Triumphrat

Squirrel

Hi guys,just a quick question.I have a '01 Bonneville that's going to need a new chain and sprockets.Does DiD make a chain in the same number of links as factory?or do i have to buy a longer one and shorten it myself?Because the only ones i can find in the 525 is 110 link and longer.Thanks.

rodburner

Not sure about D.I.D.,but the Dennis Kirk catalog has several brands that list the 106 link 525 chain. I think thats what a Bonnie runs. Also several 104s listed. And welcome to the group,Squirrel.

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" A man is only as old as the women he feels" G Marx

ohiorider

Don't know the answer to your question about DID chain length. I've used DID chains both times I replaced chains on my W650, and the W650 chain is a 525, same as our Bonnies. The DID chain I purchased came in lengths of 120 links, which was longer than I needed. First time, I cut the new chain to length. Here's what I did the 2nd time.

Removed the old chain and took it to the dealer where I purchased the new DID. Asked them to 'cut' the new chain the same length as the old chain. I already owned a chain breaker/riviter, so I had the tool to remove the old chain without removing the swingarm, and used it to install (rivit) the new chain, also without removing the swingarm.

The first time, I used the 'master link' and clip. Like a bicycle link. Second time I used the riviting tool to flatten the rivit heads on the master link. Had no problem with the clip/masterlink ... just felt more secure with the rivited link.

Dirty work, not very technical. Just follow the instructions with the chain and the riviting tool you use, because you don't want a chain coming undone .... could cause all kinds of nasty problems.

Also, I changed the countershaft and rear sprockets each time I changed the chain. In both cases, the sprockets and chains had approx 18000/20000 miles on them.

Bob

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2003 T100 (790cc) Lucifer Org and Silv: 122/42 jets, TORs, 17T, UNI filter, no AI, Polaris bellmouth, Metzeler ME880 tires, Progressive 440 shocks (105/150 springs),11-1126 fork springs, gaiters, MotoTwin low bars, 6024 lamp, htd grips, 12v outlet.

Squirrel

Thanks guys,yeah i've been meaning to pick up a chain tool but haven't yet.Forgot about dennis kirk ,i'll have to check them out.I just turned 24,000 on the Bonnie,i'm pretty much maxed out on adjustment,so it's time.Yeah,my 2001 owners manual says it's a 102 link,that didn't seem right,so i went out and counted mine and it's a 104.

Thanks again,Squirrel.

Squirrel

I'm back again,with one more question.The only chain i can find in the 104 link is a 530 size.Would it be alright to run the 530,instead of the 525.I looked in the dennis Kirk book and the only difference i can see is the 530 is a little wider,than the 525. 3/8" v.s 5/16".

Thanks, Squirrel.

rodburner

Thanks for the link correction.[106 vs 104] To use a 530,you will have to change sprockets too.

__________________
" A man is only as old as the women he feels" G Marx

Skullza

I'd rather buy a chain that's too long and shorten it to exactly the length I need. Chains are real easy to work with. Take the plunge and buy the Motion Pro chain tool. Then, break your old, endless chain by removing the head of one or two of the rivets. I do this, in situ, with a small edge grinder - you can get one from Harbor Freight for well under $20 and it's a great tool to have around. Push the link out with the Motion Pro tool. You can use the same grinder to shorten the new chain, if need be. Then use the tool to rivet the new master link. It's really an easy job. As to rivet link v. clip link, I use the former on my Sprint and the latter on my vintage BSAs. I wouldn't use a clip link on a bike as powerful as the Sprint, but the Bonnie probably isn't powerful enough to worry about a clip link. However, when the time comes to replace my Bonnie chain (it's an '05 with only 1500 miles on it) I'll use the rivet link - it's almost as easy and it's more secure. And, what's better than a chance to buy new tools???? (I got the Motion Tool and the Sprint's DID chain from Dennis Kirk.)

RedBird

I guess before I order a new un, I'll count the number of links. My owner's handbook says the chain is 104 links; however, my service manual says it is 102 links. Won't matter if I have to buy a longer one anyway. :-D Just another discrepancy that makes me think Triumph had the US Guvmint write one or both of their manuals/books. Some others include: Oil fill procedure, oil viscosity, and I have forgotten a bunch.

Larry

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Larry
2003 T-100 (790cc), NARK, NH Togas, 8100 rpm rev limiter, 158 main jets, 42 pilot jets (less than 1 turn out on pilot screws), stock needles--no shims. 13 A/F ratio from 1100 rpm to 4000 rpm; 12 A/F ratio from 4000 rpm to 6000 rpm; 13 A/F from 6000 rpm to 8100 rpm.:D
2007 Tiger 1050--White:D--SW-Motech crashbars, Skidmarx rear hugger/chain guard, Calsci +7 windscreen.

Squirrel

Thanks Guys for all your help,i really appreciate it. :upthumb:

Squirrel