Topic: chain and sprockets - maintenance and part info - 75 to 77 CB400f

[lohebohi]

I have just purchased and a 1975 Honda CB400f
A friends just purchased a 1977 Honda CB400f
We are both new to motorcycles but used to working on cars.

As routine maintenance we would llike to replace the chain and sprockets on both bikes.
Does anyone know the price of a NOS honda chain and sprockets?  What is the price range for an aftermarket chain and sprockets?  Is there anything to watch out for when picking a manufacturer of aftermarket chains and sprockets?  Is there anything that is recommended from the Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited catalogue in particular? 

I am considering using wax to lubricate the chain; does that effect which chain I choose (ie unlubricated out of the box, or pre-waxed).  Does anyone have anything nagative to say about the using wax to lubricate the chain as opposed to oil?  The idea of less mess is attractive but I may be overlooking some negative side effects.

Thanks
Jeff
Baltimore MD

[MetalHead550]

Welcome to the place to be and congrats on the new(old) bikes!  Pictures?!  My advice would be to always replace the chain and sprockets together, as it appears you are doing.  Guess how I found out?  Its not important to get NOS since aftermarket spockets are identical, unless you can find them on ebay for cheap.  I would recommend aftermarket chains because of the fact that they now make O-ring and X-ring chains which, while more expensive,  last much longer due to the fact that the rings hold in the lube and reduce friction between links much better than non o-ring chains.  EK and RK make nice chains.  Go to the FAQ in this forum and check out chains and sprockets for links and info on these chains and where to get sprockets.  Plan on spending between $100-$150 for chain and sprockets per bike.  As for lube,  wax may be good on standard chains but if you go with O or X ring, I would recommend getting a lube designed specifically for them.  Later!

[lohebohi]

I forgot one thing;

What part numbers should I look for if I choose an aftermarket chain and sprockets?  Thest I can figure is 530-100 because one was listed on eBay as fitting a CB400f.  Does 100 refer to the number of links in the chain?  I had seen some people say that the O-ring chains can cause interference problems due to to extra width (though I believe I also saw someone say this? bike came with an O-ring chain from the factory).  Are there certain brands to watch out for when selecting an O-ring type chain? 

What do I need to do to locate the proper front and rear sprocket?  When locating car parts, you can ussually look it up by the vehicle model and year.  So far I have not experienced this when looking for motorcycle parts.  How are the sprockets labeled/numbered?  I figure the chains all have a standardized link length so I need to concern myself with just the number of teeth on the sprocket (because of the relation between chain link length and sprocket circumference).  Is this how I will locate the proper sprockets?  If so, what is the number of teeth?

Thanks
Jeff
Baltimore MD

[bryanj]

Just buy a chain and sprocket "kit" from any of the reputable suppliers listed on this forum. Just make sure its a steel not alloy rear sprocket

[lohebohi]

Okay I am pretty sure I want to go with either an X-Ring or and O-ring chain from EK that is 530 with 96 links.

I saw one listed on eBay (ad said it fit the 75 to 77 Honda CB400f) as a 530-100, but the page for JT Sprockets listed the recommended chain as a 530/96.  I am glad I did not trust eBay unless I am still not understanding something.

from JT Sprockets website (hint if you do a search on their site for your bike make you you click the proper 'submit query' button.)
Front Sprocket: JTF 278.17
Rear Sprocket: JTR 278.38
Recommended Chain: : 50 / 96

http://www.jtsprockets.com/52.0.html?&L=0&sel_uid=3793&p=


The JT brand sprockets sound cool, but I have no idea how to get one into my hands.  JT sprockets are sold through a distributror called Bike Alert
http://www.bikealert.com/
The bike Alert website says they have a distribution warehouse in Atlanta, GA.  I have no idea if Bike Alert sells directly to motorcycle shops or if they use an intermediary wholesaler like Parts Unlimited, etc. 

QUESTIONS

1. Is the proper chain a 96 link chain?
2. Does anyone know if they use a intermediary wholesaler?
3. JT Sprockets lists several front and rear sprockets for the CB400f; does that mean that I am free to change the gear ratios around within the specified range without running into any problems, or do I need to accound for clearance issues if I change from the stock gearing of 17 teeth on the front and 38 teeth on the rear?


Thanks
Jeff
Baltimore, MD

[Barrett99]

I just changed the chain and sprockets today on my CB400.  Used an EK 530 heavy duty chain and JT sprockets (16 front/38 rear) from Dennis Kirk.  A couple of years ago I borrowed a spare 530 O-ring chain from a friend to check for clerance after being told on this forum that it would rub the cases.  Guess what?  They were right!  Spun the chain by hand after installing it and could see the link pins making contact as each spun by the case wall.  Stick with the HD chain and 16 is about as low as you should go.  Much better lower end response.

www.denniskirk.com

Best,

[MetalHead550]

Yes! Like Barrett said!  I just found out this morning that there are rubbing issues with an o-ring/x-ring chain.  Look at my other post and see how I found out.  The EK x-ring chain i recently put on my 550 is about 1/2 inch wider than the standard chain.  Sorry for the earlier recommendation I made towards o-ring chains for these bikes.  Theyre great chains but.....

[Uncle Ernie]

Am I stupid? What is chain wax?                                                                                                     If you go with an O-ring chain you only need an occasional light oil- heck, MC engine oil would do because you don't glom it on like you do for a regular chain.
That said, I'd do a ton of talking to various reps. I've heard you need a smaller O-ring than a regular because they bung up your internals and case. I'd say just use a regular chain and adjust it as needed.