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Makotosun

Chain Size/Length DT2

  • Brzn
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Chain Size/Length DT2 was created by Brzn

The original chain on my bike's got just over 3,000 miles on it. When I picked up the bike the chain, like most everything else on the bike, was covered in oil soaked sand and had 2,211 miles put on it by the original owner. The oil soaked sand on the chain kept it from rusting, but I don't feel real comfortable running this old chain any longer.

On Partzilla I see the chain for my 1972 DT2 shown as 520DS 110L. So, it's a 520 chain with 110 links, correct? Both sprockets are in great shape, I just need to replace the chain and want to make sure I order the correct size.

Thanks
20 Feb 2023 11:21 #1

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Replied by MarkT on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

I don't trust the specs...  and someone could have changed sprockets along the way.

You can count what you have now or I just order a longer chain and shorten to size.

If you want to trust the specs, what you surmised sounds correct to me.
1963 YG1-T, 1965 MG1-T, Allstate 250, 1970 CT1b, 1971 R5, 1973 AT3MX, 1974 TS400L, 1975 RD350, 1976 DT175C, 1976 Husqvarna 250CR, 1981 DT175G, 1988 DT50, 1990 "Super" DT50, 1991 RT180, 2017 XT250
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20 Feb 2023 12:57 #2

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Replied by SKYDANCER46 on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

BRZN,

i just replace all 3 chains on my 68,70 and 71 DT250's. 1st thing i do is count the teeth on both front and rear sprockets to see if there stock gearing. Then i count the links on the chain already on the bike. Then i look at the location of the rear axle and see how far forward or back it is on the adjustment. I like the wheel as far forward as it can go with the proper chain.

So all 3 of my bikes call for a 520x100 link chains. However on the 71 bike it had a 102 link chain on it and i notice the wheel was only about 3/4 the way back on the swingarm. I tried the 100 link chain on it and it was to tight with the wheel all the way forward so i ended up installing a new 102 link chain back on it. The 100 link chains worked fine on the 68 and 70 and the axle is just where i wanted them.

I use RK heavy duty 520H chains in the yellow box. I buy them either on Amazon for around $30.00 or e-bay depending on price and how fast i want it.

1970 DT250C
Last edit: 20 Feb 2023 17:47 by SKYDANCER46.
20 Feb 2023 16:40 #3

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Replied by Brzn on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

Original chain and sprockets on the bike. 44 (stamped on the sprocket) tooth rear and 14 tooth front. The bent up tab on the front sprocket showed no signs of being flattened to remove the nut when I replaced the primary shaft seal last summer. I count 101 links, 102 including the master link.
Last edit: 21 Feb 2023 02:47 by Brzn.
21 Feb 2023 02:32 #4

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Replied by Brzn on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

Got it, it's a 520 chain. Nice write up:

www.partzilla.com/blog/how-to-measure-mo...ths%20of%20an%20inch.
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21 Feb 2023 04:43 #5

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Replied by Sneezles61 on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

I was very confused with the “15 and “20” in the initial description where it went into widths.. but scroll down and it’s straightened back out…
Sneezles61
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21 Feb 2023 05:11 #6

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Replied by MarkT on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

Yes Sneezles, someone must have struggled in school with adding fractions. (Like I did!)

On the "15" chain they say 1/8 + 1/16 = 3/8... answer should be 3/16, not 3/8.

And for "20" chain, 2/8 is not 1/2, it's 1/4.

I knew about the dimensions being in 1/8" increments... I didn't know (or didn't remember) that if ends in "5" that adds 1/16" to the width.

Thanks for posting link Brzn!
1963 YG1-T, 1965 MG1-T, Allstate 250, 1970 CT1b, 1971 R5, 1973 AT3MX, 1974 TS400L, 1975 RD350, 1976 DT175C, 1976 Husqvarna 250CR, 1981 DT175G, 1988 DT50, 1990 "Super" DT50, 1991 RT180, 2017 XT250
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Last edit: 21 Feb 2023 05:40 by MarkT.
21 Feb 2023 05:36 #7

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Replied by msavitt on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

I also like the RK heavy duty 520H chains in the yellow box because they are reasonable $$$ and seem to hold up well, probably made better by giving them BBQ lighter fluid baths after dirty rides!

I tried to figure out how to count the links and it wasn't worth the trips to UPS to return to Amazon so I just get a way longer than needed chain for an extra $1 and cut to fit.  Also got a puller tool on amazon for a few bucks that makes sintching up the two ends to put the master link in much easier than trying with a wire or plastic zip tie
21 Feb 2023 10:07 #8

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Replied by MarkT on topic Chain Size/Length DT2

I've never seen a tool like that, can you post a link?

I put both ends on the rear sprocket with ends meeting at about 1 o'clock position. Sprocket teeth hold ends in alignment so master link slips right in 99% of the time.

Sometimes I need to grab hold of top run of chain and pull rearwards (trans out of gear) to get pin holes closer to line up.... worst case I stick tips of small needle nose pliers into holes on outside while inserting link from backside... rare to need tools though unless maybe chain is somewhat tight.
1963 YG1-T, 1965 MG1-T, Allstate 250, 1970 CT1b, 1971 R5, 1973 AT3MX, 1974 TS400L, 1975 RD350, 1976 DT175C, 1976 Husqvarna 250CR, 1981 DT175G, 1988 DT50, 1990 "Super" DT50, 1991 RT180, 2017 XT250
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21 Feb 2023 10:20 #9

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21 Feb 2023 11:23 #10

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