go with the 525ZVM-X but will not pay more than the +14% extra as it is the expected added life.

If i was to go for a long overland trip i would definitely go for an extra bearing in the rear hub and 525ZVM-X - just for the piece of mind of riding of the strongest chain with the best wear resistance.

On my former XT600Z i've had CZ and RK chains fall short of expectations. The RK 520 XSO only lasted 8000km and the first CZ 9000km. The link of the second CZ failed after only 4000km

So since then i had only been DID endless x-rings chains for me ...

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2011 Yamaha XT660Z ABS T�n�r�.

• Puig +8cm dark screen, Garmin Zumo 220, Scottoiler eSystem v2
• Barkbusters Storm with external weights, Noname 30mm bar risers & EzMoto alu. levers
• Kev's O2 Controller, Mccoi stepless controller with Hein Gericke heated grips
• TT +4cm seat, Pivot Pegs, Altech stainless sprocket cover

Wow! Thanks for that very extensive reply!
Most helpful.

__________________
Chev.

2009 XT660Z
Gone: 2011 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport,
1996 XRV750, 2003 R1150GS.

Yep ! VX2 .... stay away from JT chains, btw, since they now seem to have a history of snapping and at an early mileage. (Source Facebook group)

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I have a lot of growing up to do. I realized that the other day inside my fort.