13. "What kind of chain should I use for my 900cc bike?"
Description
This article is from the Ducatis Motorcycles FAQ, by Duke Robillard duke@io.com with numerous contributions by others.
13. "What kind of chain should I use for my 900cc bike?"
(Thanks to Godfrey DiGiorgi for some exhaustive research on this whilst
recuperating.)
Ducati went to 520 size chains a few years ago to lighten the bikes and
allow for a wider tire. A 520 chain on a high output 900 class machine is
really a narrow, small chain for the application. Most older Duc twins have
530s. Consequently, if you're getting really good mileage out of your
chain, like over 10K or so, it must be a pretty damn good chain in OEM
specifications, right?
Ducati specs the DID brand 520VL for use with their big bikes -- SS,
851/888, 907, Monster. It's possible the 750's also use this chain as OEM.
This chain is a "special chain series" for DID, also including:
Model Plate Thickness Wear Resistance Tensile Stngth Wght
inner outer INDEX lbs. 100L
520VL .087 .087 2430 8100 3.88
520VM .079 .079 3140 8050 3.39
520ERV2 .079 .079 2820 8180 3.53
The VM is the X-Ring Gold premium chain and the ERV2 is for racing
applications, also gold but without any type of warranty on it's life. All
are only sold with press master link, by the way. From the DID data, we can
surmise the OEM chain that Ducati uses is inexpensive and gets good tensile
strength through thick link plates at the expense of some weight. A swap to
the VM or ERV2 chains will give effectively the same strength and
durability but will be lighter; of course, it'll also be more costly.
According to RK literature, they do not have a chain that matches the DID
specs in terms of tensile strength. While you can use one, keep in mind
that it will probably not last as long. RK is not fond of the clip master
link supplied with their GR520SO, the closest match, for the reason that it
is still slightly under spec.
Tsubaki recommends only the 520 Omega, with only 7600 lbs. of tensile
strength, again with a clip master link. The technical rep for Tsubaki said
that a more reliable press fit link could be had on special order, and in
fact would only make the recommendation with this link in mind. Tsubaki
differentiates their chains by using sintered pins that are also somewhat
larger than their competitors. For comparison purposes, the 530 Sigma chain
made for bikes like the CBR900RR has a tensile strength of 10,300 lbs.
Tsubaki makes a point of noting that Scott Russell used a Tsubaki chain on
his Kawasaki at Daytona this year, and Pascal Picotte, riding a Ducati, did
not. Russell won, obviously an endorsement for chains, but note also that
Picotte's broke in the melee, ending his race. Doug Polen used Tsubaki
Omega's for both his World Superbike and AMA Superbike winning seasons.
One poster related that he had good results racing his 851 using the
clip-style master links. There is a special tool that must be acquired to
put the clip on, however, as it is an interference fit. He recommends that
you clean the side plate and clip of the master link with lacquer thinner,
followed by a drop of superglue, before you put it on. Once in place, he
sticks some Permatex blue semi-hardening sealer over the clip and side
plate. The blue Permatex makes it easy to spot the link with the clip when
doing a pre-ride inspection, and the semi-hardening nature of the goop
makes it easy to see if there has been any relative movement between the
clip and the link. He has never had a problem with splitting links on his
racebikes.
Regina recommends their 135 ORS model, which has gold external links and
copper rollers. Link plates are .087" thick, both inner and outer, average
tensile strength is rated at 7510 lbs, and weight is .75 lbs per foot
length. Recommended fitment is with a press fit master link. They sell the
proper tools to assemble and fit both the clip and press fit master links,
should you choose.
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