520 vs 525

I am considering the 520 conversion on my 04 F4i. Does the 520 chain wear any faster or slower than the stock 525? Is it any weaker? I know it is lighter, but why didn't the factory go with it? also I am thinking about going -1+2. Or maybe just -1. Opinions, thoughts?

Well I've only had my 520 on for about a month or so, so it hasn't really had a chance to wear of any significance yet. I did have to adjust it just a hair the other night cuz it was a little loose, but I figure since it's new it's gonna stretch a little bit initially regardless. A friend of mine used to have a Busa (has an RC-51 now), and it had the 520 chain (originally 530), and he said it stretched the chain out pretty quick. A Busa makes ALOT of power though, much more than an F4i, so might be alright on ours. Guess I'll wait and see too!

if you go -1 in front you can keep the stock 525 chain to see how you like it. it's like a $30 trial investment. that's what i'm about to do, but it depends on the application. stuntin it out, go 520 with -1/+3. want more power out of the corners, try -1 w/525.

no mang...if you stunting, stick with stock and then the -1/+2 or 3...if you racing and canyon riding, etc...but hardcore, then go with the 520 and +3 (is about -1). you don't need the decreased weight of a 520 when you're stunting.

i say +3 for a 520, in fact any chain as it'll wear better than a -1. make sure you change both chain and sprockets or else the older stuff will make the newer stuff wear quicker.

as far as strength, they are pretty strong, depending on the company. i will only do DID cause they hardcore. i've had bad experiences with others...EK/RK.
520s are rated up to 750 and at times 1K, but busa is a beast...should use like 585 if they have them.

not really into stunting that much, only once in a while do I bring her up on one. I prefer canyon riding and am really just looking for that little extra pull out of the twisties. So a 525 +3 wouldnt hurt me that much, and I would be able to swap in the stock 46 for long freeway rides where economy is more important.

yo mang...i currently have -1 up front with 525...when i swapped gears, my MPG went down like 2 or 3...went from crap to $HIT!...33 now 31...but it pulls good. you'll need to get used to the RPM when on freeway though.
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I second what tahoe said. I have the same setup and I'm about to go to a -2 in the front. Wonder how my mpg will be then.

not to scare the mang but mines dropped from the 38/36 sometimes 40 to 33 from the full system, then another 2 from the gear swap.

don you gots the RR, it's got that crazy dual injector action right? chill and you're ok...hammer it and you'll be gassing up from light to light! buahhhahhah...

Right... that's what I'm saying. 8 injectors can spray a lot of fuel if need be. The high 40's and 50 mph is very, very, very rare. Only when I'm doing a group ride and basically riding in parade formation. Not much fun, but you go along with the group and have a little fun after the ride.

Right on, stock 525 chain it is, with a +3 on the rear and I will only lose a little on fuel economy. Works for me, it would still get 2x the fuel milage of my car, and like 3-4x the milage of my truck.

It also depends on the type of chain you're going to use with the sprocket swap. X-ring chains are inherently superior to O-ring chains. There's a lot of variables here, including the different sized sprockets, different number of teeth on sprockets, chain manufacturer/model, chain type, etc.

oh he's going to use DID 525 chain with vortex sprockets...but it won't be steel...but it'll still last as long.
there are not recommendations...YOU HAVE TO GET THESE...or else your dog and gf will turn into a pumpkin, and after reading this message you have to tell at least 20 other people, or you'll get premature wear on your sprockets (not on the chain cause DID is da KABOOM..)

I am a big fan of my -1,+2 and a 520 conversion. That is what i did. Make a wonderful difference in acceleration, wheelie-ability, and has little or no effect on top speed. Just buy a quality chain and the wear difference will be unnoticable.

well when i decide on either -1+2, or just a +3 I think I will be happy. Gonna stick with the 525's, why change what works, course I was gonna get a DID, with vortex sprockets. I was happy with the 12k miles I got on the stock chain within a year of buying it.

Not having a good pay period, this time round, winter time cleaned my bike, was getting it all ready for new chain and sprockets, cut the chain, then like the next day I roasted the pinion gear in my pick up, big $$$ for both, but my priority is on 2 wheels, not 4.

quote:

ORIGINAL: thirdgenlxi

Well I've only had my 520 on for about a month or so, so it hasn't really had a chance to wear of any significance yet. I did have to adjust it just a hair the other night cuz it was a little loose, but I figure since it's new it's gonna stretch a little bit initially regardless. A friend of mine used to have a Busa (has an RC-51 now), and it had the 520 chain (originally 530), and he said it stretched the chain out pretty quick. A Busa makes ALOT of power though, much more than an F4i, so might be alright on ours. Guess I'll wait and see too!

A busa or a liter bike should usually use a 520 anyway, it is too small. Unless it is for racing and you don't mind putting a new chain on every race. For the street, it or any liter bike should have a 525 or higher.

quote:

ORIGINAL: bikesnjeeps

well when i decide on either -1+2, or just a +3 I think I will be happy. Gonna stick with the 525's, why change what works, course I was gonna get a DID, with vortex sprockets. I was happy with the 12k miles I got on the stock chain within a year of buying it.

Not having a good pay period, this time round, winter time cleaned my bike, was getting it all ready for new chain and sprockets, cut the chain, then like the next day I roasted the pinion gear in my pick up, big $$$ for both, but my priority is on 2 wheels, not 4.

the DID will get your more than 12K...
in regards to the other things...depending on if you do it or not, like i said before, your gf and dog will turn into pumpkins. think about that.