[Noelvh]

Hello All,
I have been considering the chain and sprocket and I have no clue how log it should last. Currently I have 15.5k miles on my chain and sprockets and I do maintain this very well but how long should it last? Then what is an affordable option (not cheap quality) to change with out special tool in the USA? Also I am thinking going up one tooth in the front.

[YellowDuck]

Lots of good quality chains out there - any major brand X-ring type such as DID should be good.  But you can't really do a proper chain swap without chain breaker / rivet tool for the masterlink.  Clip type master links are not recommended.  Example tool: https://fortnine.ca/en/motion-pro-chain-breaker-and-riveting-tool?pk_cid=12810931413&pk_campaign=pla-990247127677&pk_source=google&pk_medium=paid&pk_content=121671145896&gclid=Cj0KCQiAip-PBhDVARIsAPP2xc3rLSTFpGgTjsynHiuKmtcCMhOgixy1N3WOjxmeEDsI1QTHfULyXzEaAmeEEALw_wcB

Also, even with the tool you will want a dremel or similar to grind the head off of the master link pin before pushing it out.

[NJ Mike]

Hey Wes,

You're probably at or close to the limit. I ordered mine from Carpi Moto in Italy: https://www.carpimoto.com/en-US/

They had the right kit in stock, along with the sprockets. I got the rear sprocket, and both the 15T and 16T front sprockets in case I didn't like the 16. But the 16 is fine. You can order the kit with the 16 instead of the 15 and save a few bucks.

Shipping was just a few days.

What YellowDuck said about tools. You can also use an angle grinder to cut the chain off.


Item Description   Qty.   Availability   Price
401547008 - DID ZJ Rivet Type Connecting Link for 525 VX3 Gold & Black Chain   1   In Stock     2,90

RE-CI650 - DID 525VX3 Chain & 15/38T Sprocket Kit Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, DID 525 VX3 Gold & Black Chain Links 110, Rear Sprocket 38 teeth, Front Sprocket 15 teeth   1   In Stock     86,07

50-29055-16S - Front Sprocket Esjot for Royal Enfield Himalayan, Continental 650 GT, Interceptor 650, 525 Chain, 16 Teeth   1   In Stock     7,52

Items Total tax free (we will not charge any tax)     96,49

International Standard 4 business days
  18,00
Credit Card
free
Total  tax free (we will not charge any tax)     114,49

[zimmemr]

Hello All,
I have been considering the chain and sprocket and I have no clue how log it should last. Currently I have 15.5k miles on my chain and sprockets and I do maintain this very well but how long should it last? Then what is an affordable option (not cheap quality) to change with out special tool in the USA? Also I am thinking going up one tooth in the front.

I'd think with proper care somewhere between 15 and 20K (miles) should be possible. As other posters have mentioned chains and sprockets are so widely available that you can order just about anything you want from anyone.

I've always dealt with these guys- https://sprocketspecialists.com/ and highly recommend them.

The old chain can be removed with a Dremel tool, die grinder or a torch if you're brave enough.

Lastly due to the modest power output of the Interceptor I think you'll be fine with a spring clip master link. I ran spring clips on my dirt tracker's chains for over 30 years, in fact sometimes two of them, as did all of the guys I was racing against, and never had one fail. Those things made between 65 and 105 horsepower and came on a lot harder than any stock Interceptor. So, I don't think you'll have any issues there. But that being said, this isn't an argument against fitting a rivet clip, you have to do whatever you feel comfortable doing.

[ceekay]

for chain replacement I have done a couple DID with rivet style master links but my last 2 chain replacements were EK using their screw type master link and I found it to be much easier than rivet master links (no brain required) and no need for special tool.
I consider replacement around 20k miles especially if I am going on tour though there is a spec for chains if they don't meet ....replace. I'm inclined to replace sprockets at same time but will replace countershaft sprocket by itself anytime if it shows early wear. (I usually run a tooth smaller than OEM).

[zimmemr]

for chain replacement I have done a couple DID with rivet style master links but my last 2 chain replacements were EK using their screw type master link and I found it to be much easier than rivet master links (no brain required) and no need for special tool.
I consider replacement around 20k miles especially if I am going on tour though there is a spec for chains if they don't meet ....replace. I'm inclined to replace sprockets at same time but will replace countershaft sprocket if it shows wear. (I usually run a tooth smaller than OEM).

I'm not familiar with them (yet) but it sounds like an interesting idea. I'd planned to use a spring clip on my Interceptor when I replace the chain, but I'll certainly check these out. Thanks!

[6504me]

I'd think with proper care somewhere between 15 and 20K (miles) should be possible. As other posters have mentioned chains and sprockets are so widely available that you can order just about anything you want from anyone.

I've always dealt with these guys- https://sprocketspecialists.com/ and highly recommend them.

The old chain can be removed with a Dremel tool, die grinder or a torch if you're brave enough.

Lastly due to the modest power output of the Interceptor I think you'll be fine with a spring clip master link. I ran spring clips on my dirt tracker's chains for over 30 years, in fact sometimes two of them, as did all of the guys I was racing against, and never had one fail. Those things made between 65 and 105 horsepower and came on a lot harder than any stock Interceptor. So, I don't think you'll have any issues there. But that being said, this isn't an argument against fitting a rivet clip, you have to do whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Completely agree. A spring clip master link with a twist of SS safety wire is more than  adequate for the RE 650.

[zimmemr]

Completely agree. A spring clip master link with a twist of SS safety wire is more than  adequate for the RE 650.

Either that or a beer can tab.; D

[6504me]

Either that or a beer can tab.; D

Beer can tab won't pass inspection...

[Shifty1969]

Move to Alabama, no inspection, plenty of beer can tabs!

[6504me]

Move to Alabama, no inspection, plenty of beer can tabs!

That was "tech inspection" at the track.

[Noelvh]

This is all food for thought. Mike I like the price but I need a tool. Ceekay I like the EK chain but the price is about  150 with out sprockets. Oh and the dealer price I got to day was very high. So I have about 2k left on my rear so I will do it all then what every I decide.

[Hoiho]

I bought the DRC Alloy Pro Chain Tool https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Dry-D59-16-111-Chain-Tool/dp/B004HNZ1EG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
which worked fine, although I still ground the rivet head off to save stressing the tool when cutting the chain. I think any decent tool will do the job (RK, Motion Pro etc). I'd avoid the cheap knock-off tools.

As for sprockets, I replaced the front sprocket a little before the chain but kept the back sprocket (front is 1/3 the size of the rear, so makes sense it will wear faster). My OEM chain had developed 12-15mm tight spots at around 15,000km. Interesting to note the OEM DID chain used the same X-ring seals as the fancier 525VX3 replacement.

[NJ Mike]

This is all food for thought. Mike I like the price but I need a tool. Ceekay I like the EK chain but the price is about  150 with out sprockets. Oh and the dealer price I got to day was very high. So I have about 2k left on my rear so I will do it all then what every I decide.

Well, once you have the tool, it's free. 

[zimmemr]

Beer can tab won't pass inspection...