A dumb question about chains...

raider · 10-30-2010, 05:25 PM

It's not about lubing, I promise!

Are chain links from different manufacturers interchangeable? I used to carry two master links and a chain breaker/press on my DR650, in case I busted a chain. I found these in a mouldering box in my garage yesterday - they're RK 525XSO links, which RK's none-too-helpful application guide lists as "900cc on road / 750cc off road".

My 800 still has the CZ 525 SDZ chain on it - will the RK links work in a CZ chain? Are things like roller size and plate width standardised on all 525 chains?

Bayner · 10-30-2010, 06:52 PM

They may work, but try them first to make sure. Unfortunately they're different between brands usually.

JRWooden · 10-31-2010, 06:06 AM

I've tried several times, but never been lucky...

Even if they "seemed" to work they might not be toleranced correctly... I'd buy the "matching" master link.

raider · 10-31-2010, 06:55 AM

It doesn't sound good.

Anyone want two sealed-in-factory-bag RK XSO master links?

MTrider16 · 11-03-2010, 08:10 PM

I'll put any chain together on the trail with whatever links I have. In my garage I buy the links with the chain and match the manufacturers. What are you saving by using the old links?

flubbyhog · 11-04-2010, 05:28 AM

As long as it's a 525 chain, everythings the same. Pitch, roller diameter, roller width, overall width, everything. Make sure you put the master link clip on with the opening facing away from the direction of roatation.

LukasM · 11-04-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flubbyhog

As long as it's a 525 chain, everythings the same. Pitch, roller diameter, roller width, overall width, everything. Make sure you put the master link clip on with the opening facing away from the direction of roatation.

Are you talking about CZ chains in particular? I know for a fact that even between just DID models not all chain links will interchange.

raider · 11-04-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTrider16

I'll put any chain together on the trail with whatever links I have. In my garage I buy the links with the chain and match the manufacturers. What are you saving by using the old links?

I can't get replacement links for the CZ chain in Australia. So I'm not saving anything, I'm having a spare part, or not. It's a digital problem, not analogue!

raider · 11-04-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LukasM

Are you talking about CZ chains in particular? I know for a fact that even between just DID models not all chain links will interchange.

Yes, I noted on the DID spec-sheet that their three different 525s have different roller and pin diameters and plate thicknesses.

MTrider16 · 11-04-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raider

I can't get replacement links for the CZ chain in Australia. So I'm not saving anything, I'm having a spare part, or not. It's a digital problem, not analogue!

Sorry.

Doesn't BMW sell chain links (I thought they were CZ chains)? What about the recall on the chain?

David

raider · 11-05-2010, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTrider16

Sorry.

Doesn't BMW sell chain links (I thought they were CZ chains)? What about the recall on the chain?

David

To my knowledge, BMW Australia do neither, but I have to confess I haven't looked into it too hard. Basically I used to carry these links for a bike that got punished a lot more than this one, found them again, wondered if they were worth keeping.

Apparently not, but since I will soon need to buy a new chain, maybe they will be useful again one day!

10-30-2010, 05:25 PM	#1
raider ^OP Big red dog Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Oddometer: 1,322	A dumb question about chains... It's not about lubing, I promise! Are chain links from different manufacturers interchangeable? I used to carry two master links and a chain breaker/press on my DR650, in case I busted a chain. I found these in a mouldering box in my garage yesterday - they're RK 525XSO links, which RK's none-too-helpful application guide lists as "900cc on road / 750cc off road". My 800 still has the CZ 525 SDZ chain on it - will the RK links work in a CZ chain? Are things like roller size and plate width standardised on all 525 chains? __________________ "It's cunnilingus and psychiatry that's led to this" - Tony Soprano 10 F800GS

10-31-2010, 06:55 AM	#4
raider ^OP Big red dog Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Oddometer: 1,322	It doesn't sound good. Anyone want two sealed-in-factory-bag RK XSO master links? __________________ "It's cunnilingus and psychiatry that's led to this" - Tony Soprano 10 F800GS

11-03-2010, 08:10 PM	#5
MTrider16 Ridin' in MT Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Eastern Montana Oddometer: 981	I'll put any chain together on the trail with whatever links I have. In my garage I buy the links with the chain and match the manufacturers. What are you saving by using the old links? __________________ '07 VFR800, '09 F800GS, 07 CRF250X Riding roads in Montana - Big Sky Country www.mtrider16.smugmug.com Alaska Trip Report

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10-30-2010, 06:52 PM	#2
Bayner Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Penticton, BC Oddometer: 1,237	They may work, but try them first to make sure. Unfortunately they're different between brands usually.

10-31-2010, 06:06 AM	#3
JRWooden Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2008 Location: The great state of confusion Oddometer: 3,438	I've tried several times, but never been lucky... Even if they "seemed" to work they might not be toleranced correctly... I'd buy the "matching" master link.

11-04-2010, 05:28 AM	#6
flubbyhog Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2010 Location: Utah Oddometer: 100	As long as it's a 525 chain, everythings the same. Pitch, roller diameter, roller width, overall width, everything. Make sure you put the master link clip on with the opening facing away from the direction of roatation.