Chain replacement

[JR]

OK
being a previous Honda NTV and Deauville owner, the chain is a new thing
for me on the Hawk. Therefore I'm at the point now to replace it before I put the swing arm back on.

I want to do it this way so that I can get my local shop to join the chain
instead of me struggling to join the chain on the bike.

1) What are the advantages of using a 520 chain?
2) Are there 112 links in the chain?
3) The bike has only done 9,000 miles but the front sprocket seems to
move side to side on the shaft. It this correct? I just wondered, but I will replace all in one go.

many thanks

[Soul]

JR,
You're replacing the chain at 9,000 miles? Is the chain worn badly? I would think a well maintained chain would last you around 25.
Do you mean you are going to do a 520 chain,or the whole "520" kit?
The kit i believe has 1 tooth less in the front sprocket and 2 teeth more in the rear..
It should give you quite abit more low-end but it will take off of your high end..top speed will be reduced and you will run at a higher RPM...
I am not sure how many links the chain has.

[JR]

Soul,
an unlubricated chain sitting on a bike for 6 years in a damp warehouse
has caused some of the links to almost seize. So I thought it would be better to replace with a new chain, or a complete kit.
many thanks for the info

[VWTim]

You can get "kits" in any sprocket tooth count you want. I went to a 520 X-ring setup, and kept stock gearing. As to the length, I can't rememeber. But I know it's in the FAQ's on www.hawkgt.com
hth,

[JR]

Thats the bit I'm confused with as it states

"A 525 chain may run on 520 sprockets, but a 520 chain is too narrow to run on 525 sprockets"

[dagus]

JD Hord will answer all your chain & sprocket questions (he answered mine) and sell the right stuff to you, too. www.hordpower.com Hord's been on the www.hawkgt.com listserv forever.

Here's something he wrote me when I thought that 5th gear felt short on the highway, and I'd asked about that Sum of All Parts kit on eBay with the 15/46 gearing:

"What you need to do is drop a
tooth or two on the rear, run 16/43 or 16/42 to lower the engine rpm in 5th. I can source custom-sized sprockets if you wish."

I'll never wheelie that way, but I've never wheelied in the first place (though not for lack of trying...).

[JR]

Douglas,
thanks for that. I had checked out JD Hords page earlier and yes he does sell the 16/44 T 525 sprockets.