Triumph Bonneville T120, Fitting a new D.I.D ZVM-X gold 525 chain, the easy way!

[@sergioromano4901]

Dear Mr Stuart I bought my Thruxton RS just two years ago and since then I came across your videos concerning the maintenance and appreciated all your suggestions and considerations Greetings from an old biker from Italy

[@kiransingh2935]

Stuart is the Bob Ross of motorcycle maintenance. So relaxing watching these.

[@stugg]

Agreed. Good one, mate.

[@britbeatentertainment5751]

Hey Stuart, great video. I just fitted a 525zvm-x2 to my 2022 T120 Black and used your video as the main reference source. A couple of points to note when fitting my chain: the new link pin would not fit into the old chain - it was slightly too large. A small zip tie as an alternative did the job easily when threading the new chain. The new chain also needed sizing which is no big deal but required careful counting of the links. I did this a few times to make sure i’d got it right!

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Interesting and informative video Stuart. After watching this I decided to upgrade both my bikes to DID chains then suddenly realised that I own Honda Goldwings both of which are fitted with shaft drives! On viewing the video the teeth on the rear sprocket did look to be in good condition, with no obvious signs of hooked or chipped teeth, so your assumption regarding keeping them whilst swapping over the chain seems perfectly valid. Ride safe Sir.

[@CoachBob3]

Greetings from Florida. Words to live by, “Buy once...cry once”. I agree whole heartedly, always buy quality tools. They last, darn near, a lifetime. Another excellent video.. keep up the great work.

[@gtrmadman4127]

Great Video so much detail love it , never blonde the exact difference of an X ring chain until this video . Thank you

[@scothunter3221]

Great video, once again! I've tried several cheap chain tools with lots of frustration and finally ended up with a D.I.D. and with I'd started with it. In the States The Sprocket Center is a good, reliable, and will priced source. Wish my chain was older - that gold one looks pretty nice!

[@hopgood007]

Super video Stuart. As you know I've done over 10,000 commuting miles on my year old T120 now and the original chain - using the 'Full Fillingham' protection is still looking good! That being said when I come to change it next year this will be the chain I go for. Thankyou sir.

[@stuartfillingham]

good choice Paul, it does add a certain something, especially if you go for those predator shorties!

[@mordyd1770]

As usual, very helpful and informative, Thank you Stuart for your time and effort.

[@chrisbolton2500]

Blimey Stuart, that video takes me back! Waaay back to the days when I was a 'young shaver sat on my haunches at the kerb side, while a much bigger boy taught me how to do the job........ Am I the only one that still uses gear oil to lubricate the things.........? Happy days.

[@stuartfillingham]

lol No I think others still use it Chris!

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

Hi Chris, gear oil works well for me. I’ve tried most of the dedicated products over the years but none seem more effective than good old gear oil.

[@alanchristian7247]

Excellent video again. Your bike is spotless! You are an inspiration to the fact that you can keep a bike in this clean a condition. Fan of your videos. Excellent quality. USA, Roswell GA

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Alan.

[@thomass3769]

Your videos always make the day better!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you TP!

[@scottroberts4551]

Just received mine! Having it installed tomorrow.

[@Lame_He]

Great tips, will be replacing my chain soon, digging the gold

[@iivaridark6850]

Yes, that was just what I was thinking when inspecting our chains after 23 000 kms... Sprockets seem to be ok but chains are a little so and so at some places. I thought I could experiment by just changing new chains. And, yes, a micrometer is a great tool to measure small changes (like pin link width with its side plates in place, and how the ends of the chain link pins expand when worked with the tool. yes, learning all time)! Nowadays they are quite affordable too.

[@threethrushes]

I got a DID gold chain for my XSR900, and it is a beauty. I also added new sprockets - rear one is gold/orange. I think it is from 'Sprox'. Today was an unseasonably warm and sunny day in Prague, so I did a deep clean of my chain which was encrusted with grime and crud.

[@hopgood007]

Hey Stu, I went back to this video today (18 Apr 2021) as my chain now needs replacing on my 2017 T120. WeMoto are doing a special offer on the DID gold chain + front & back Sprockets for £130. Ordered the pack.

[@rossdarling5975]

Once again,excellence in quality your presentation Stu. Keep up the great work.

[@1shoe]

Excellent job Stuart, a professional mechanic couldn't have done better!

[@cecilwilson5442]

Done a chain and sprocket kit for 2008 speed triple managed to get a black outer links gold inner one's colour pins and a black rear sprocket new chain guard stainless with black plastic coating chain maintenance is now part of its clean and shine routine truer words with the chain tool I'd used, 😁🍀

[@tinks43]

Easy with the right tools 😀 great tutorial Stuart 👍🏻

[@gdecol3762]

Excellent tutorial! How to make a job look very easy...

[@paulaus]

I just used a hand file to remove the head of the chain pin. Only took a minute to get it down enough to let the chain breaker push it out and no metal particles flying everywhere from a grinder.

[@MothershipVideos]

Great demo and the chain looks very nice.

[@HORNET6]

Wipe off that pale coloured preserving grease as everything sticks to it and it cakes up,the front sprocket area. SAE 90 gear oil is the best way of protecting the chain from corrosion. Little and often will keep your gold chain looking tip top 👍

[@USMCCGAGNG]

Excellent work. Thank you.

[@stevenhill6214]

Excellent instructional video. That is definitely the way to do it properly!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks Steve!

[@jeholloway2]

Love the detail!

[@raymondpinder3692]

Thanks for another good video ; much appreciated

[@markmasztal2253]

I'm glad I have a shaft driven bike.

[@stuartfillingham]

yeah I used to think the same until I realised how much it was costing me at the petrol pump!

[@lengray44]

DID gold x ring chains are the best!

[@pierremartin9048]

Other than the look of the shorties which I much prefer, and easier access to the rear end, I’m hoping they may fit the Speed Twin though I don’t see them available on the BC site, only the longer version Hence why I’m looking at the SC Project shorties......

[@tomasz5274]

Many thanks for another great and very informative video! I'll have my DID chain coming in next few days. Could you please tell how to clean excess of protective grease from new chain to avoid it flying all over rear wheel and this area or is it not necessary? Thanks!

[@abeltriumph5057]

WD40. Clean it , then choose your own chain lube 👍

[@tomasz5274]

@@abeltriumph5057 Yeah, I did some more research meanwhile. It isn't much about this and conflicting replies on forums, but I think the most sensible is to clean the "storage grease" and apply chain lube - as you said. Many thanks for your reply and for sharing your knowledge!

[@richfeather]

Does this chain also fit the Bobber Black?

[@nickduffy8482]

Stuart, it’s been many years since I did a bike chain but I remember a special joining link with a slide on spring circlip. No grinding old rivets or splaying new rivets. Am I confusing pedal bike chains with motorcycle chains or has the old system just been discontinued?

[@stuartfillingham]

The only bike I know of that still uses those is the bullet.

[@coleythailand999]

Great job on the video! I have 23,000 kms on my chain currently. Still ok and sprockets are fine. What was your mileage when you took it off and estimate to its expiry. I obviously don't hammer my t120 anyway as I am still on the original rear tyre too! Got to look into that DID chain availability here in Thailand too. Thanks again for your 'must watch' Triumph videos

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Colin as you will appreciate I have to share the mileage between 3 bikes now so the T120 has only covered just over 4000 miles. ive only actually had to adjust the chain once and I reckon it would have been ok for a good few years to come. the originals are decent quality! thanks for watching!

[@hopgood007]

I second that Stu. Over 10,000 commuting miles on my year old T120 now and the original chain - using the 'Full Fillingham' protection - is still looking good!

[@sheldonpaula]

I see you are still running the stock Pirelli tires. Have you replaced them or are they originals? If not, keep that in the back of your mind for a future video. I am in need over the winter as the original will not pass inspection next year. I would love to add that chain to my T120, but, I opted for the solid chain guard in chrome. so, between that and the Predator Pro mufflers, no one would see it.

[@michaelevans1658]

Can I ask what make goggles you wear Stuart ,and are they any good ?

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes Michael they are made by Halcyon and I have made several videos on them if you would care to take a look!

[@michaelevans1658]

Cheers Stuart I will take a butchers.

[@davidstableford425]

Hi Stuart, I am interested in swapping out the chain on my Street Twin the same way you have demonstrated here. My questions is how can I determine the length of chain I need to feed it through in the manner you preformed here? It seems that my chain is a 520 but when I go to buy the gold chain it often asks what length. I have no idea. Can you give me some guidance on this matter? Much appreciated, Dave

[@davidstableford425]

I called my dealer and gave the lady at the parts department my VIN # and she was able to tell me that my chain is 520 with 102 links. I want a gold chain on my Street Twin because it really adds to the aesthetics. Plus it looks bad ass.

[@ruipaulo9749]

Very useful video. I also have a T120 and i would like to instant a DID chain, can you tell me how many links should i buy it? Many thanks stuart

[@stuartfillingham7011]

I can't remember off the top of my head but if you put you bike model in wemotos search tool it will find the right chain for you.

[@joshua5890]

Where can I to buy items?

[@pradeepjeyathilak8887]

Will this shorty pipe fit the Continental GT 650?

[@gohilfurnituredahisar5266]

thank you for sharing

[@USMCCGAGNG]

Changing track on a military Tracked vehicle is very similar.

[@mikkei3532]

me fitted the same chain in cbr600f, after did vx broke suddenlly after 34kkm

[@iangilmour1597]

Ive got this chain on my t100

[@walttanner5813]

So, the original chain on both the T120 and T100 are O or X chains?

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah original on mine was an X Walt but not D.I.D.

[@TC-hb2gn]

Came here to see what a gold chain looks like on a Bonnie (trying to decide between natural or gold for mine) and came away with being fascinated by the accent. Of course I've heard many a UK accent and love them but I am by no means a scholar on the regional differences. I could be wrong but this doesn't seem like one of the more "standard" ones. Here I heard what sounds to me like hints of the US southern accent...and of course it makes me think that's possibly where it came from. For example the word "time". It's like "taaam" like the US south. Anyway, I love languages and dialects. Can anyone tell me which specific accent this is?

[@subhodipchowdhury5292]

Can i fit this chain in interceptor 650 .pls rply

[@stuartfillingham]

yes but you will need to make sure it has the required amount of links.

[@subhodipchowdhury5292]

@@stuartfillingham thanks...pls post a video if u find any gold plated or brass chain for interceptor

[@caroldave4037]

Do yu know somet stu I hate standard chains they always look manky I've done 5000 miles on my 2018 versys but I'm ready to change to gold one😊 ...ps had the same chain splitter and fitting kit as you...for years they definatley not the best... cheers from dave

[@stuartfillingham]

thanks for watching Dave! no I am on the hunt for a decent chain tool!

[@jockd7]

Nobody do belt drive for the bonny...

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Belt drive is for ladies!

[@tomasz5274]

There is an aftermarket belt conversion kit for Bonnie T120 and it may sound tempting untill you find out: 1) price 2) installation need cuting out a bit of frame (claimed as not needed) 3) rear belt wheel is significantly bigger than chain sprocket (some don't like it) 4) less obvious difference is that this motorcycle was not designed for belt drive which is much more prone to damage (catching stone may leave you at road side without belt). Unfortunately conversion kit is not providing adequate belt covers to prevent such risks :( Motorcycles designed for belt drives are fitted with belt protectors/covers.

[@mrcspan7792]

where did you get those saddle bags? would work on a thruxton 900