Chain Types and Sprockets?

flynlow

flynlow

Registered
The more I 'search' the more confused I get. My 03 w/ 20k+ is due for sprockets and a chain. I understand the SuperSprox are the sprocket (not big on the gold though). What about chains? All the different letters- zzz, gxw and more. What do they all mean? Would prefer a black sprocket with a nickel chain as my bike is Black and Silver. Thanks for any clarity you can offer!
 
I went through the same thing earlier this year after a couple hours searching the net I found my answer. First what kind of riding do you do? I don't race or even ride aggressive on the street. I mostly commute and hit the twisty's when I can. I chose the EK GB530XSO. It has a 9500lb-ft tensile strength and it gold(also comes in non gold and nickel). I read the gold plating helps with corrosion, and I ride year round so I thought it would be the better choice. The ZZZ is a popular chain on these boards because its super strong but if you not racer or a real aggressive street rider it would be over kill. I also went with the supersprox and would prefer a black sprocket but seems most or all are aluminum and those don't seem to last long on Busa's.

hope that helps some
 
Thanks kairles. I'm all street and stock. I know Blanca p/c'd his sprocket, but I'd probably rattle can mine (should work). The chain I was looking at was the RK GB530 GXW and as you stated the gold is supposed to be a non-corrosive finish. If this is a good chain, I'd try to search for its nickel plated cousin.
On another note, I've been eyeing your HMF. Really like the high mount look and would be my choice when I can loose the stock cans.
 
i bought vortex sprockets. 17 front 43 rear. love it. I also bought an ek zvx chain. I think that's what it was. The ek chain rated just under the zzz. I think the zzz is more for drag racing but that's just my opinion. good luck and keep searching and reading
 
Aren't the Vortex aluminum? I'm still liking the SuperSprox. The types of chains suitable for longevity (and not Gold) is where my problem lies. I know any salesperson will sell me what they have and say "This is the Best", but, I know a lot of members here are running gear (chains) that they feel have proven to be better than stock.
My bike is stock, riding is city (maybe the occasional Holeshot, cause I can :laugh:) but, for the most part easy city miles. Thanks.
 
The XSO is rated up to 1000 cc's. I just bought a chain from Kneedraggers it was the best price I could find + free shipping.
 
I've had the XSO on for 7K miles with no problem, then again my bike rearly see's any thing over 6K rpm.

what chain did you go with?
 
kairles said:
I've had the XSO on for 7K miles with no problem, then again my bike rearly see's any thing over 6K rpm.

what chain did you go with?
Click to expand...

I bought an XSO at Cycle Gear at the New Years Sale. Was the only 530 they had. The kid said it was the one for the Busa. He offered to look it up, but he had way too much on his plate and I didn't want to wait. It was $124 on sale, so I bought it knowing that it probably wasn't the one. Too cheap I figured. Got home looked it up, sure enough that's just my luck.

Brought it back and got a GB530GXW at Kneedraggers for 50 bucks more. Suppose to wear better and is rated up to 1400cc's. I thought that the XSO would probably do, but for 50 bucks more why worry about it.
 
flynlow said:
Down to DID 530ZVM2 or EK 530ZZZ. Any preference for a semi-aggressive street rider on a stocker?
Click to expand...

I don't really know anything about the DID chain, but the EK will really be overkill for what you're doing. I mean, if you get it simply because it's one of the few that you can find in the finish you want, then that's one thing. But other than that you'd just be wasting money on extra strength that you don't need.
 
Just trying to make it where upkeep isn't required often. Would rather shell out a few extra bucks now to prevent constant monitoring of adjustment as I'm often reluctant to do so.:whistle:
 
I have gone through all of the chains mentioned above, I drag race a Turbo Hayabusa with 270hp. One of the ones mentioned above I had to tension 4 times in one race weekend after installing it new. On a whim I thought I would try one APE recommends by Tsubaki. HAYABUSAZONE I installed it at the beginning of last year and only had to tension it one time. As a matter of fact I am using the same chain this year after cleaning and servicing it.

For sprockets I have used Renthal (Great alloy lightweight sprocket), Afam makes an incredibly light alloy sprocket which lasted a season and a half under heavy load and now I use Vortex as they sponsor me. The Vortex I am using now has had 125 passes on it and I am using the same sprocket this year.

Like Kairles stated earlier, it all depends on what kind of riding you are doing. If you are riding on the street with out doing 6500 RPM clutch dumps a 9500 lb tensile strength chain will work fine. As far as sprockets are concerned for street riding, I imagine all of the will do well.

When it comes to drag racing... Do your homework. The weak links will show. No pun intended.
 
Tsubaki appears to be another and possibly better choice. Thanks PaulCav. The Sidewinder stuff looks good. I used to run a sprocket called Sidewinder 20+ yrs. ago on my YZ250. Chains are pricey, but a lifetime warranty sounds good. Lots of good choices to mull over now! Thanks guys:thumbsup:!
 
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