Topic: CB550 '77 front sprocket retainer plate assembly

[Shik]

Hi,

I'm having some difficulties putting on the retainer plate for the front sprocket, it doesn't turn so easy to align with the holes for the bolts.
Are there any tricks to this? It is not in my manual either.
It can only turn if I try without the sprocket on.

I've tried hammering it into place but it doesn't really work, and I'm afraid to put too much force into it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Here is a picture:

[TwoTired]

Is this a Honda sprocket or aftermarket offering?

Measure the width of the sprocket where it sits on the spline shaft.

Measure the spline shaft seating width between slot and inner shoulder.

Have you cleaned the spline shaft inner shoulder?

Cheers,

[Shik]

If I remove the inner spacer I can turn it by hand, but not with the spacer on.
This is a honda lock plate.

[TwoTired]

  Is this a Honda sprocket?
What spacer?  I don't see one on the Honda parts list.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k3-four-general-export-kmh_model14669/partslist/E15.html#results

[Shik]

It seems that the sprocket is a little thicker than from the inner spacer to the edge of the spline section, should I remove the spacer then? I have tried this but it seems that the sprocket is then a little "loose" and not firmly in place.

[bollingball]

If I remove the inner spacer I can turn it by hand, but not with the spacer on.
This is a honda lock plate.

OK so it is a Honda lock plate. Is it a Honda sprocket? What are the measurements that TT ask for? Does it line up with out the sprocket?
Ken

[Shik]

  Is this a Honda sprocket?
What spacer?  I don't see one on the Honda parts list.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k3-four-general-export-kmh_model14669/partslist/E15.html#results

You're right, it is not on this schematic.
It didn't come with the sprocket, but was on with the existing sprocket, which I have not saved, it is thrown out.
Spacer looks like this:

[Shik]

Probably not a Honda sprocket, but actually I can't remember...
Sprocket and lock plate fits very well without the spacer, but I haven't tried to tighten the bolts yet.
I need to buy some locktite.

[TwoTired]

It seems that the sprocket is a little thicker than from the inner spacer to the edge of the spline section, should I remove the spacer then? I have tried this but it seems that the sprocket is then a little "loose" and not firmly in place.

I don't understand why you have a spacer at all.  It's not on the Honda parts list.

The sprocket is allowed some "float" on the spline shaft.  The retainer is what keeps it in chain alignment position.  The torque between shaft and chain is transferred from shaft spline to sprocket spline.
There is hardly any stress applied to the lock plate for holding lateral position.

I speculate your old sprocket was some generic aftermarket that required the spacer for some reason, perhaps to gain offset to use an oring chain.  Can't use oring chains with a stock set up.

[Shik]

Unfortunately my new chain is a 530UO o-ring, is it not possible to use this?

[TwoTired]

That explains the spacer, then.

The 530 oring chain will grind into that rubber case plug, unless the front sprocket is offset away from the engine case an amount equal to the extra width of the oring chain over the width of a standard.

If you mill the outside face of the front sprocket flat with the tooth face, that is enough, and that spacer will be of some use then, (used on the inside of the sprocket that wasn't milled).

Or, you need to find an after-market sprocket vendor that offsets the tooth points an extra 1/8" away from the engine case.

Or, use a standard 530 or DID50 chain as it came with in stock form.

Or, convert to a 520 oring chain along with both front and rear sprocket changes.

[Shik]

I think I ordered the chain and sprockets from here: http://motorcycleproducts.co.uk/catalogue/197478-cb550k-parts-c-2064_2285_2287.html
all they have is 530 chains.

What does it mean to mill it? Do I need a special power tool?

Suggestions as to where I can find a sprocket that is specifically made for this offset?

[TwoTired]

Take the sprocket to a machinist who has a mill (special tool) and ask him to machine off the metal "hump" that protrudes near the center of the sprocket.  Take the spacer you have with you, so he knows to take at least that spacer thickness off the one side of the sprocket.
I suppose you could grind off a bunch a metal on one side for the same effect.  That just seems like a hack to me, though.

I don't know where to buy a front sprocket "ready made" for the CB550 that incorporates the required offset.  I only use standard non-oring chains on my 550s.  I tried an oring chain once, and it dug a groove into the rubber plug in the case.

There have been a few threads about this posted to the forum over the years, complete with gory pictures.
An oring chain on a CB550 is a custom modification, which requires custom parts to implement.

Were I you, I'd return the oring chain and exchange it for a standard width chain.  Otherwise, you'll need custom work done every time you change the front sprocket.

Cheers,

[Shik]

What about the sprockets? Can I use the ones I have for a 520 chain? Or do I need to buy new sprockets as well?

[Shik]

I assume I could go with this chain, right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/520-CHAIN-120-LINKS-HONDA-YAMAHA-KAWASAKI-BIKE-ATV-CH12-/330281424929?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ce64e9821&vxp=mtr#ht_1781wt_1139

[Shik]

I also found this from a danish site, 530 without o-rings, pretty cheap (40$ or so), would this work with the sprockets I have and then I can throw the spacer away?

http://dinmc.dk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=137_142&products_id=1869

[Shik]

Can someone please tell me if sprockets also should match the chain? Or can I use the sprocket for both o-ring and non o-ring and different sizes chain?
I'm pretty confused.

Sorry about multiple post, but I'm on a deadline...

[TwoTired]

530 sprockets will not work with 520 chain, as I said in a prior post.

That explains the spacer, then.

The 530 oring chain will grind into that rubber case plug, unless the front sprocket is offset away from the engine case an amount equal to the extra width of the oring chain over the width of a standard.

If you mill the outside face of the front sprocket flat with the tooth face, that is enough, and that spacer will be of some use then, (used on the inside of the sprocket that wasn't milled).

Or, you need to find an after-market sprocket vendor that offsets the tooth points an extra 1/8" away from the engine case.

Or, use a standard 530 or DID50 chain as it came with in stock form.

Or, convert to a 520 oring chain along with both front and rear sprocket changes.

530 Sprockets will normally work with either standard or oring chain.  But, the 550 can't normally take an oring chain unless some custom work is done to the sprockets.


Perhaps someone else can explain it to you better.  I'm not sure what else I can say to make it any clearer.

Good luck!

[Shik]

Okay, I will buy a 530 non o-ring chain, this should fit to my sprockets.

Thanks a lot for your help.