Topic: i need a chain - '76 CB550F

[jason41987]

i need a new chain for my bike.. not sure the length, or number of links needed, etc... so any recommendations?.. its for a '76 CB550F

[dhall57]

My 750's take #530 chains. I think your CB550 would take the same. I've got Diamond chains on both my bikes and like them. Hows your sprockets? Wouldn't be bad idea to replace them to.

[Frostyboy]

Jason, regardless of what chain you decide to buy, whatever you do DON'T use an oring chain, case damage will result if you do. Ask me how I know. 
I can't believe how many ebay sellers list oring chains for a 550.

[Xnavylfr]

You can use Industrial chain from NAPA. #50 =a530 chain, I know I'll here s**t over this but this chain is just as strong and have been on machine for years. About 20$ for enough chain then cut to the length you need. Run it for a year then change it. A guy here in NC uses it on his CB750(836) and has never had a problem. Keep it lubed and watch for stretch!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[LesterPiglet]

530 chain 102 links.

[Bailgang]

You can use Industrial chain from NAPA. #50 =a530 chain, I know I'll here s**t over this but this chain is just as strong and have been on machine for years. About 20$ for enough chain then cut to the length you need. Run it for a year then change it. A guy here in NC uses it on his CB750(836) and has never had a problem. Keep it lubed and watch for stretch!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

I'm using pretty much the same chain on my 550 that I got from a local farm/fleet store (Rural King) it's inexpensive and yep it works but it doesn't take long for it to stretch and have to readjust. I caught all kinds of h**l from an older brother when he found out what kind of chain I was using so next chain will be a proper MC chain.

[OT7]

On my 1976 CB550F I use Tsubaki HSL series Self-Lube Bushing Chain.
530HLS X 100 links, stock gearing.

[jason41987]

so... 530 chain then, no o-ring chain, and i heard one person say 102 links, one say 100.. so which is it?

also, the sprockets looked ok, but if i were to replace them what would the stock sprockets be?

and another question, if im replacing the chain and sprockets, is there any kind of performance boost people get out of these from using different sprockets?

[LesterPiglet]

It's 102 links. I have 100 that won't fit my bike. Better being safe than sorry anyhoo.

[TwoTired]

The Honda parts fiche for the CB550F says to use a 50 series chain (530) and specifies 100L.

Unless you use larger sprockets, 100 links is the correct length.  Oring chains will gouge the engine case unless some mods are made, or a switch over to a 520 style chain is made.

[LesterPiglet]

Impossible to fit 100 links on my bike and I'm 99% sure I have standard cogs.

Ignore my previous posts re 102 links. I've just counted the links on the chain I tried to fit and it's 98. Where this came from I have no idea.

[OT7]

100 links on my stock 1976 CB550F.
That is what I installed on my bike.

[jason41987]

this bike will be anything but stock when finished, many original parts arent there, so im using a lot of custom or aftermarket parts and going the route of the cafe...so..

i can go 530 chain, stock front and rear sprocket
convert to 520 o ring chain
or make mods to the bike to use a 530 o ring chain

what would be my best course of action?.. and does anyone use a sprocket set that is not stock, if so, for what purpose and what do you use?

[dave500]

just use the stock 17/37 gearing,honda got this pretty right on the 550s.

[jason41987]

i have no problem leaving it stock.. 17/37 sounds fine.. ill look a closer look at the sprockets later...

so should i go with a standard chain, o-ring chain with modifications, or drop it down to a 520 o ring chain (and 520 sprockets)?

[dave500]

standard chain is fine.