Tsubaki 428HQR Drive Chain Report

[SpudRider]

The stock drive chain on many new motorcycles is not the highest quality, and the factory chain on my Zongshen Sierra 200GY-2 was not an exception. My factory chain stretched quite a bit, so I only rode 4,000 miles on it before it ran out of adjustment. At that time I did not own a replacement chain, so I broke off two links, reattached the old chain and went searching the internet for a bargain.

I think I found a very good deal at the following vendor:

http://www.shopracersupply.com/Shop/...6357/SFV/32556

When I found this vendor last summer the Tsubaki 428HQR and the EK 428SR chains were priced at $6.99 apiece, for 120 links. My Zongshen 200GY-2 uses a 124-link chain, but the vendor will break these chains to any length you desire. The Tsubaki chain has a slightly higher tensile strength than the EK chain, so I emailed the vendor for a price quote on a 124-link Tsubaki chain. He replied that a 124-link chain would cost $7.25. He also said he would ship up to six chains in a flat-rate box for $10. This was too good a deal to pass up, so I ordered six of the Tsubaki 428HQR chains.

I have traveled over 4,500 miles on my new Tsubaki 428HQR chain, and I like it very much. This chain has stretched very little. If it continues to perform at the current level, I will probably get at least 12,000 miles out of it. Shown below is a photograph of one of my extra chains. Each of these chains comes with a clip-style master link.



As you will note, the price of these chains has gone up a few dollars since last summer. However, based upon my personal experience, I still think these drive chains are an exceptional value.

Spud

[Alaskan-Dad]

Spud
thanks that looks like a great deal!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Alaskan-Dad

Spud
thanks that looks like a great deal!

You're welcome!

Every once in a while I toy around with the idea of buying an o-ring chain for my motorcycle. However, for less than the cost of 1 o-ring drive chain, I got 6 Tsubaki 428HQR drive chains! I did not realize it, but according to their web site, Tsubaki is “the world's market share leader in roller chain.”

http://www.ustsubaki.com/index.html

The intelligent design and engineering of any chain is a fascinating subject. If you wish to learn more about chain design, I strongly encourage you to examine the book entitled The Complete Guide to Chain. According to Tsubaki, this book "was originally published by the Tsubakimoto Chain Co. in 1995, and over the years has become a reference for industrial professionals." Tsubaki has posted the entire book in electronic format at their web site.

http://chain-guide.com/

Spud

[chriseck]

I only got 2175 mi out of my orgional chain 2005 Roketa 200 RSM enduro.I also had removed several links during that time so I could keep tension on it. Replaced it with a D.I.D. 428 roller, 17T-34 counter sproket and a 45T rear sproket from Bruce. Rode about 150mi yesterday,it feels so good and smooth with the new chain/sproket. Has anyone used this type of chain replacement? What kind of wear are you seeing?

[BUG]

Thanks for the info Spud. I just ordered one today, 134 link $22 shipped.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by BUG

Thanks for the info Spud. I just ordered one today, 134 link $22 shipped.

You're welcome.

After checking my link again, I see only the Tsubaki drive chain is now listed for sale. I am sure the EK chain was good, but I know the Tsubaki 428HQR is an excellent drive chain.

Spud

[SpudRider]

I have now rode about 6,500 miles on this drive chain, and it has stretched very little. I still highly recommend the Tsubaki 428HQR drive chain.

Spud

[Welle417]

So if i were to email the vendor and ask if he would flat rate ship again, you think he'd go for it? cause right now the shipping cost more than the 10 dollar chain :\ Im preparing for my Zong's Arrival

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Welle417

So if i were to email the vendor and ask if he would flat rate ship again, you think he'd go for it? cause right now the shipping cost more than the 10 dollar chain :\ Im preparing for my Zong's Arrival

I encourage you to send him an email, or call him on the telephone. You certainly have nothing to lose; he sent me six drive chains for the same shipping cost as one drive chain.

If you get a chance, please post some photos when your new Zong arrives!

Spud