Triumphrat

shinpaugh · 06-30-2008, 04:44 AM

Looking to buy a chain for my 98 trident. I seem to be getting conflicting info from two different websites about which chain is installed on my bike. The triumph dealer here in Knoxville is no help, they wont return my phone calls...too busy I guess. The haynes manual does not specify either. Would you happen to know what size chain I should buy? If so, is there an aftermarket chain that you know of? Some of the Harley guys are telling me to try the nearest tractor supply store. Would rather here it from someone who's actually put a chain on a Triumph! any help would be much appreciated!!!!

Hinckley · 06-30-2008, 07:42 AM

I have always used DID chains on my bikes and have been very pleased with their performance.
Count how many links are in your chain and order a 530 with the same number of links. If your chain has a pressed in master link, I have a chain breaker and am in the Chattanooga area. When you get your new chain we can break your old one and install the new.

MotT3 · 06-30-2008, 10:48 AM

110 link I believe, Oh, and extra heavy duty too.

KitNYC · 06-30-2008, 11:58 AM

I went for an EK x-ring chain with the screw-type master link when I changed the chain on my Sprint before the Texas trip. It was much, much easier to deal with than the traditional rivet link master I used on the 'dent.

The chain is definitely a 530 & Triumph specs o-ring or x-ring. There's a long discussion that could be had here about well-maintained non-o-ring chains actually being stronger, but A) that discussion always degenerates like an oil thread & B) I've never seen non-o-ring chain of the proper length that was strong enough for this bike. So, long story short, get a 530 o-ring or x-ring chain.

My 1996 manual specs 112 links, but I seem to remember getting bad info on that from somewhere. JT says 114 links, so maybe the manual is right & JT is wrong.

Speaking of JT.... How are your sprockets?

Cheers,
-Kit

cheapsk8 · 07-01-2008, 12:55 AM

For my 95 Trident, I went with the RK 530 XSO 120 link. I can't remember exactly how many links I had to take off, but I counted the number on the old, and made sure it was the same on the new. I've put about 1500 miles on it and it's great.

trypcil · 07-01-2008, 01:52 AM

Screw type master link! That's a new one for me, are they proven in any way - Kit, raced or something?

But just a reminder - use a press /rivet style master link, not the clip style. Unless you like dumping all your oil after ripping some cases into chunks via a flailing chain , seriously. I seem to remember that some have taken the trouble to convert to a 520 size chain for some reason, perhaps it's only a matter of sprockets, chain and some spacers - though I might be wrong!?

DID vm gold x-ring @530 and some sprockets would be ideal - maybe a sprocket change could be in order? Stock for a 95 S3 5 speed is 17/43 - I actually ran 18/43 for a while gave me a top speed of 140+ with the sixth gear, plus slightly better fuel economy, or perhaps it was the shift in power. Your gearbox has the same ratios as all the other T309's and the jetting/cams, if a 49 state bike.... I think Tridents were 17/45? Though with 30lbs or so in the rear tyre, she oughta' wheelie real nice, like!

shinpaugh · 07-01-2008, 10:11 AM

I appreciate all the info guys! Its very hard knowing what the right part is for my bike. The dealer doesn't want to do anything but rake you over the coals when it comes to oem stuff. yall have a good n'

KitNYC · 07-01-2008, 11:29 PM

Tryp- The screw links have been around for a while. Not sure how they've been proven, but I certainly had no problems doing 4k in 2 weeks on the 955, even after the eccentric loosened all the way 350 miles in.

Cheers,
-Kit

trypcil · 07-02-2008, 02:28 PM

Cheers Kit, I must explore the method! Shinpaugh, buy online, you can compare price and most ship within 7 days - get a chain breaker and riveter - if you are going to change the sprocket ratios and are unsure of the links required, get a 110 or a 120 link chain and measure to get the old length, mark with tape and with the eccentric adjusters in the middle and break the chain to the required length,which maybe only an extra link or three. Don't recall the 17/43 links count but it's about 103.

I've had 2 chains with clip links go on me. The 1st was the OEM issue - I got lucky, she just shot out as I pulled away from a light(@3.5K). The 2nd., tore my primary drive/oil filler case to bits and slightly scored the engine case, oil dumped as I clutch'd and killed - she died but was reborn - again lucky(after 2K on chain from new) - I've seen Triumph engines trashed because of a chain failure, a particular Trophy in FL., comes to mind! Anyway, as I'd asked for a rivet link and they'd forgotten and I failed to notice, they paid for parts and labour, again fortunate - Mickey Cohen, good man.! A well maintained chain for me, typically starts to show stretch around 10k (did vm), and becomes evident there after and the sprockets are showing wear too. I drive hard and go thru' fork seals at sometimes twice that rate but typically, with the way I tend to ride, 14k is max chain life. There is no secret, just see what's out there and get the best price and fit, it's a real simple process - good luck!