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star_deceiver · 09-25-2013, 08:53 PM

The aerodynamics of the bike and the combined weight of rider/bike will make the biggest difference (tuck down on the highway and hit the gym to remove the spare tire). Taller gearing can help, but don't overdo it.

Don't buy cheap chain!

The 428 cheap, non-Oring chain on the CM185 might last 3000kms before it's stretched beyond useable limits. Then it and both sprockets will need to be replaced. Yes, it's very well lubricated.

Meanwhile, the 520 Oring chain on the KLR has lasted over 27000kms, isn't stretched beyond it's limit. The rear sprocket isn't that worn, isn't hooking and probably wont need to be replaced when it comes time to replace the chain (although I'll probably change it out anyways). The front sprocket (aftermarket geared +1) is starting to show wear and I'll replace it when the chain gets done. And yes, the Oring chain gets very well lubricated too.

You are not competing in the super GP... you do not have the skill, feel or talent to use the infinitesimal gain (for performance or FE) that a lightweight chain will provide. A lightweight, cheap chain will stretch quickly. A chain stretched beyond its usable limit could jump teeth on your sprockets and break which will, at best, leave you stranded and at worse ball up on the drive sprocket and rip a nice hole in your engine...

In summary:

Lose 20lbs, improve your aero, and buy quality parts that will last a long time.

09-25-2013, 08:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
star_deceiver EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Airdrie, AB Posts: 146 KLR650 - '10 Kawasaki KLR650 6.4 - '19 Ram 3500 All Black - '19 Kawasaki Vulcan S Thanks: 4 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	The aerodynamics of the bike and the combined weight of rider/bike will make the biggest difference (tuck down on the highway and hit the gym to remove the spare tire). Taller gearing can help, but don't overdo it. Don't buy cheap chain! The 428 cheap, non-Oring chain on the CM185 might last 3000kms before it's stretched beyond useable limits. Then it and both sprockets will need to be replaced. Yes, it's very well lubricated. Meanwhile, the 520 Oring chain on the KLR has lasted over 27000kms, isn't stretched beyond it's limit. The rear sprocket isn't that worn, isn't hooking and probably wont need to be replaced when it comes time to replace the chain (although I'll probably change it out anyways). The front sprocket (aftermarket geared +1) is starting to show wear and I'll replace it when the chain gets done. And yes, the Oring chain gets very well lubricated too. You are not competing in the super GP... you do not have the skill, feel or talent to use the infinitesimal gain (for performance or FE) that a lightweight chain will provide. A lightweight, cheap chain will stretch quickly. A chain stretched beyond its usable limit could jump teeth on your sprockets and break which will, at best, leave you stranded and at worse ball up on the drive sprocket and rip a nice hole in your engine... In summary: Lose 20lbs, improve your aero, and buy quality parts that will last a long time. __________________ If you're in Nebraska and the wind stops or you see a tree, pull over immediately and take a nap. You're having road hallucinations.