Chains...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Oct 4, 2013
Messages
20,659
Country flag
I know Andy the chain man (now Jason) gets discussed quite often on here, but some folk still seem unaware...

Jason sells top quality IWIS chain that’s ideal for our old clunkers. I fitted one to my T140 recently and have adjusted in once in over 1000 miles. Whereas some chains I’ve used in the past I swear I had to adjust after every ride! They have quite a narrow overall width too which helps tremendously when it comes to ensuring adequate clearances.

That said, I also fitted a 1/4” X-Ring chain conversion from hNw to my Commando during the last rebuild and I don’t think I’ve had to adjust that yet, even after 2 track days, even though it’s a 920. It seems ridiculous quite frankly!

I‘d say the X ring is the better of the two, but, of course, fitting one is quite a big job compared to simply threading a new chain onto standard sprockets, which you can do with the IWIS.

So, there you have it, just thought I’d share this cos there is no reason to be suffering stretchy bulky chains these days.
 
Last edited:
A lot of chain gets sold on tensile strength, that's just not needed on low powered Brit bikes and is just marketing cover for cheap chain. Much better to go for the best pin in bush chain for longer life.
 
You know..... I can't recall the 530 name I've been using but I do know its tough and have no complaints. Perhaps I made a mistake and chose wisely for a change..... Now I have to go see if I kept the box with the leftovers because you've aroused my curiosity.
 
I have just fitted an IWIS chain from Jason based on recommendations made on this site, time will tell how good it is compared to the DID x-ring chains fitted to my Bird and Busa, but 50hp compared to 150hp isn’t quite the same.
 
I have a 520 DID X ring on the 920 & I have only adjusted it twice in over 8,000 miles. On the Hinckley 900 Trident I get 20,000 miles per chain and DID 530 X ring always seem the best, but RK, EK, & Tsubaki are all good. On the other hand Regina are total crap in my & a mates experience, lasting half that of Jap chains.
In my opinion any quality sealed chain is far superior to the conventional types & wherever possible I try to fit them.
 
A 530 did xring drops right onto MK3 sprockets.
I'll likely never adjust it, 5 k on it now. They seem to last about 20-25 k on the Vincent, so I might not get around to wearing out the MK3 chain.
On the Vincent , no adjustment until about 20k miles, then when it needs adjustment it's worn out.

Glen
 
worntorn said:
A 530 did xring drops right onto MK3 sprockets.
I'll likely never adjust it, 5 k on it now. They seem to last about 20-25 k on the Vincent, so I might not get around to wearing out the MK3 chain.
On the Vincent , no adjustment until about 20k miles, then when it needs adjustment it's worn out.

Glen
Click to expand...

Did you not have any clearance issues, particularly the back face of the inner primary case?
 
None .
J Comstock informed me that it would fit.
The did 530 x ring chain I have on there is a few years old and quite a bit wider than the new vx530 DID x ring.

Glen
 
Last edited:
That’s interesting.

Does the DID come with a split link or is it a rivet link? If split link, does that clear too?
 
When I built my B44 VS and wanted an X ring chain the DID came out as the thinnest available.
 
one thing you also have to consider most chain manufacturers now supply x ring motorcycle chain pre stretched to eliminate the need for constant adjustment on break in

tensile strenght quotes are not a marketing cover for cheap chain they are possibly a legal requirement for iso standards for motorcycle chain
 
Torontonian said:
Jason just sent me all 3 Iwis chains that fit a Commando. So I'm happy.
Click to expand...
Hi Torontonian,
What are you referring to when you say "all 3 Iwis chains that fit a Commando"? Are you referring to different grades of Iwis or different lengths etc?

Thanks,
Ed
 
I went to x ring on three of my bikes. The Commando is 520 as it has the TTI. I would not go back to
standard chains except for the ease of installing and uninstalling. Do any of you lube the x chain
regularly?
 
Onder said:
Do any of you lube the x chain regularly?
Click to expand...

Well, kinda depends what you mean by ‘regularly’...

I lube occasionally, the roller to sprocket interface still benefits from some lubrication I believe. I also don’t want chain or sprockets rusting
 
WD40 only for cleaning and follow with some chain spray just for the sprocket teeth.
 
I'm with commando on clean lubrication of x ring chain. I have been converting every final drive chain to x-ring and, if I recall correctly, solved the leaking primary on my velo MAC by using x-ring and letting chaincase stay dry. Modern chains are so much better and I have better things to do than adjust chains. My strategy is run the first chain until it needs adjustment a second time where I call it worn out, run a second chain on the same sprokets and replace the sprokets the second time if they are readily available. That is mosly on more modern bikes as I will confess that I haven't ridden any of my british stuff enough to need to replace an X-ring. Plan to change that though and ride more.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top