Question for the collective. Which is the best quality aftermarket mfg of chains / sprockets? Thanks.
Thanks for that. The OE one is dire. Can't stop it from rusting no matter what i use. Dealer seems happy to replace it - but with the same Regina crap.
Not Regina's fault, they normally supply that chain in a gold finish only. The finger of blame points firmly at Ducati, they deliberately specced a raw finish - OEM only.
Tsubaki sigma is a great chain and good value. Very heavy duty. Don't get the gold one though as the finish isn't very durable. If you want gold, Renthal SRS is pretty good and durable.
What do you use to clean it? Agree with Figaro that you might have cleaned too much, or at least use too harsh a cleaner. I use a combo of WD40 and Motorex 900. The latter is a biodegradable oil-based detergent which is kind to metals and non-corrosive. The WD40 to loosen the grease stained dirt. Agitate with brush (I use dishwashing brushes). Motorex 900 to lift the gunk off. Rinse off with low pressure hose. Couple of goes, job done. Read loads about oven cleaners, SDOC etc. Nothing as effective and painless as this combo. Also I am reassured the cleaning regime is oil based. So the seals are safe. I lube with Putoline DX11. The DX11 is apparently for off-road use. But actually fantastic for every day use. Its super clingy so there is no fling. Stays on long. Water resistent. Oil based again which blocks corrosion. Please don't tell me you use dry lube.....
Dry lube's fine if you're not using an aggressive cleaning agent. Trouble is, people nowadays seem to think the chain has to be clean enough to eat your dinner off, and that's where the problems start. It's over-aggressive cleaning that'll cause your chain to rust, not one or other brand of lube.
I don't understand this obsession with cleaning chains. I had my ST for 20,000 miles and never once cleaned the chain, which was still good when i sold it. Lubed it obviously and picked off any large limps but surely any attempt to clean it thoroughly just works the road grit into the seals? Time will tell with the Multi - still waiting for a confirmed delivery date, though the dealer has booked workshop time for my PDI on Friday, so here's hoping for good weather thus weekend.
Always after a ride and when the chain is warm !! Spray a little paraffin on a rag run chain through rag by turning rear wheel by hand NEVER clean with engine running and in gear. I know nobody ever does put people do and lose digits as a friend of mine did. Then dry off with clean dry rag and spray with worth dry chain lube. Takes no more than 5 mins I have a D.I.D gold chain on my fz1 for 25k miles and ppl still comment on the good condition of my chain
As above - clean off with paraffin or WD40 and then lube it again with a light gear oil. I don't like the sticky/gooey chain lubes as they turn into a fine grinding paste when they pick up road grit! I'm running a Gold DID ZVM-X (heavy duty) chain on the Hyper and Tsubaki Omega on the 748 and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either. My choice was purely on price and availability! And yes, the OEM DID ones are rubbish!
The chain on my 749s is still looking o.k after 24k, haven't done any stretch measurements to confirm this as it's still on the bike, I will measure it after removal. The o.e.m rear sprocket still looks in good condition too, but the front is showing signs of wear and needs replacement. I am fastidious with chain lubing and wipe off any excess dirt with a rag dampened with paraffin and then give it a spray with Wurth about every 200miles. I have seen a D.I.D chain and J.P sprockets for £111.58inc from Weemoto which looks to be a good deal and I am considering buying. I am aware that the D.I.D chain has a good reputation but don't know anything about J.P sprockets. Are these sprockets o.k, or to be avoided? All advice welcome and appreciated.
I've had a couple of JT front sprockets and quick release rear carrier...No props at all and competitively priced!
