How does one tell what size chain his bike takes?

External Since: Nov 14, 2003 Posts: 2

Hey there!

I'm prolly an idiot but how can I tell what size of chain to get for
my 97 KX250? I haven't changed sprocket size and I looked thru the
manual and it doesn't specify. There seems to be 2 numbers involved:
the first something like 520, 530 or 428, and then have a second
number like 100 or 120. I imagine that they correspond to length and
thickness but how can ya tell which suits your bike? I would think
that there would be a reference for the stock chain somewhere although
my manuals don't say, I looked at BuyKawasaki.com and their schematics
and couldn't find anything, and the various retailers on the web offer
chains but there is no grid or listing of what bike takes what chain!

Can someone give me a quick lesson in chains???? I realize that many
riders change sprockets, etc, which would change the chain length but
I would think that a reference for the stock chain size would be
valuable for easy stock replacement or as a barometer of which way to
go if one does alter the sprocket sizes.

Thanks for any help!

Scott

External Since: Jun 18, 2003 Posts: 255

"MotoxXx" <nospam DeleteThis @my.net> sez:

> Hey there!
>
> I'm prolly an idiot but how can I tell what size of chain to get for
> my 97 KX250? I haven't changed sprocket size and I looked thru the
> manual and it doesn't specify. There seems to be 2 numbers involved:
> the first something like 520, 530 or 428, and then have a second
> number like 100 or 120. I imagine that they correspond to length and
> thickness but how can ya tell which suits your bike? I would think
> that there would be a reference for the stock chain somewhere although
> my manuals don't say, I looked at BuyKawasaki.com and their schematics
> and couldn't find anything, and the various retailers on the web offer
> chains but there is no grid or listing of what bike takes what chain!
>
> Can someone give me a quick lesson in chains???? I realize that many
> riders change sprockets, etc, which would change the chain length but
> I would think that a reference for the stock chain size would be
> valuable for easy stock replacement or as a barometer of which way to
> go if one does alter the sprocket sizes.

The first # is the size and the second is the number of links. Your KX runs
a 520. The number of links is specific to the sprockets you are running so
you put the new chain on the sprockets to measure how many links you need to
remove to size it for proper fit. If you're not changing sprocket sizes
(new sprockets are a good idea because if your chain is shot, so are your
sprockets), just count the number of links in your existing chain and buy
the next available larger length.

I run 3 countersprockets, 14, 15 & 16 tooth to gear up/down for varying
conditions, so I fit the chain with the 15 tooth counter and the rear
adjuster as close to the middle of travel as possible. That gives me enough
adjustability to run the 1 tooth up or 1 tooth down countersprockets without
having to swap chains.

To size the chain, you'll need a chain breaker tool to drive one of the pins
out to remove a number of links. If its non-O-ring, the master link is easy
to put on. If its an O-ring chain, the plate on the master link is a press
fit so you'll need to use an appropriately sized nut borrowed from somewhere
on the bike (that has an ID that fits over the pin) and a vice grip to
"rock" the plate on one side a little at a time before you'll be able to get
the retaining clip on.

Make sure to install the master link retaining clip in a directional fashion
with the open end away from the direction of movement of the chain so a
strike against a rock doesn't send it flying off somewhere.

Good wrenchin' to ya,
VLJ
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