Lifan LF200 chain and sprocket info?!

Vlad · 02-01-2007, 12:17 AM

Hi people, I just got a Lifan LF200 bike and the top speed is not where I want it. Im thinking of doing a sprocket changeover to get more speed, but Im not sure if the chain is 428 or 520. Also does anyone have any recommendations as to what sprockets I should use to get a higher top end...

msRandi · 02-01-2007, 02:38 AM

there are a lot of posts about sprockits. 17 front and 45 rear works well for us. it lets go about 68 mph and still has alot of power.

culcune · 02-01-2007, 09:13 AM

You have the 428 chain, but you can switch to a 520 with a little bit of modification to the front sprocket case, from what I understand. The GY-5 LIfan model has a stock 46 t rear and 17 t front sprocket which is good for around 70+ mph according to the owners of those bikes. If you have a GY-2 model, not sure what the stock set-up is. The other brands, that are manufactured by Lifan, but that have their own names have various combos, the most popular seems to be a 56 t rear/14 t front.

If you were hoping to get more than 70 mph as your question is a little vague (you don't mention what speed you are currently getting) you won't see it out of the GY enduros. 70-75 (mph) is about the tops.

liverchip · 02-01-2007, 11:03 AM

In know this is a dopey newbie question, but when you mention a 520 vs a 428 chain, does this reference the tensile strength or the size, or both, and is there an easy way to ID one's chain?

culcune · 02-01-2007, 11:27 AM

The main difference in chains is the size (width), the 428 being smaller (narrower) than the 520. Not sure if tensile strength is different, but fairly certain its not. Someone had posted the differences in width size a few months ago, so if you research the threads, you might be able to find the sizes, or if someone knows them off-hand, your knowledge is needed right about now...

culcune · 02-01-2007, 11:32 AM

Part of the question can be answered above in the "Sticky:chains 101"

And here is a post to describe the differences:

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ghlight=chains

culcune · 02-01-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liverchip

In know this is a dopey newbie question, but when you mention a 520 vs a 428 chain, does this reference the tensile strength or the size, or both, and is there an easy way to ID one's chain?

This was a quote from a post a few months ago regarding chains on a different thread. This is from member 'Fashby'

"The pitch is the distance between the center of the rivets of the chain. It is .5" for 428 chain and .625" for 520 chain."

-- Fashby

liverchip · 02-01-2007, 11:52 AM

So a sprocket change is also necessary when upgrading to a heavier chain.

red2003 · 02-01-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liverchip

So a sprocket change is also necessary when upgrading to a heavier chain.

If you are going from the 428 to the 520, yes you need new sprockets too. If you just want a better chain, get a HD 428 like from DID.

culcune · 02-01-2007, 12:42 PM

red2003 gives a good opinion as far as compromising. A conversion to a 520 chain would give you a theoretical stronger chain, and open up the sprocket choices a bit, but you would need to do some work to get it to fit at the front.

On the "sticky: chains 101" member Fatboy250 said that he ordered a 428H 126 chain that had the correct number of links to fit his 46 t sprocket, and the "h" stood for heavy duty.

red2003 · 02-01-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by culcune

The main difference in chains is the size (width), the 428 being smaller (narrower) than the 520. Not sure if tensile strength is different, but fairly certain its not. Someone had posted the differences in width size a few months ago, so if you research the threads, you might be able to find the sizes, or if someone knows them off-hand, your knowledge is needed right about now...

Well, not exactly. The first # of a chain size dictates the pitch. The pitch is the distance between link pins (length of the link center to center). The pitch is in 1/8's of an inch so a 4** series chain is 4/8 or 1/2 in. between links. A 5** chain is 5/8 between links so the problem with going from a 428 to a 520 chain is not the width (actually the 428 has a WIDER sprocket) its the length of the links. That's why is wont line up on the sprockets. The last 2 numbers dictate the width of the link (inside) in 1/8's of an inch. So the 428 is 2.8/8 wide and the 520 is only 2.0/8=1/4 wide. So a 428 chain has shorter/wider links then a 520 chain. Keep in mind the overall width of the 520 is probably larger since the actual links are bigger, that's why they are a stronger chain, metal for metal. I'd stick with the 428. These bikes don't have that much power and a 520 chain is A LOT heavier. Thats rotating mass you're trying to move and it's gonna rob even more power.

culcune · 02-01-2007, 01:43 PM

Thanks for clearing that up. :oops: On one of the threads I had linked to above (from a few months ago), one of the members was recommending going to the 520 chain, and after reading Fatboy250's response a couple of weeks ago re: his aftermarket 428 heavy duty chain, I thought that when I am on the road again, I would go with this same 428 chain. You seconded it for me today and the weight issue is one I hadn't even considered. Thanks!!

red2003 · 02-01-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by culcune

Thanks for clearing that up. :oops: On one of the threads I had linked to above (from a few months ago), one of the members was recommending going to the 520 chain, and after reading Fatboy250's response a couple of weeks ago re: his aftermarket 428 heavy duty chain, I thought that when I am on the road again, I would go with this same 428 chain. You seconded it for me today and the weight issue is one I hadn't even considered. Thanks!!

No problem, man. That's why we come here to share knowledge! I think a HD 428 is more then ample strength for what these bikes will ever produce. I doubt seriously you could break the stock 428 with 16 hp. Look at the 450F racers. They are running 4 times the HP on a 520 chain, so I don't think we're gonna hurt our little 428's

Rock on :!:

liverchip · 02-01-2007, 06:20 PM

Awesome guys thanks. We ought to move this information to the chains 101 area as I don't believe that the sizing nomenclature is discussed. I had read through it and not found the answers I was seeking. The pitch and width info is great. BTW I will be sticking with the 428 as well.

halfpinoy007 · 06-09-2007, 02:03 PM

RED 2003 IS CORRECT! More rotating mass will rob power, but yes! I snapped my chain as soon as i installed my racing engine! So i had to buy the HD D.I.D. chain for my bike and NEVER had problems ever again! It also boasts low stretch so that you dont have to adjust it every week! I adjust mine only every 2 weeks now.

I sell this chain in my website, will fit most chinese bikes and its a tru-roller design for less friction than stock...as a matter of fact after i installed the chain i noticed a significant increase in low end power bc of less stretch.

02-01-2007, 12:17 AM	#1
Vlad Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 43	Lifan LF200 chain and sprocket info?! Hi people, I just got a Lifan LF200 bike and the top speed is not where I want it. Im thinking of doing a sprocket changeover to get more speed, but Im not sure if the chain is 428 or 520. Also does anyone have any recommendations as to what sprockets I should use to get a higher top end...
	0

02-01-2007, 09:13 AM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	You have the 428 chain, but you can switch to a 520 with a little bit of modification to the front sprocket case, from what I understand. The GY-5 LIfan model has a stock 46 t rear and 17 t front sprocket which is good for around 70+ mph according to the owners of those bikes. If you have a GY-2 model, not sure what the stock set-up is. The other brands, that are manufactured by Lifan, but that have their own names have various combos, the most popular seems to be a 56 t rear/14 t front. If you were hoping to get more than 70 mph as your question is a little vague (you don't mention what speed you are currently getting) you won't see it out of the GY enduros. 70-75 (mph) is about the tops. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-01-2007, 11:03 AM	#4
liverchip Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mystery Spot Posts: 1,223	In know this is a dopey newbie question, but when you mention a 520 vs a 428 chain, does this reference the tensile strength or the size, or both, and is there an easy way to ID one's chain? __________________ 2009 XR650L Big Red Pig Tusk bar risers 2007 X-Moto(Jetmoto) GY250 --mods--- 15/40 sprockets UNI Pod Filter 2007 Shineray TMS 200XYi--Betsy Betsy Mods:______________________ Acerbis DHH headlight FMF Powercore pipe Uni Pod Filter
	0

02-01-2007, 11:27 AM	#5
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	The main difference in chains is the size (width), the 428 being smaller (narrower) than the 520. Not sure if tensile strength is different, but fairly certain its not. Someone had posted the differences in width size a few months ago, so if you research the threads, you might be able to find the sizes, or if someone knows them off-hand, your knowledge is needed right about now... __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-01-2007, 11:32 AM	#6
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Part of the question can be answered above in the "Sticky:chains 101" And here is a post to describe the differences: http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ghlight=chains __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-01-2007, 02:38 AM	#2
msRandi Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Douglas, AZ Posts: 220	there are a lot of posts about sprockits. 17 front and 45 rear works well for us. it lets go about 68 mph and still has alot of power.
	0

02-01-2007, 11:52 AM	#8
liverchip Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mystery Spot Posts: 1,223	So a sprocket change is also necessary when upgrading to a heavier chain. __________________ 2009 XR650L Big Red Pig Tusk bar risers 2007 X-Moto(Jetmoto) GY250 --mods--- 15/40 sprockets UNI Pod Filter 2007 Shineray TMS 200XYi--Betsy Betsy Mods:______________________ Acerbis DHH headlight FMF Powercore pipe Uni Pod Filter
	0

02-01-2007, 12:42 PM	#10
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	red2003 gives a good opinion as far as compromising. A conversion to a 520 chain would give you a theoretical stronger chain, and open up the sprocket choices a bit, but you would need to do some work to get it to fit at the front. On the "sticky: chains 101" member Fatboy250 said that he ordered a 428H 126 chain that had the correct number of links to fit his 46 t sprocket, and the "h" stood for heavy duty. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-01-2007, 01:43 PM	#12
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Thanks for clearing that up. :oops: On one of the threads I had linked to above (from a few months ago), one of the members was recommending going to the 520 chain, and after reading Fatboy250's response a couple of weeks ago re: his aftermarket 428 heavy duty chain, I thought that when I am on the road again, I would go with this same 428 chain. You seconded it for me today and the weight issue is one I hadn't even considered. Thanks!! __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

02-01-2007, 06:20 PM	#14
liverchip Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mystery Spot Posts: 1,223	Awesome guys thanks. We ought to move this information to the chains 101 area as I don't believe that the sizing nomenclature is discussed. I had read through it and not found the answers I was seeking. The pitch and width info is great. BTW I will be sticking with the 428 as well. __________________ 2009 XR650L Big Red Pig Tusk bar risers 2007 X-Moto(Jetmoto) GY250 --mods--- 15/40 sprockets UNI Pod Filter 2007 Shineray TMS 200XYi--Betsy Betsy Mods:______________________ Acerbis DHH headlight FMF Powercore pipe Uni Pod Filter
	0

06-09-2007, 02:03 PM	#15
halfpinoy007 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 12	CHAIN RED 2003 IS CORRECT! More rotating mass will rob power, but yes! I snapped my chain as soon as i installed my racing engine! So i had to buy the HD D.I.D. chain for my bike and NEVER had problems ever again! It also boasts low stretch so that you dont have to adjust it every week! I adjust mine only every 2 weeks now. I sell this chain in my website, will fit most chinese bikes and its a tru-roller design for less friction than stock...as a matter of fact after i installed the chain i noticed a significant increase in low end power bc of less stretch.
	0