Hello guys, so yesterday I had my yearly service done - few miles only this year (ca. 1,500) however in 2 years I've clocked up 13,000 miles. I was feeling the chain was a bit loose, and they confirmed it needed to be changed (they showed me the Ducati tool which checks if the chain needs replacement). They also said the sprockets were ok so I didn't change them. I was given a few options, the original Ducati one (ca.160£) or two alternatives - D.I.D. Professional VX530 (black or gold) for ca.130£. I went for the D.I.D. Gold one. Is it a good chain? Is it "normal" to replace the chain after 2 years and 13,000 miles? I'm not an expert. Thanks!
If you have looked after your chain and lubed and cleaned it properly, then they may be pulling your chain. It kind of relates to the above, the quality of the chain and how you use it really, but using a PDoiler, my chains typically last 20k - 25k miles and I think it pays to use good quality chain and you have bought a very good quality chain.
Thank you - I have to be honest - I could have had more care about the previous chain. Glad to hear the new one is of a good quality
I rarely get more than 12000 miles from a chain which I always clean and lubricate regularly. I ride with enthusiasm but rely heavily on engine braking which probably why I cannot match people who get twice that mileage. The chain is a consumable, buy cheap, change often, buy expensive, change less often. It's finding the right balance. DID chains are good. Andy
Thank you for your feedback Andy - actually you are making a very good point: I rely heavily on engine braking too.
I changed chain and sprockets at 15,600 miles. The chain appeared to fine and didn't need excessive tension adjustment. The rear sprocket also appeared fine however the front sprocket was showing excessive wear, the teeth were no longer symmetrical but not hooked. I've got a Scottoiler and regularly clean and lube the chain. I always change the chain and sprockets as a set. Even if the sprockets look fine now they'll be showing excess wear in another 5,000 odd miles and then potentially cause excessive wear to the chain. If nothing else, at least change the front sprocket which wears faster than the rear sprocket, and you can keep an eye on the state of the rear sprocket.
The stock chains are junk you'll get better/longer results with the DID. Still needs lubing every 300-400 miles and cleaning every other lube.
DID 530 ZVM Gold Colour Heavy Duty X Ring Chain (118 Links) £155.00 114 is correct but you just cut off excess
I got the dealer to change my chain to the DID gold X ring chain at the first service, as the thought of the stock one rusting would be deeply upsetting.
I’m having a 42T rear sprocket installed on Wednesday, so new chain too - normally I get about 12K miles from a set of chain & sprockets. Never made it much farther than that without stiff links or needing to adjust for increasing slack. FWIW, I got the Sprocket Center combo with DID ZVMX chain.
Never used a scott oiler or similar but clean chain say every 3k, ride all year and don’t use the brakes a huge amount. Chain history all on same 2013 mutley. Original shagged at 7000 miles. Then DID x Gold lasted 12000 .Then put in Afam kit at 19k which has only been adjusted about 5 times and we are now in 41400 miles, best kit ever had.
DID ZVMX Nickel chain here with 42T sprocket. Both were changed at the first 600 miles service. Now at 8,200 miles , chain is still as tight as new.
Mines still on its original chain at 19,000 miles. I put this down to the Scottoiler being fitted from new and I also clean the chain with paraffin and a brush periodically.
Hi Rich, 95% of the time I just use a rag doused with motor oil and spin the chain a few times. Once in awhile I'll use Motul C4 spray and C5 paste (side by side pic) but I really prefer motor oil. FYI, I clean my chain following each ride day. Using the same principal: A rag doused with Simple Green, grunge brush and spin the chain a few times. Another rag to dry. Then the oiled rag. You can see my oil rag bucket on the bottom left. The whole process takes 2 minutes. In fact, cleaning the chain takes me less time than wiping the bugs off the bike. Keeping the chain clean is much easier than cleaning it
Hi Bumpkin, My thoughts exactly. The nickel is a happy medium that's better than OEM grey without being over done. However, I'm not immunised to the enchantment spell as I waved the bling wand a few times on the Monster 1200R.
Had a cursory look and it appears that the nickel finish isn't widely available in the UK. Will give it a serious search later this week when I have more time. The black finish looks OK but not sure about its durability in comparison.
Hi Bumpkin, Found this for you: The color code is actually Silver not Nickel. (My bad) https://www.motorcyclespares.uk.com/did-x-ring-s-and-s-530zvmx-120-open-chain-with-rivet-link.html Part numbers shown on my box are: OEM# 530ZVM-XSSx120 DESC# 530ZVMXx120S/S For the Monster, the Black/Gold was an EK 525 ZVX3 Series Supersport Chain.
