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Need to make a choice between Honda OEM sprockets/chain an other 3rd party vendor options. Honda OEM chain is almost twice the cost of 3rd party stuff and I tend to think you get what you pay for. I was intrigued by DID 530 ZVMX X-Ring Chain but saw some forum comments about oem steel lasting longer than plated products. Waiting for your thoughts & experiences ... less the BBQ side trips
BACKGROUND:
In a previous post I noted a clanking/clicking noise coming from drive chain area. From the feedback it seems I am due for a new chain and maybe sprockets at 50K miles. I just put 6K+ miles on my xcountry trip so am going to take bike to dealer for oil, checkup, etc. I anticipate that dealer may verify clanking/clicking noise is drive train related so I want to pre-select the replacement part myself (don't trust most of the dealers/mechs in San Diego).
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Well, the OEM chain lasted 50,000 miles!! OEM is nearly 2x as expensive...how much is that $100-150 more? Asking cause I haven't had to replace yet. If you're going to keep the bike for another 50k miles, I'd go OEM. If you might sell in a year or two, maybe the other.
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Try Lee’s Cycles in San Diego. Excellent mechanics and honest service.
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I have to agree with pdedse, if you got 50k out of the chain/sprockets, that's the best endorsement for OEM you'll get!
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The OEM was a DID on my bikes and I replaced them with a DID ZVXM -X, the plated version : well made and easy to clean and looks nice.
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(10-11-2020, 03:16 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: Try Lee’s Cycles in San Diego. Excellent mechanics and honest service.
Hey LongRanger ... when was the last time Lees Cycles did work for you? The reason I ask is because I had them do about $4000+ of work on my 1991 750 Nighthawk about 4 years ago in 2015. The ownership had just changed. New owner was son/father guys. Son was mostly desk guy. Dad was supposed to be a 20 year Honda Factory mechanic from Long Beach area. They had my bike for almost 6 months and messed up a couple things (like my gas tank and lost my petcock and gave it back to me with one stuck ring). I had to undo the gas tank mess up with a separate vendor but the bike finally got running ok.
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My apologies, I was unaware of the ownership change. Please disregard my testimonial. I left San Diego in 2002. Back then, they were a highly regarded shop.
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(10-11-2020, 07:42 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: My apologies, I was unaware of the ownership change. Please disregard my testimonial. I left San Diego in 2002. Back then, they were a highly regarded shop.
No worries man! It seems like the cost of living is driving all the good/smart mechanics out of San Diego (Calif).
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Does Honda make chains? As above, looks like oem is DID. The issue is probably more important for the sprockets. Coming up on 30k and was just thinking I’d buy DID chain and oem sprockets.
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(10-12-2020, 12:09 AM)DAC_imp Wrote: Does Honda make chains? As above, looks like oem is DID. The issue is probably more important for the sprockets. Coming up on 30k and was just thinking I’d buy DID chain and oem sprockets.
Honda uses different suppliers. Among them are DID and RK for chains, and Sunstar for sprockets and discs. However, there are different spec and quality levels within each brand. A batch of product may meet specs, but at the lower end of the spectrum.
Because the CB1100 is a Japan-assembled bike, a source of particular pride, higher levels are usually specified. Honda owns and oversees their assembly plants in different countries, but they must often yield to local management. Japan standards and expectations are higher.
