Need to replace my chain... should I get oem endless or aftermarket master link?

[whoaru99]

Originally Posted by Blaine

Yep,same as replacing the belt on the older Vulcan or 454.Not a big job,about 2 hours.

In your garage, maybe.

[Blaine]

Originally Posted by whoaru99

In your garage, maybe.

No.Actually out in the yard with a small jack under the center stand.

[Al Vulcan]

I am wanting to get a new chain and reading all the posts has my head spinning,,
I have an oem chain on my 500, and it has the o-rings, I don't know what an X- ring is.. I am a retired carpenter and really appreciate the help I have received here since getting my bike in March 2012.. I have 7,500 miles on the bike ,,a friend says I need a new chain ,, but from what I read here,, I should be good to 20, 25 ,000 miles,, any replies are truly welcome __thank You _ Al Vulcan
PS, What do you reccommend for cleaning and for lubricating ?

[Mambo Dave]

Originally Posted by Al Vulcan

I am wanting to get a new chain and reading all the posts has my head spinning,,
I have an oem chain on my 500, and it has the o-rings, I don't know what an X- ring is.. I am a retired carpenter and really appreciate the help I have received here since getting my bike in March 2012.. I have 7,500 miles on the bike ,,a friend says I need a new chain ,, but from what I read here,, I should be good to 20, 25 ,000 miles,, any replies are truly welcome __thank You _ Al Vulcan
PS, What do you reccommend for cleaning and for lubricating ?

You may need a new chain, but it surely can't be due to chain stretch by now.

Old bikes that aren't used enough, or aren't lubed enough, can end up with stiff chain links that may eventually ruin a long-distance ride. You need to ask your friend why he thinks you need a new chain, then either trust him, double check that with someone else, or write it up here for people to respond to.

X-rings are just o-rings with molded surfaces that can better protect the lube inside the links. They really shouldn't cost more (unless they have a much higher tensile strength for higher horsepower bikes), but they generally do.

[rick]

05 800, I replace my chain and sprockets at the same time every year at the end of winter. I average about 20,000 a year. X-ring chain and clip style master link. My 1st chain went 38,000, but also had several rollers missing when I changed it, was past due! Never had a problem with them. Avoid aluminum sprockets, get steel.


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[GeorgiaRider]

31K miles on my original chain. Clean/lube every 400 miles. Still in great shape.

[Al Vulcan]

Ok, I'v read it all a couple times ,,but I'm still uncertain about which brand to buy..I dont want to loose the chain at any speed.
Maybe just a little more help ..PLEASE"" Thanks

[GeorgiaRider]

I've had such good luck with the original OEM chain I may order another one unless someone makes an even better one. 31K miles on the original chain...