chain selection for sv650

[cshaffer66]

01 sv650 looking for a 520 chain.  There are too many choices between brands, and which type(o-ring, x-ring...)  I need recommendations for a good solid chain.  Should you use a rivet or clip type connecting link?  Thanks for any help

[spyderchick]

Rivet...most major brands should work.

[secularist]

from 1888fastlap's "how to build a racebike"

While we are getting rid of unsprung and rotating weight with the tires, lets walk back up to the parts department for a 520 chain and sprocket set. The only 520 chains we use on race bikes are the EK premium MVX and RXO "X" ring chains. They have drilled side plates to make them light, and the X rings have very little drag, but the real trick is the alloy they use to make these chains. Whatever alloy it is, it hits 100% on the manly chart. The published tensile strength for the EK RXO 520 is 8800 foot pounds! That's more than most bigger and heavier 530 chains. Besides weighing less, the EK has less rolling resistance than the stock chain. We used a set of lightweight aluminum Vortex sprockets to match our EK 520 chain, and these are of course lighter than the stock sprockets, but they are also machined, not stamped, and so have much stricter tolerances than many other aftermarket sprockets. Vortex makes a great product, and they have a contingency program too. The front sprockets are made from heat treated chrome-moly steel. Vortex rears are made from billet 7075 aluminum and then heat treated to T-6 specification. The EK RXO chain weighed .9 lbs. less than the stock chain, and the Vortex sprockets weighed 1.1 lbs less. Total weight savings on the chain and sprockets: 2 pounds.

[tzracer]

I like the DID 520ERV2. I use it for a year and toss it.

I prefer the rivet master links to the clip type.

[EM JAY]

 I've had the link type come off at Daytona, not the chain luckily!!!    With the link you should try safety wiring it also.  I've still got the stock on my SV, for now....

[Bad_Matt]

If you are going to use the clip type- put a blob of rtv on the clip to secure it

[LMsports]

We exclusively use the DID ERV2 roadracing chains on our teams race bikes. Like mentioned earlier in the thread, use it all  year then replace it for the next year. Never any worries. DID now has a ERV3 chain out that we are stocking and selling as well. You can look at the selection of these top chains at //www.bikejam.com under the chains tab of course! :)

[TZ_Boy]

  I think you should keep the stock chain Chris, I promise I won't wave when I smoke by you. :o
  I run the lightest 520 chain made which is the DID 520 ERS (not available in the USA).

[jp233]

I used to run the DID ERV2 on 600ccc + bikes... good chain little more $

now use EK 520RX on the TZ250.... change it every year. 888-FASTLAP has em for like $96. they are non o-ring though, dont last as long.

I also prefer the rivet masterlink.... too many clips have come off, only know of one rivet masterlink and that was a Ducati 998 Superbike = mega hp/torque

[LMsports]

Rivet master links are definitely the way to go.

[the_weggie_man]

Quote,  "I need a recommendation for a good solid chain".

Dude, let it sit out in the rain all year and never lube it, by fall you may have a good solid chain.

Sorry, couldn't resist. ;D ;D

[tshort]

Well, in the FWIW dept, I used a Tsubaki (sp?) 520 O-ring chain with a clip master link last year, and did 30+ races on it.  Never missed a beat (used a Regina the year before for 80+ races - same thing).  

Regarding the master link, someone showed me how to safety wire it instead of using the clip, and that worked fine.  Makes it easier to add a link when I need to go up to larger sprocket, too.

Of course, I always nap under my bike between races, and I generally take some time to look over the bottom of the bike before I fall asleep.  And that little bit of safety wire is one of the things I tend to look at.

Works for me. YMMV.