After reading couple of stuff, I'm just gonna stick with 525, mainly because everybody says it last a lot longer...
thx for the inputs guys, keep them coming!!
SVXR650, did you notice a big decrease in top speed compared to the original ~220km/h?
Do not worry about top speed... How often do you actually ride at top speed?
I have ridden my SV650 on 6th gear at red line. But soon you find yourself backing off because you do not want to burn the motor...
Besides, it is hell of fun to take off doing a wheelie into 3rd gear...
I have a friend with a CBR954RR and he does not know how to launch off a stop. From light to light, I smoke him so bad off the start, that he does not even give it a try. ...Then he passes me doing like 140mph. But acceleration wise, the SV650 has very good take off speed!!!
As far as the 525 chain lasting longer than the 520 chain is bogus. The chain will have a long life if you clean it/oil it regularly, (200-300 miles) have proper slack and is properly aliened.
I had 525 DID Pro Chain last me 6-7K miles because it was too tight...
Right now, I have 520 RK XW chain with over 14K hard miles. I do not commute, I only ride on weekends, canyons and track days.
If you get aluminum sprockets get the hard anodized. They are worth the money!!!
Luis.