Topic: I'm replacing the drive chain on my 550. Any upgrade advice?

[hueroloco]

Just would like some info on what you guys running replaced chains think.

What to look for, what to avoid... and what to pay attention to when I go to replace it.

I appreciate it. Thanks. 

[csendker]

550's have clearance issues with o-ring style chains, and you may want to think about replacing your sprockets while you're thinking about your chain replacement.

[DrMark]

I replaced mine with a D.I.D. 530 x 100 link (non- O- ring) chain and replaced the sprockets at the same time. At my skill level (novice), it took 3 hours. Sprockets took the most time as I had never removed the rear wheel before. Hope this helped.

[putnaja1]

I replaced mine with a D.I.D. 530 x 100 link (non- O- ring) chain and replaced the sprockets at the same time. At my skill level (novice), it took 3 hours. Sprockets took the most time as I had never removed the rear wheel before. Hope this helped.

Yup- I used the same exact chain- only mine came with more links so I had to shorten it- no biggie.

Works well if you keep it clean and lubed.  And it was cheap!

[Gordon]

The best recommendation I can make is to buy the chain from loudfastugly.com.  Just got another Tsubaki HSL 100 link from him for $22.00.  He has the Regina and DID chain for cheaper if you want to go that route. 

[putnaja1]

I hear ya, I wouldn't purposely set out for the cheapest drive chain available..  But, chains without O-rings or X-rings happen to be cheap! 

[bwaller]

I've switched to a 520 o-ring chain. Narrow enough to avoid any clearance issues but still get the o-ring. 

[nteek754]

yup Im with bwaller  I have 750s never messed with the 550s but by all means if you got room go with the ORING good luck Craig in Maine  seven fifty four ever

[nickjtc]

Change chain AND sprockets and put on a Scottoiler. Here we go again.....!

[Green550F]

Ok, I've heard the 520 chain is a more modern/better chain than the 530. And if it is easy to get, I wouldn't mind the up grade. But where can I get chain and sprocket sets? My 350 and 550 both need it all.

[jsaab2748]

The best recommendation I can make is to buy the chain from loudfastugly.com.  Just got another Tsubaki HSL 100 link from him for $22.00.  He has the Regina and DID chain for cheaper if you want to go that route. 

That's an EXCELLENT deal on name brand stuff. I got a D.I.D. standard chain on my 750 and it's lasted two seasons so far. All I do is keep it lubed about every 300 miles like the book sez. Adjustments are infrequent cause it doesn't stretch much at all. Wish Id've gotten mine for that price!

[bwaller]

The 520 chain isn't better, same pitch, but it is narrower which allows the use of an o-ring chain on your CB550 with room to spare. You'll need to switch to narrower sprockets to suit. If your chain is finished then you should change sprockets anyway. I had a machinist reduce the width of a stock front and bought a rear blank from Sprocket Specialists and machined the centre hole to fit. The conversion is narrower, lighter and plenty strong enough. Check out the 200hp plus superbikes at your local race track, most use 520 chain.

Just another option.