Topic: O-ring chain on CB500?

[Bob3050]

I know that an O-ring chain will rub on the case of a CB500 but I'm considering modifying the drive sprocket for clearance. I've measured a standard 530 chain and an O-ring 530 also. The total difference in width is about .200 of an inch. If I remove .100 from the clip side of the drive sprocket that should give me the same clearance on the back side as I have now with the standard 530 chain. I would also shim the rear sprocket out the same distance to keep the center line of the chain straight. Has anyone out there done this and is there any reason not to?
     Bob

[CB500_k2]

I put a 530 O ring chain on my CB500 about 6 years ago without sprocket revision.  It has worked fine.  I believe that the problem of care erosion comes with the CB550.

[Bob3050]

   CB500_k2:
 Thanks for your response. I guess I will go ahead and put the O-ring chain on and see if I can detect any interference or if I can check for clearance possibly with feeler gauges.
      Bob

[bwaller]

A 520 o-ring chain allows plenty of clearance and strength, but requires changing sprockets.

[bryanj]

The "O" ring chain normal rubs on both 500 and 550, but there are many possibilities that may stop it, like possibly a slightly differently machined front sprocket

[trueblue]

A 520 o-ring chain allows plenty of clearance and strength, but requires changing sprockets.

+1

[CoachDoc]

Bob, wouldn't you have to ADD spacing in the inboard side of the drive sprocket rather that removing clearance from the outside of same? Personally, having seen the damage a 530 O-ring chain did to my bike, I wouldn't risk it on that beauty of yours. The damage will only increase over time as the sprocket teeth wear and allow progressively more lateral deviation of the chain's side plates. Stay stock or do the 520 sprocket conversion.

[Bob3050]

CoachDoc:
        The plate that retains the front sprocket sits in a groove in the output shaft. Removing material from the outside of the sprocket will have the effect of moving the sprocket out when the plate is bolted in place, gaining clearance on the inside. This may not be needed as it appears the CB500 may have more clearance than the 550. I'm going to find out for sure before doing any damage.
  Bob

[dave500]

they have the same clearance on 500 and 550,if it rubs itll rub the same amount on 500 or 550,some o ring chains might just clear but most will just rub it.

[CoachDoc]

CoachDoc:
        The plate that retains the front sprocket sits in a groove in the output shaft. Removing material from the outside of the sprocket will have the effect of moving the sprocket out when the plate is bolted in place, gaining clearance on the inside. This may not be needed as it appears the CB500 may have more clearance than the 550. I'm going to find out for sure before doing any damage.
  Bob

Bob, what keeps the sprocket from moving to the inside when you remove the material from the lock ring? Wouldn't there be free play in the amount of material you remove?

[Bob3050]

CoachDoc:
          The material is removed from the outside of the sprocket and the retainer is not modified. Then when the sprocket is bolted to the retainer it will sit out farther by the distance of the amount of material that was removed. The retainer sits in the groove in the shaft and keeps the sprocket from moving inward.
    Bob

[CoachDoc]

CoachDoc:
          The material is removed from the outside of the sprocket and the retainer is not modified. Then when the sprocket is bolted to the retainer it will sit out farther by the distance of the amount of material that was removed. The retainer sits in the groove in the shaft and keeps the sprocket from moving inward.
    Bob

I finally get it. Have had a few blows to the head in my lifetime- obviously costing me a few brain cells. Thanks, Bob. Let me know the outcome on your bike. I still have the Oring chain I had installed.

[scottly]

          The material is removed from the outside of the sprocket and the retainer is not modified.

Bob, have you given any thought about how you are going to remove this material? Counter-shaft sprockets are usually hardened, and will not machine easily.

[Bob3050]

Scottly:
    I have a friend with a metal working business that has a high speed belt sander that he says will handle the job, so we will see.
  Bob

[Bob3050]

     Well I got the sprocket faced off on the retainer side. I did away with the raised portion so that the outside of the sprocket is smooth. I installed the new O-ring chain and then checked for clearance before reassembly and it looked good. Then I put the sprocket cover with the clutch actuator on and had interference with the chain but a little hand forming of the actuator lever cured that. I just got back from a 100 mile test ride and the case side of the chain still has the white grease that it came with on all the pins with no sign of any contact.
    Bob

[maatko]

Sorry taking this topic again up but I am quite new to this forum. I would like to know, for the use of a 520 chain, the rear sprocket has to be adapted as well to fit the adpation of the front sprocket. I do have at the moment a Enuma  520 set, the front sprocket was adapted but rear sprocket does not look like.