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Help Honda CB250RS chain

Discussion in 'Honda 250cc Singles' started by Phil murrell, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. Phil murrell

    Phil murrell Member

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    Hi, I've just bought an '80 model cb 250 rs, can you please tell me the correct chain size and how many links? It's unseen at the moment, just want to get some spares before I pick it up. I'm actually in the Philippines, bike is in Australia, spares much cheaper here!! Thanks.
     
  2. TechHeadFred

    TechHeadFred Well-Known Member

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    2007 CBF250F, 2004 KLR650, 1992 FZR400, 2 x CB250RS (1980 and 1982),
    It's a 520 pitch chain, 98 links from memory.

    There are two types of rear sprocket mounting configurations - the 1980 RS-A models originally had a 4 bolt mount but it was changed to a 6 bolt configuration on the later RS-C models.

    Front sprockets are the same on both models.
     
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  3. Phil murrell

    Phil murrell Member

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    Thanks Tech head, you're a champ! Will have more questions when I get to see it.
     
  4. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    Since this thread is on topic, boosting it up with an extra question:

    anyone used an o-ring or x-ring chaing on the cb250rs?
    I saw it claimed here:
    https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb250rs_81.html
    that there is "no room for an o-ring version"
    but I don't see where the clearance will be a problem - good to hear from anyone that has fitted one.
    I realise people say o-ring etc add drag, but it would be nice not to have to adjust every week on this hard chain wear bike.
     
  5. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    Adding an extra question - are people happy running a chain with a split link on this size of bike (which I think is OK....) or would you always get it riveted (for me that would cost me at the garage).
     
  6. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    You can get cheaper forged riveting tools off ebay etc they come with a few pieces and adapters and can do cam chains and also drive chains like 420, 428 and up to the 530, maybe Motion Pro make one ?.
     
  7. Jo Verhelst

    Jo Verhelst Forty2 Contributing Member

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    I've been running my little bikes with split links for years and never had a problem with them
     
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  8. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    I run split links on my 650's with no problem. I do put a dab of silicone on the clip on all my chains for added peace of mind.
     
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  9. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    Thanks all. I was sure a split link was fine, but the manual was particularly oddly strict on this.

    Anyone tried an o-ring chain on the cb250rs? I can't see why it wouldn't clear everything fine....
     
  10. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Will have a look on my spare XL engine (which is the same case as CB/rs) next time I am in storage shed.
     
  11. Jo Verhelst

    Jo Verhelst Forty2 Contributing Member

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    I didn't try a o-ring chain but the only problem I can see is that maybe it's to wide and will rub your engine case at the front.
     
  12. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    Yep, the front will be where it could be tight on the frame.
    I've had a look, and think it is probably OK, but can't quite decide.
    Hard to get a good photo..... gap looks small from the wrong angle, but maybe OK when I get it straight.
    Hoping someone had tried it, but if not I might have a go and hope it's not an expensive mistake.


    DSC_1183.jpg

    DSC_1189.jpg
     
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  13. Jo Verhelst

    Jo Verhelst Forty2 Contributing Member

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    Hey Mike_T , did you try the o-ring chain? and if so did it work?
     
  14. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    I tried a bit of O ring on my XL250s (pretty much the same engine case) and it was touching the case. Would be ok if ground a bit of case away, or just let the chain do it. :lolsign:
     
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  15. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    I ended up buying a DID 520 VX3 X-ring chain, and I think it's OK.
    The X-ring is slightly narrower than an O-ring.
    On my normal purchasing site (and the DID website), they give dimensions:
    https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/...3_heavy_duty_x-ring_chain_and_jt_sprocket_kit

    "Pin Length 18.70 mm"

    I noticed this was similar to some of the standard non O-ring chains (I think browsing the DID website), so gave it a go.

    It seems OK, not touching the case when I push the chain accross to check it. Bike is not back on the road, so I haven't fully tested. Maybe I've mis-judged, but I think OK.

    Photos below - but it's pretty hard to see. I would have felt if it was grinding. Think it's OK.... but not much spare. Maybe just a case of choose carefully. I'll let you know if it all goes wrong.

    DSC_1209.jpg
    DSC_1210.jpg

    DSC_1211.jpg
     
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  16. Mike_T

    Mike_T Active Member

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    Just looked back, from the same wemote site:

    DID standard grade, "pin length 17.50mm"
    DID VX3 X-ring "Pin Length 18.70 mm" - the one I got.
    I figured 0.6mm either side for the X-ring wouldn't make a difference.

    However the super heavy duty get wider:
    DID super heavy duty (non O-ring) "pin length 18.35"
    DID ZVM-X Super Heavy Duty X-Ring Premium "21mm"

    And the Swift brand are also wider, even for the non O-ring:
    SWIFT chain heavy duty (non Oiring) "pin length 20.80mm"
    SWIFT heavy duty O-ring "pin length 20.55
    mm"
    (those last two seem the wrong way roung, but whatever....)

    The Swift ones might have thicker plates or something.
    So, pick a narrow DID one with seals and hope it's OK.... I think it is.
     
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