520 Chain Conversion

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JHTmcrider

JHTmcrider

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Jul 24, 2013
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All, couldn't put up with the drag the 325 was giving me on rides any longer. Ordered the DID/AFAM 520 conversion from Hard Racing in N.C.

I have used them before and they have great customer support!



The 520 is certainly the way to go!




I am not sure this chain is up to snuff, but we will find out. The DID ZVMX is claimed to be sufficient but looks barely good enough for a 600cc bike.
Much lighter than the 325 Regina that comes with the Panigale.



Looking forward to the 15/41 combo and certainly the lighter driveline. Will report on my opinions of the 520 conversion for a 1198cc (1199) bike. I have used the same kit on my 2003 GSXR-1000 and 2008 848. Certainly breathed some life into the thrust the bikes have on tap.

Again, a little leery this will hold up with a 1198cc bike, but the Japanese at DID claim this is the way to go. We will see.

I got the steel 15t front and 41t steel rear since the Ergal Aluminum versions for the rear are on Back Order.
 
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Oh, and if anyone notices there is grip tape on the rear sets. I can't stand how slippery the stock aluminum pegs and heel guards are! WTF!

Got the Ducabike rearsets and the heel guards are absolute crap too.

Thanks to Ben Spies for the grip tape idea.
 
JHT,

You should be fine as the DID probably has a higher tensile strength than the oem chain. This will pit less strain on the sprocket teeth so they will last longer; especially since they both are steel. Great choice and great job!
 
Thanks much!

My initial impressions are just what you have said. Very little stretch so far. I like the thrust of the new set up. The weight of the new system is very recognizable.

Will update in the coming days. This chain seems to be up to snuff for the 1199.

The added benefit of the steel rear is certainly a plus like you mentioned.
 
I never realised this could make a massive difference?

I understand the physics of it and the aspects of less rotating mass, less surface area and reduced friction, but as an everyday use/fast track day use would I see much difference? I mean I do track days for fun, not setting lap records.
 
I can feel the bike pulling different now. I also gained two teeth in the rear as well. However, comparing the weight of the stock sprocket carrier to the AFAM carrier the difference is huge.

I will weigh the OEM parts when I can get the scale out of the bathroom.
 
Can somebody PLEASE explain to me why it's a popular trend to put an albeit less capable(weaker) chain on their 200+ horsepower 1200cc bikes??
 
Evidently the 520 is not weaker albeit certainly smaller and lighter than the 525 or 535.

Thrust! Thrust - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm not an engineer, but the darn thing moves quicker with a lighter chain and driveline.

Does A 520 Chain Conversion Increase Horsepower? | Mythbusters | Super Streetbike

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080226102350AAZYnC1

What is a 520 chain conversion? : Honda CBR 600RR Sportbike Forum : 600RR.Net

Some would argue it is a waste of money and time:

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39042

Mine looks better, is lighter, allows quicker acceleration and since I have steel front and rear, I get the same wear characteristics. No big deal.

I like the look better and it has some value performance wise. I've been running 520 conversions for over 15 years with zero issues.

I love reading!
 
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^ I agree.

Had this same discussion regarding the switch to a 520 with the Panigale since the 1198cc was over the tensile strength rating of most of the other chains.

Looked at the DID EK 520 MVXZ says its good for 1000 cc. Like my original post the chain looks weak, but is holding up quite well!
 
Claymore said:
And your current set up weighs how much? :confused:
Click to expand...


When I did the conversion I posted up all the weight differences. Its on this forum somewhere.

PS The big weight saving was in the rear sprocket from steel to alloy. The chain made a difference too.
 
bradp51 said:
PS The big weight saving was in the rear sprocket from steel to alloy. The chain made a difference too.
Click to expand...

^^ This

I prefer alloy rear sprocket. Weight savings is nice but my main consideration is wear. Steel rear sprockets - when combined with inevitable road grime the chain lube will pick up - will wear a chain faster than an alloy. True, the sprocket will wear faster, but sprockets are cheaper (and easier) to replace than chains. I want the road grime grinding up the sprocket rather than the chain links.
 
The chain is going to be a much harder material than the sprocket, even if using a steel sprocket.

The better solution I saw was the combination of steel teeth with an aluminium body.
 

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