Agree with with what redduc says about the DID chains. I just put a new DID ERV racing chain on my Aprilia and it is a quality piece. Also agree about clip type master links, bad stuff. I popped the coin for the motion pro chain tool, it is pricey but made the job a breeze. Very good tool.

I wouldn't go any smaller than 15 on the front. 14 and lower on large bikes will cause the chain to wear sooner. Not a major deal, but 15/42 would be perfect for this bike. That is the same gearing I am running on my Aprilia and makes around town driving much more pleasurable not to mention, makes the bike much livelier in 2/3rd gear in the mountains.

Chains and sprokets are an area I wouldn't skimp on and don't by Vortex. They suck and wear faster than tin foil. The only aluminum sprokets I would use are Sidewinder or Sproket Specialist that are hardened.