Author Topic: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy  (Read 663 times)

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Offline Jake.muller

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18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« on: August 26, 2018, 08:26:29 PM »
I have done quite a bit of research but I am not able to find anything to confirm that a 530 chain will fit my 1977 cb750 with 18 in the front and 48 in the rear. I found a few forums that seem like it will fit but I would just like to confirm before I buy.

Offline Marks78

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2018, 07:05:01 AM »
This is what I got for my '78 CB750K.  Shorten the chain to the length that fits. The stock 630 chain uses 88 links but the 530 will use more, how many depends on the sprockets you use.
If your current sprockets are for a 630 chain then they won't work with the 530 chain. Best of luck!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SunStar-530-RDG-O-Ring-Chain-17-48-T-Sprocket-Kit-43-0070-for-Honda-/322205539624?hash=item4b04f25d28
Current Stable:
1978 CB750K
1982 XT200J
1982 XJ1100 Maxim
1985 V30 Magna
1998 VT1100 Spirit
2006 GoldWing

Offline flybox1

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2018, 07:20:53 AM »
110link 630 chain, and cut off extra links for your desired length.
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline Jake.muller

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2018, 10:36:55 AM »
I had thought the 530 chain was the stock option with the 18/48 sprockets. Is the 630 what comes with the bike? What is the difference between the 530 and 630 chain?

Offline DHuffman

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2018, 11:10:36 AM »
I had thought the 530 chain was the stock option with the 18/48 sprockets. Is the 630 what comes with the bike? What is the difference between the 530 and 630 chain?

I know the F models had a 630 chain, so I'm assuming the Ks did as well. The first number in the chain (i.e. 5 in 530) refers to the pitch - or link to link distance. 530 is 5/8", 630 is 6/8" (3/4"), etc. The rest of the number (i.e. 30 in 530) refers to the width of the rollers inside the side plates. 30 is 3/8" width.

On my '77 F I switched to 530 (I dont really see a point in doing 520 unless you're concerned with weight reduction) and put a 17T offset sprocket from Cognito Moto on the front and a Vortex 43T on the back. If you decide to do an offset for whatever reason, make sure to pay attention to chain clearance of the motor housing near the front sprocket - I had to try a couple chains before I found one that would clear.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2018, 11:13:18 AM by DHuffman »

Offline Marks78

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2018, 11:16:27 AM »
Yep, the K models also came stock with the 630 chain.
Current Stable:
1978 CB750K
1982 XT200J
1982 XJ1100 Maxim
1985 V30 Magna
1998 VT1100 Spirit
2006 GoldWing

Offline Jake.muller

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Re: 18/48 sprockets not sure what chain to buy
« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2018, 11:34:49 AM »
I had thought the 530 chain was the stock option with the 18/48 sprockets. Is the 630 what comes with the bike? What is the difference between the 530 and 630 chain?

I know the F models had a 630 chain, so I'm assuming the Ks did as well. The first number in the chain (i.e. 5 in 530) refers to the pitch - or link to link distance. 530 is 5/8", 630 is 6/8" (3/4"), etc. The rest of the number (i.e. 30 in 530) refers to the width of the rollers inside the side plates. 30 is 3/8" width.

On my '77 F I switched to 530 (I dont really see a point in doing 520 unless you're concerned with weight reduction) and put a 17T offset sprocket from Cognito Moto on the front and a Vortex 43T on the back. If you decide to do an offset for whatever reason, make sure to pay attention to chain clearance of the motor housing near the front sprocket - I had to try a couple chains before I found one that would clear.

That now makes a lot more sense. I bought a 525 and it did not fit. The length in between the chain links did not make that of the distance between the teeth on the sprocket.