Had the bike MOT done today, no big deal, one of the comments from the tester was the chain will need replacing soon, I've covered 10,000 miles so no real argument. Do I go straight replacement or get something a bit fancy. I know there's lots of different manufacturers out there but will an after market chain make a scrap of difference, other than looks. Do I upgrade the chain or not. I'm assuming I should change the sprockets too? Any help appreciated.
I am waiting for my bike to be returned from full Desmo service from Ducati Leeds. 16000miles. They wanted £402 to change chain & sprockets. Told them to do one. So i am also wanting any info on doing this. A bit confused as looking on net some say 525 chain others say 530. Which is it. Some have said at my mileage the sprockets should be ok , others say you must always change them all at same time. Definately will be going for te Xring DID gold. I do ride like Miss daisy these days so not pushed hard.
Change the chain and sprockets together. Aftermarket chains are generally a higher quality than the ones fitted by OEM. I personally like to use Bike Torque Racing who are competitive and have a very good chain and sprockets section on their website. Last one I bought was an Afam. Very happy with it and their service. Most chains now have a hollow pin link which makes fitting a breeze. I use a £16 (off eBay not BTR) Afam chain tool to rivet and a dremmel and punch to split the old chain.
You’ll get conflicting advice but FWIW, I won’t touch an OE replacement and I’ve been hugely disappointed with DID. The race team I follow use RK and I’ve been very happy that brand. If you are still using steel sprockets, I tend to change them to every 2 or 3 chains. Aluminium rear sprocket, definitely change with every chain. Andy
Afam is the best kit I have come across. Nearly 25000 miles before I changed that C&S kit , technically it was not shagged out but as a precaution and as I ride in all weathers I changed it, cleaned with parafin and old toothbrush. Only needed adjustments every several thousand miles too. OE chain lasted just under 8000 miles DID was 16000 miles DID X defo not upto the same quality
I’m certain all 1200 Multistradas are 530. The Owner’s manual frustratingly states the size in imperial. Andy
So the real issue is longevity and looks, I suppose cost is a consideration too. Thanks for the advice.
The Afam was more expensive to purchase than most others, but if it last twice as long in reality it is a good cost option, but different riders all have different views and priorities.
DID 530ZVM-X (Gold) 114 correct but I've used 116links also. Obviously double check your chain information rather than rely on me. And I'm only stating what I use, there are plenty of more expensive chain brands!
Ok guys, a bit of confusion here. So Michael says he thinks one of the best is Afam. So on there website & some others i have looked at it states 108 links & a 530 chain. But some forum members have stated 114 links. My model is 2017 multistrada 1200s. Are some different. Anyone know as i don't want to order the wrong chain. Thanks in advance. Steve.
Both Afam and Esjot are both good aftermarket rear sprockets. RK are my preferred chains having used many top brands. Rear sprockets will last a few, or more, chains if taken care of, front sprocket will need changing with each chain.
From the OM The Regina website shows that chain reference as a 530. Ducati’s chain measurement given as 5/8 x 1/16 is not helpful as no chain is 1/16” wide but it wouldn’t be the first time there’s been a typo in the OM or workshop manual. Useful info on chain sizes and understanding them can be found here https://www.partzilla.com/blog/how-to-measure-motorcycle-atv-chains As long as the chain & sprockets match in size ie pitch & width then you can fit either a 530 or 525. Despite being slightly thinner the 525 will be fine (my Multi V4S runs a 525 as standard). JT steel sprockets have a very good reputation for longevity as do AFAM. All chain manufacturers have a range of qualities in the same size, you get what you pay for.
I just bought an Afam chain but it’s not on the bike yet. Also bought an Esjot 42tooth rear sprocket. Think the front sprocket was a JT. Standard set up: The chain is Afam A530XHR2-G 108 links Front sprocket 15 teeth Rear sprocket 40 teeth Add 2 links for the 42 tooth sprocket. I stuck with the 530 pitch as opposed to reducing to the 525 as it makes more sense to me.
