FZ6 Chain

[edwardree]

I have a 2005 FZ6 with 34000 miles. I started hearing a crunching sound when I accelerate hard and figure it's about time to change the chain. I called a local dealer and he said the chain size was 532 x 118 not 530. What is a 532? Is he correct or can I buy a 530. He wanted 164.49 for the OEM chain. I checked online for the OEM chain and found it for 116.58 plus shipping. I found after market chains (530 x 118) for 39.99 plus 5.99 shipping. Are these chains good? What is your recommendation?

 

[Grainbelt]

I'm going thru this right now, as my '06 has 25k and the chain and sprockets are shot.

Couple of things -

you need to change the front and rear sprockets at the same time as the chain.

downsizing to 520 will be a lot cheaper, just as reliable and should last about as along. 520 is 1/4 inch wide rollers, 530 is 3/8ths.

D.I.D. is the sort of default 'premium' aftermarket chain, I've used EK with good results.

 

[Mac fz6n]

I'm not the most experienced with this stuff, but check out the eBay section.
( click "forum" and it's near the bottom of the list )

This link should take you to them:

eBay Marketplace


If not, check out page 169/170 for full chain/sprocket kits. :thumbup:

Good luck and let us know how you go.

Mac.

 

[FinalImpact]

..... you need to change the front and rear sprockets at the same time as the chain.

True. . .

..... downsizing to 520 will be a lot cheaper, just as reliable and should last about as along. 520 is 1/4 inch wide rollers, 530 is 3/8ths.

Granted that doesn't sound like much area to loose an 1/8" but if you think about close to 90hp being displaced over those links in contact with the sprockets the load imposed on the pins and bushings is very high. From a wear standpoint, there is much more surface area on the wider chain. I know high HP bikes do run 520s and such but I think I might opt for the stock 530 myself or be prepared to clean and lube the narrow chain more often to get the same life from it. Just my 2 cents. . .

Then again if the price is way better, maybe the trade-off is worth it?

 

[Erci]

True. . .
Then again if the price is way better, maybe the trade-off is worth it?

I've always thought people switched to 520 for performance, not price. It's at least 2 pounds lighter than 530 and supposedly it's a very noticeable difference :don'tknow:

 

[The Dude]

Going to 520 is all about weight. From everything I've read, it's only worth considering for a track bike. Okay fair enough, it makes sense for show bikes and posing too, I was just trying to be nice. The few tenths you'll pick up on your lap time will be offset by considerably shorter chain life. Same thing with using aluminum sprockets.

I'm getting close to 20K and will be replacing my chain and sprockets this season. Sprockets will be steel, but I'll be bumping up to a 17 tooth up front. I'm not sure what 530 chain I'm going with yet, but I have been doing some shopping. Not sure if I'll go O-ring or X-ring.

When it comes to cheapo $40 chains, you get what you pay for. Think about it. These aren't high-margin products. They're all the same basic design. The only way to make a cheap chain is to use cheap material.

 

[MiLToS_666]

My 2005 FZ6-S has about 45.000km now and it was time to change the chain & sprockets as well. OEM stuff was about 170 euro in my local Yamaha dealer.
I went for the DID OE chain & 50VX-118 (46/16) sprocket kit from dk motorcycles for about 117 euro. Waiting for the kit to arrive now.

 

[FinalImpact]

I've always thought people switched to 520 for performance, not price. It's at least 2 pounds lighter than 530 and supposedly it's a very noticeable difference :don'tknow:

Yes sir, there is that too! Less mass = better acceleration and braking. Not to mention a tad less unsprung weight.

One site says roughly:
0.83lbs per foot for 530
0.76lbs per foot for 520

While on this topic I'll add that now is the time to do gear changes if you wish to get more torque etc. . .