Chain Recommendations

Do you mean it is tough to get the plates together enough to get the clip on? For some of the chains, especially oring and xring, you need a chain tool/press to push the plates together to get the clip on. My DID chains didn't need this, but I just installed a RK chain, and it really needed pressing.

A chain press is ~$15
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14 ... =SLIsearch

Yup,

I had the same issues. Normally I compress the chain and slam the lock on with a screwdriver which I hit with my fist.

This time it didn't work and I broke two locks instead.

Try Tsubaki chains, piece of art and precision, but really expensive though.

It might last double the time.

You need one of these to help putting the chain together:

http://www.scottsonline.com/groupitem.p ... &Groups=10

I use the top end RK O Ring Chain-GB520GXW. These chains are rated for use for 1000cc street bikes.

http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/rk_chain_ ... 30gxw.html

This chain is also available through Scotts, but I don't see it listed in their online store. Give them a call they have it on the shelf. This is a street bike chain that is meant to be linkless, E.G. the master link pins are pressed over and the chain is linkless. However, Scott's has a removable master link that they will give you with the chain so you can split it in the field if need be.

I have been using these chains for sometime now, and usually the sprockets wear out well before the chain does. And that was the only reason I would ever have to adjust the chain tension, because the sprockets were wearing.

I switched over to the supersprox two piece sprockets on the rear, the one with the tool steel chain wheel and the aluminum inner. These sprockets have not shown any wear what so ever.

Make sure to keep an eye on the counter shaft sprocket. As soon as it starts to show wear change it out, they are super cheap.

I have not had to make one chain adjustment to my bike since going this route, with the exception of the initial set the chain and sprockets take. The only reason chains stretch is because they are wearing out, but, with an O ring chain the grease stays sealed inside the chain so there is very little if any wear. Just don't put a pressure washer right on it! If you're using an O ring chain like the RK mentioned above and you are using an aluminum sprocket in the rear, and the chain needs adjusting, its b/c the sprocket is wearing not your chain.

By doing the above, and doing proper maintenance to your chain, which in this case means keeping the chain clean, and lubricated on the outside, you will have a chain that will last for thousands of miles of off road abuse, and years of service.

Dale