Chain size, spec and where from?

[philfingers]

I need a new chain and sprocket kit.
I understand the benefits of the 520, less inertia and hence few losses. But how much quicker will it wear than a 525?
I know I want std gearing but what's the difference between alloy and steel sprockets and are some more hard wearing than others? I suspect the alloy sprockets wear quicker but is this really the case?
What spec chain should i go for, O ring, X ring, gold, H/D. I'm not worried particularly about asthetics, steel sprockets are fine if they are harder wearing. Any recommended manufacturs or are AFAM, DID Tbusbaki(?) etc all similar?
looking on ebay there are kits for O ring DID from around £70. Rick Oliver with sprockets etc is up to around £130
I've done a search on here but nothing really conclusive. it's all a bit of a minefield!
The rear sprocket currently fitted has a rubber ring (quietener?) around it so maybe it's a genuine one? Bike has done 17k miles and I would think is probably accurate given condition.
All help appreicated!

[hardnutdvd]

i shopped around and bought an O Ring DID chain and Renthal sprockets.
im sure Abmorto on here had a nearly new C&S kit for sale on ebay. if i can find the link i'll post it on here

edit. this is the one, the title says 525 pitch but the listing says 520. i think he copied the description from a previous kit listed though, may be worth an email...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-VFR400- ... 2c5fac0097

[philfingers]

thanks, i'd probably go for a new one tho. What do most folk go for, 520 or 525?

[mick.mh2racing]

Go for 520, get your self to:
http://www.bandcexpress.com/
I love 14/44. That's 1 down on the front and 4 up on the back.

[philfingers]

Thanks Mick, I tried the B&C site but not very black and white.
I found this http://www.sticky-stuff.co.uk/index.php?cPath=202 for £98 for the cheaper one it would come in 525 Ek X ring Gold and include delivery, which seems a sensible option,
I looked on ebay but there are so many different variants, i don't have a clue!

[porndoguk]

the thing people often forget when they ask the question of the life of a 520 chain is that the cost is much lower i bought a motorcross chain for £20 delivered and it was a 118link i only needed 108 links and this chain is made for bikes upto 500cc and motorcross bike put more stress in those chains that a VFR would,

im going to get another chain so i can clean and lube one and stick the other one the bike so i always have a clean one ready rather than having to wait a few days between.

Rick

[philfingers]

i definitely want an O ring chain, would this be a good option for £98, there are kits on ebay from about £75 delivered.

[philfingers]

I went for the EK Gold X ring from Sticky Stuff above in a 525 grade. With the discount code EB100 (another fiver off) it worked out at £93 inc delivery. hopefully will be here in the next few days

[Variablevalves suck]

I got to say its very confusing with the chains, i got a EK in 525, great bit of kit and it is lighter than my new Regina 520. The width of the 520 sprockets is thinner (lighter) but the actual thickness of the plate used in the chain links is thicker on the Regina so i'd say you can only compare each manufacturer against its self. If you go to the manufacturers website's they list super light non o'ring race only chains in all widths.

[buffalobisonhead]

thats cleared that up then!