Chain Gang question

[Guest]

Some of you know about my preference for shaft-driven bikes. But now I've added a couple of '82 CBXes to the collection...

So my question for those of you who ride 1100's and 1150's (especially those of you who ride them HARD) is, what flavor chain and sprockets do you recommend for a long lasting chain? And which lube?

And how long does a chain last you?



If anyone is interested, the one CBX that I'm riding has 30K miles on it now (the last 2K were with me flogging the new toy) but it still has the original chain (which lacks a master link) and it's ready to be tossed...

The other CBX is a longer term project, it sat outside for a few years and so it need the carbs cleaned, the seat recovered, and it could use some fresh paint and other minor cosmetics (and tires, etc.) - but I got it cheap and it only has 16K miles on it!

Pics can be seen in the GS Motorcycle Discussion forum, under the heading of 'A couple of pics'.

As most anyone can tell you. the CBX is considered one of the most collectible of all Japanese bikes, and I am told that there's gonna be an '82 on the cover of the next issue of the new Motorcyclist Retro mag that many of you have been reading but that I still have not seen here in the middle of Biden country.

[80GS750]

hey if you want to get rid of one of those, you call me first!!!!!!!

[highmileage]

Don't hold your breath...

PM sent.

[bonanzadave]

Im sticking with the 630 and PJ1 lube. Im on my second chain and sprocket set in 35K miles and they still looks pretty good. I dont ride 1/2 as hard as I used to.

[Steve]

But now I've added a couple of '82 CBXes to the collection...

Obviously ...

[Steve]

By the way, you think carb cleaning and valve adjustment is fun on a GS?

The CBX has SIX carbs and 24 valves.

And, if I remember correctly, you have to remove the cams to change the shims.

.

[highmileage]

Yes Steve, I am aware of the number of carbs and valves on each of my bikes.

And I did post pics, just thought that most of you would see them in the GS discussion area, since it states above:

Pics can be seen in the GS Motorcycle Discussion forum, under the heading of 'A couple of pics'.

Didn't think I had to post them in more than one place...

[duaneage]

CBX is a great bike but I would not want to work on one. parts are probably precious as well. I would flog a more common ride and save the CBX for special events.

[Mark M]

So my question for those of you who ride 1100's and 1150's (especially those of you who ride them HARD) is, what flavor chain and sprockets do you recommend for a long lasting chain? And which lube?

And how long does a chain last you?

Vortex sprockets, steel front, aluminum rear.

Chain can be any of the big name O-, X-, etc. ring, always the premium grade.

Lube - none. I use WD-40 to clean my chain after washing and leave it dry. It attracts no dirt that way and wears less. This works if your bike(s) live inside and you live in a dry climate. Otherwise, you need some lube for corrosion protection.

Mileage per chain - I don't know, I have never worn one out. My 97 ZX-9 had near 30,000km on it when sold and the OEM chain was good for another 4-5000km at least at that point. My 06 GSXR1K has a bit over 13,000km on it and I haven't had to adjust the chain yet. That mileage includes one track day if you care.

Mark

[chuckycheese]

Chain

The two OEM 630 chains listed for my bikes are D.I.D or Takasago, which is the same as RK. I recently purchased 2 of them from Chapparral. Their prices are excellent and their service, for me, has been perfect after about 6 transactions. If you're outside of California, it's even better because you won't have to pay sales tax. RK chains are a little cheaper and I prefer them, for no logical reason, I suppose, except that my 750's original chain is a Takasago (RK) and I haven't adjusted it in 7 years.

I use chain wax.....sparingly.

[chef1366]

The two OEM 630 chains listed for my bikes are D.I.D or Takasago, which is the same as RK. I recently purchased 2 of them from Chapparral. Their prices are excellent and their service, for me, has been perfect after about 6 transactions. If you're outside of California, it's even better because you won't have to pay sales tax. RK chains are a little cheaper and I prefer them, for no logical reason, I suppose, except that my 750's original chain is a Takasago (RK) and I haven't adjusted it in 7 years.

I use chain wax.....sparingly.

I use Sunstar sprockets and bought my DID o-ring chain from Chaparral. http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chap...t=false&GiftID=
Bought my sprockets from http://www.mawonline.com/
And I also use chain wax.

[highmileage]

Thanks guys. That was exactly the type of input that I was looking for.

Except that the 630 chains were only used on the '79 CBXes. The later ones (such as mine) came with 530 chains. Something about the bigger chain's strength being unnecessary and increasing the wear due to the increased angle of the chain as it fits around the front sprocket.

I've bought from Chaparral and MAW before, but I've noticed MUCH better prices on chains from fleabay vendors. Of course, being careful to get what I really want is crucial...

And I have used Chain Wax before and liked that it didn't make a mess like most lubes do. Just wasn't sure if it was the good stuff.

I've had O-ring chains before, but I'm convinced that the X-ring chains are the state of the art and that the chains with tensile strength of around 1000 lb are the way to go. I doubt that it makes a lot of difference as to which manufacturer makes it, DID, RK, Tsubaki...

Ever heard of EK? They're a new one on me, but they seem to be as popular as the others. They all seem to make a line of chains varying from relatively inexpensive junk to very pricey quality stuff. I guess when it comes to chains you really do get what you pay for!

Also, since most of my bikes have been shafties, I've only dealt with the clip-type masterlinks. And apparently that's obsolete tech - everyone recommends rivet type masters for high-powered bikes. Guess I need to buy a tool for installing the new chain, unless someone nearby has one that I might borrow.

[Baatfam]

Also, since most of my bikes have been shafties, I've only dealt with the clip-type masterlinks. And apparently that's obsolete tech - everyone recommends rivet type masters for high-powered bikes. Guess I need to buy a tool for installing the new chain, unless someone nearby has one that I might borrow.

Nothin' wrong with a clip if it's installed correctly....I run one on my drag bike...
Most of the other guys I know run clips on their race bikes also....

Later,

[highmileage]

Cool. I know how to install them properly - closed end in the direction it spins.

I also just came across this curious test study of exposure of O rings to different cleansers and lubes. No wonder the factories all recommend kerosene for cleaning the chain.

http://www.xt225.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=33138#Post33138

[Baatfam]

Cool. I know how to install them properly - closed end in the direction it spins.

And sharp edge out....