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Chain soft links

Posted: 23 May 2016, 12:36
by Monty
Does anyone know if you can use an X-ring soft link with an O'ring chain?

My chain appears to be the original OEM EK 520 MVXL, but rivet link has got a very nasty tight spot in it and needs replacing. I can only find EK 520 MVXZ links, which I think are X-Ring chains.

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 23 May 2016, 13:19
by Cav
Not sure what you mean by a soft link and that's something I wouldn't like to answer to be honest, it's completely personal preference whether you try it or not.

If not, call AR Racing and they'll likely have a link for the chain you have; I did that for my DID chain because I wanted a split link rather than rivet

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 23 May 2016, 16:12
by Monty
Cav wrote:Not sure what you mean by a soft link and that's something I wouldn't like to answer to be honest, it's completely personal preference whether you try it or not.

If not, call AR Racing and they'll likely have a link for the chain you have; I did that for my DID chain because I wanted a split link rather than rivet
Cheers Cav, just tried them and they don't even recognise the MVXL.

In other news did you fit an Akrapovic exhaust can to the standard baffle box? If so did you get away with using the old gasket or does the Akra gasket have a different ID?

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 23 May 2016, 21:51
by Blade
Monty ring BandC EXPRESS they will be able to answer your chain link question and supply the correct part also.

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 07:16
by Cav
Monty wrote: In other news did you fit an Akrapovic exhaust can to the standard baffle box? If so did you get away with using the old gasket or does the Akra gasket have a different ID?
I don't have an Akra sorry

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 08:40
by Monty
Could have sworn you had a an Akrapovic can

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 08:43
by Cav
Leo Vince and secondary silencer (no link pipe) for quiet days and a Racefit Growler for the road and Spain! :P

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 14:14
by Monty
I've spoken to about 5 different suppliers and non of them can find or even identify an EK 520 MVXL chain link. Must be an OEM part number.

So I thought feck it and bought a new chain and sprocket kit. Gone for a Tsubaki X-ring chain and -1 front and +1 rear Renthal sprockets.

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 14:28
by Cav
Oooh, tasty !! Do you run a 55 profile rear tyre? If so, that's going to be an incredible difference !!

I'm using -1/+3 with a 60 profile and the front wheel lifts in first easily on the power, it comes up if you change into 2nd a bit harsh as well !!

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 14:43
by Monty
Yep I'm sticking with a 55 section, so my overall ratio will be almost identical to yours. Max power in sixth (14000rpm) will be at 143mph for me and 141mph for you. It's roughly 9% from standard.

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 15:03
by Cav
Nice work, it's awesome on circuit - you planning any trackdays?

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 15:28
by Monty
Yep, nothing in the diary yet but will be doing a least one this year. Probably Cadwell, but might do a half day taster first at Darly Dale as it's only 60 quid, 20 minutes away and I've not been on the track for 3 years!

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 15:31
by Cav
Not a bad shout. Bit of a shakedown for you more than the bike then really

I'm gutted I'm not doing a trackday this weekend but I need to slow down - 2 in 10 days earlier this month !!

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 16:19
by Monty
LOL shakedown! I'm going to need a complete overhaul!

Re: Chain soft links

Posted: 24 May 2016, 20:39
by Itchy
Monty wrote:LOL shakedown! I'm going to need a complete overhaul!
Yeah right, like you were "taking it easy" last time I went out with you!