520 chain

Ducati Forum

Help Support Ducati Forum:

Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Messages
1,293
Location
Perth, Western Australia
I'm having the 41T sprocket change but the mechanic is proposing a 520 chain - is there any drawbacks with a 520?
 
For a given Bike set-up and the same rider the 525 will last longer then a 520.

The 520 weighs less so, some guys say they can feel it spin up faster and some will even say it effects handling due to the un-sprung weight change.

If your going to build your bike into a drag bike and start building lots more Horse Power then you will want to look at the 525 or bigger, it's the last thing you want to let go as your coming out of the gate :)

Personally I went with the 520 chain, 41T sprocket, quick-change sprocket carrier and new countershaft sprocket
 
Thanks. Good feedback. Mines just for road riding and a few track days. Hope it doesn't mean I have to constantly be tightening the chain.
 
Supplementary question: I think the mechanic is using Superlite sprocket and DID chain - are these quality brands? I have no idea but I'd rather pay more and get the best.
 
A 520 will stretch much faster and need adjusting more frequently. The Pani is a powerful bike to run a 520 if you're looking for hassle free road use.

The benefits of a lighter chain are really for the top flight track heros.

From my experience on older bikes they lasted around 40-50% less and I couldn't notice a riding difference (I'm not where near good enough to use the standard capabilities of this bike) and that was a 140hp bike.
 
Oh and was going to say when mine was done used a DID gold chain as these are my preference for quality and lasting and went with the DP sprocket as I'm not changing it regularly so don't need the quick change (although some of them do look very trick!)
 
I would go with the 520 chain if your going to hit the track. They don't last as long but like the other posters said....you will be able to spin up faster. They dot last as long as the 525 but have been greatly improved over the past few years
 
I use the DID 520 ERV3 chain. the pins are suppose to be just as strong as a 525 chain ( they claim longer than most 525 chain) it's is what most WSBK are using. It's really light weight. It does make a huge difference in acceleration do to its unspung weight. I also use the AFAM steel front and Aluminum rear sprockets. It is worth the change if you do track days. I have 3K miles on the chain and sprockets and I have no signs of wear. I believe the aluminum rear sprocket would wear before the chain and the aluminum sprocket is cheaper to change out.
 
Last edited:
Good points one and all. I suspect that I should get the 525 because I'm not good with anything mechanical and I don't want to be going back to the mechanic all the time. That said I'll give it a go and then switch back to 525 next time.
 
Fatty, I just fitted a Driven kit (billet aluminum and a carrier), CNC flange, CNC black bolts and EK 520 chain. Driven is a quality kit and price isn't too high on it. AEM hubs are also popular.

End result---well just like everyone else stated in the past...well worth the money :D
 
I use the DID 520 ERV3 chain. the pins are suppose to be just as strong as a 525 chain ( they claim longer than most 525 chain) it's is what most WSBK are using. It's really light weight. It does make a huge difference in acceleration do to its unspung weight. I also use the AFAM steel front and Aluminum rear sprockets. It is worth the change if you do track days. I have 3K miles on the chain and sprockets and I have no signs of wear. I believe the aluminum rear sprocket would wear before the chain and the aluminum sprocket is cheaper to change out.

DID 520 ERV3 is only rated for max of 750cc acording to DID, they do make the 520 ZVM-X that rated for 1200cc. I don't see much difference as one is rated at 8660 lbs and the other 8745 lbs. The 525 and 530 are rated at 10408 lbs and for 1300cc.
 
Bolted on a 41T rear sprocket in 525...new gold DID chain and new rear sprocket...that's it.

Didn't touch my countershaft sprocket anymore...less hassle... my 2cents
 
Keep in mind a high quality 520 chain is going to be stronger and require less maintenance than a stock 530 chain. I've got a couple thousand miles and one track day on my 520 and still haven't had to adjust it. On lesser powered bikes than the Pani I typically increased my chain adjustment intervals by 2-3 times.

Also, the stock 525 wore into my swingarm (on the vertical inside portion). There's not much clearance there and a 520 will never touch.
 
Fatty, I just fitted a Driven kit (billet aluminum and a carrier), CNC flange, CNC black bolts and EK 520 chain. Driven is a quality kit and price isn't too high on it. AEM hubs are also popular.

End result---well just like everyone else stated in the past...well worth the money :D

Hi,

Could you please link to where to buy all that kit?

Also, has anyone gone 41T rear and 14T front over the stock 15? Would that be overkill?

Cheers
 
Hi,

Could you please link to where to buy all that kit?

Also, has anyone gone 41T rear and 14T front over the stock 15? Would that be overkill?

Cheers

14/41 might be ok for a really tight track, but miserable on the street. That's the same as going up 4-5 teeth on the rear over stock. Here's some links:

BellissiMoto

Kyle Racing 520 kit

Motowheels
 
Hi,

Could you please link to where to buy all that kit?

Also, has anyone gone 41T rear and 14T front over the stock 15? Would that be overkill?

Cheers

Yup Spilly1199...it would be overkill.:confused: You would be over revving in ALL gears, Fuel consumption will go up drastically and top speed will dramatically be much lower.

By going -1 in front and + 2 in the rear... a -1 front equates to a +3 at the rear already...so by going with an additional +2 at the rear will be like adding a total of 5 teeth onto your rear sprocket ratio...

You will do great power wheelies though...:D

Miguel
 
15/41 is already nuts under WOT, but I still rarely use 6th. 14/41 would be crazy fun, but would get a little maniacal after a while. Plus a smaller front would probably rub like mad on the rubber swingarm protectors. If 15/41 isn't 'enough' for you, try a 15/42 or 15/43 and post lots of 130 mph roll on wheelies for us, please.
 
Hi,

Could you please link to where to buy all that kit?

Also, has anyone gone 41T rear and 14T front over the stock 15? Would that be overkill?

Cheers
Trust me, 15/41 is pleeeeeenty.

I spoke with Bellisimoto few weeks back and they were just sorting out the shipment and pricing on Driven, hopefully things are sorted out:). I got mine through CycleGear since my old lady works there.
 
To WAFatboy and other Aussies.

I have mine booked in next Friday to get what is called the "Ducati Panigale Sprocket Kit upgrade" basically it is an optional change with a Ducati subsidised price for those wanting to change the gearing, if fitted by a Ducati dealer it gets a remap, which is basically the R map, or so I am told.

Apparently it makes a good difference for the track, and is noticeable on the road. I will let you know.

By the way mine has about 7500ks so I am opting for a new front sprocket too.

Cheers
 

Register CTA

Register on Ducati Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.

Recent Discussions

Back
Top