530 Chain conversion

[Synthetic_Darkness]

Hi Everybody

Has anybody tried to put a 530 chain on their Versys?

[trialsguy]

isn't that what we have on their now?

[El Tig]

Trialsguy, we have a 520.

Synthetic_Darkness, probably nobody has done that as there doesn't seem to be a need for it. The stock chains wear pretty well when cared for and are plenty strong.

[ttpete]

Why change it? It's more than adequate to do the job. I suppose you could use a premium 520 chain that would be stronger.

My 155 hp. Ducati only uses a 525 chain, and those who race them often change to a 520 because it's lighter.

[fasteddiecopeman]

I can't see ANY reason, or advantage, to changing from the 520 that's stock, to a (MUCH HEAVIER!) 530...

...and more than likely there is NOT sufficient room for a 530 at the countershaft.

[oldkawboy]

I'm kinda curious too why you would want a heavier chain and sprockets that cost more for a Versys......unless you've installed a turbo & drag race it.
Dan

[Sprocket]

No advantage to changing to a 530 and several disadvantages like higher cost and increase rotational mass. Stick with a lightweight 520 chain.

[Synthetic_Darkness]

Well I ride every day. Whatever the weather and I've found that the 520 seems to wear pretty quick. So I need longevity.

Before you judge, know this. The weather here in Johannesburg goes from extreme thunderstorms to 30+ c weather.

Regarding the price, the difference this side of the world, is around R300. Around 40 USD. For chain and sprockets.

[davidg]

Originally Posted by Synthetic_Darkness

Well I ride every day. Whatever the weather and I've found that the 520 seems to wear pretty quick. So I need longevity.

My first chain went pretty quickly (~19000 km). After I replaced it, I installed an automatic oiler.

I was trying to clean and lube the old chain every week. Never done either on the new one. It's been about 16000km and it's fine. Didn't even adjust it until around 13000km. OTOH most of those first 13000km were dry-season, and that probably won't wear the chain as much.

I have the PD Oiler, and I'd recommend it, although I'm sure there are other good products as well.

[stlee29]

Difference between a 530 and a 520 is the chain width between the inner plates of the chain.

Both chains measure 5/8 inches between pins but a width of a 520 is 1/4 inch and 530 3/8 inch. IMHO, best to stick with the oem spec. if need to upgrade is to get a X-Ring 520 chain. Agreed a scottoiler or a good chain oiler would prolong the chain life longer than not with one.

[invader]

The original is an EK 520 MVXL1 (OEM type) X-ring chain. Mine was bad from the start and I finally replaced it at 2600 miles... My replacement DID 520VM (now 520 VX2) X-ring chain is absolutely excellent now with about 7000 miles on it so far.

You can do even better if you go with the top of the line from EK, DID, Tsubaki, Regina or RK... The strongest are EK 520 ZZZ, ZVX and MVXZ, but they're considerably heavier than DID 520 ZVM-X and VX2.

520 vs 530 http://www.superstreetbike.com/howto...r/viewall.html


EK 520 ZZZ & 520 ZVX http://www.ekchain.jp/product/extreme_sport.html

DID 520 ZVM-X http://www.didchain.com/streetChains.html

Tsubaki 520 Sigma XRG http://www.tsubaki-rider.com/index.p...ion=supersport

Regina 520 ZR http://www.reginachain.it/eng/produc...cheda_zr.shtml

RK 520 GXW http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/street_rk_chain.html

[Synthetic_Darkness]

Originally Posted by invader

The original is an EK 520 MVXL1 (OEM type) X-ring chain.

Mine was a DID 520. It went in about 15000km. But I mean it really went.

Truth is. I want a heavier chain to accommodate me learning to wheelie. I was just getting the hang of it, before the chain went.

I think I'm going to give it a shot. The price difference here is really not much. So even if it wears at the same rate, no big deal.

I'm very surprised that nobody has replaced their 520 with even a 525

[invader]

Which 530 or 525 chain are you looking at? EK's 520 ZZZ is already considerably heavier and stronger than the grades of 520 that are recommended for the Versys' power.

9400 lbs tensile strength: http://www.ekchain.jp/product/extreme_sport.html

[invader]

A 114 link EK 520 ZZZ is about 0.6 lbs heavier than most 520 chains.

"... if you want the absolute longest lasting steel chain kit you can get that would be with the EK ZZZ chain. We would only recommend the EK ZZZ chain with steel sprockets... "

http://forum.motomummy.com/index.php...-chain-review/

http://www.moto-chains.com/site/8985...EK%20520%20ZZZ

[oldkawboy]

My son Chad was a factory Kawasaki drag racer for three years, he ran the 600 Supersport class.

He and several others ran 9.60's on 520 chains, I gotta believe a good quality 520 like the ZZZ will handle anything a Versys will do.....including wheelies!

I'd be more concerned about the cush drive and clutch, I don't think the chain will be the weak link (pun intended).


Dan

[HAWKSHOT99]

My stock chain/sprockets got replaced this fall with 26,xxx on the odometer. I did not do the greatest job of maintenance either.

Sent from my SGH-S959G using Motorcycle.com Free App

[trialsguy]

My original stock chain has over 17,000 miles (27,000 km) on it, and it's hardly worn at all. I've adjusted the axel out one hash mark from when it was new. I just lube with the blue Dupont Teflon Spray every 400 to 600 miles or so. I lube more often when I ride in the rain.

Do you do a lot of off road riding and get alot of grit on the chain? Do you adjust the chain tension per the manual?

[fdale]

Originally Posted by invader

A 114 link EK 520 ZZZ is about 0.6 lbs heavier than most 520 chains.

"... if you want the absolute longest lasting steel chain kit you can get that would be with the EK ZZZ chain. We would only recommend the EK ZZZ chain with steel sprockets... "

Thanks Invader. I ain't counted mine yet - is 114 links stock for a 2013 ?

Thanks - saves me kneeling down and counting - my lift not here yet !!

[invader]

114 links for 2007 to 2013 Versys 650.

[Newsshooter]

Buy good 520 chain, it will last as long or longer than a 530. I road race and all my bikes have had 520 chains, that included the R1 that was just a bit more powerful than the versys.

A heavier chain isn't going to help you with wheelies either.