Replacement chain

[dangerousdana]

I'm sure this has been discussed a thousand times before, but I only come here when I need help. So that I don't have to search the archives, can I get some recommendations for a stock replacement chain...Better/cheaper??? Mine has 5000 miles on it and has been regularly lubed with Honda's best chain lube and kept adjusted properly, but if you bend a kink in it, it will stay kinked. (when slack of course, not when under load)

I have a 01 XR650L with stock sprockets. thanks. dana

[AZ Thumpdaddy]

DID X-Ring ERV or ERV2 depending on how much cash you wan to spend - the best out there. ?

[dangerousdana]

What size chain does it take, and does anyone know off the top of their head, exactly how many links? Stock sprockets 2001 XR650L.

[dangerousdana]

OOPS, I know the size is 520, but how many links???

[dangerousdana]

Is the endless chain (riveted master link) necessary??? I would think that since this chain runs through so many slippers and guides, that a normal master link would catch on something and come loose. Any thoughts???

[xr650Lroostnya]

The stock chain length is a 110 links and I have the did erv2 gold chain on mine and so far its been great. also I have a master link on this chain and have had no problems with it.?

[irondude]

I prefer to run the masterlink, and havent ever had any problems going that way. Another vote for the DID ERV2.

[hagen505]

I pulled this thread out of the search archives, but my question is that with the masterlink chain, do you need to buy the $150 chain tool to smash the heads of the rivets on the masterlink? I think I'd rather remove the swingarm and get the endless chain, instead of getting the tool. I had a 520 110 link chain still in the package from a KDX 175 I had, that I threw on. I know when I replaced a strictly dirt bike chain I just clipped on the masterlink, but this is an 650L that is on the street and I don't want to risk the chain seperating. What are your thoughts? *edit* I think I am not going to use the KDX chain just because I am not sure if it is rated for a 650cc bike but, I am still curious about the cruching of the masterlink rivets. Thanks..

[HawkGT]

FYI the ERV2 has been replaced by the ERV3. The 3 has marginally better specs. There are still plenty of ERV2s out there though. I've got the 3 on my 650R and the 2 on track bike of mine. Like has allready been said--the best chain you can buy. Maybe not the best value, but a fair value considering their durability. Quality is second to none, IMO.

ETA: a masterlink doesn't require a rivet tool but a chain press is suggested/required. They don't cost much. I don't think the ERV2/3 series has an available a masterlink--only a rivet type link (although some masterlinks may work--but then the chain is only as strong as that non-ERV2/3 link).

[Mooncruiser]

'Course, you're not putting 115 horsepower thru that final drive. I've seen one masterlink failure in decades of riding. I do carry a spare link but it's more of a talisman than something I might need.

I just got a DID Xring chain and steel sprockets from a vendor in Utah off eBay. I hope to use a masterlink if I can when I change it.

Chip

[ghoti]

I got a Pprimary Drive x-ring from Rocky Mountain as a replacement to the stock DID that went 15,000. It was starting to kink but wasn't that loose on the sprockets. I have about 2,500 miles on it with no complaints. It is a clip type master, and I think it was $45.00.

[Border Patrol]

I got a Pprimary Drive x-ring from Rocky Mountain as a replacement to the stock DID that went 15,000. It was starting to kink but wasn't that loose on the sprockets. I have about 2,500 miles on it with no complaints. It is a clip type master, and I think it was $45.00.

I'm running the same chain. No complaints yet