Topic: Diamond 530 102 link stretch

[The Gurg]

Bought a diamond 530 chain at 102 links. Have a cb750k5 with 18/48 sprockets. About half way through the notches on the swing arm with 102. If I run at 102 links will it eventually stretch to the point I run out. 1% stretch winds up being 16mm (32mm link length/2 lengths of chain) which is enough to take it to the back of the swing arm.

[seanbarney41]

Iirc, I have always used 100 link chain with 18/48.

[The Gurg]

Yeah 100 is stock. 18/48T is stock.

[seanbarney41]

so, if you use it at 102 links, you will run out of adjustment before the chain is fully worn out.

[The Gurg]

Seanbarney41-
Yeah makes sense that I’d run out of adjustment before the life of the chain.

Ok now onto whether to get a tool or not:

Will I hurt the chain if I grind off the flared/riveted pin top with a Dremel and punch out the pin with a punch? Just practiced with the old chain and it was pretty easy to do. Took 5 minutes.

[seanbarney41]

yeah, that works fine and is how I have always cut chain to correct length

[HondaMan]

I usually use the 102 link as it lasts longer, purely by chance, with the 18/48 sprocket set. The way it works out is: each link hits a different tooth on both sprockets on each revolution, so the wear is the best-case scenario. This also happens with the 100-link chain on the 17/48 combo. With the 19/48 combo the 102 link still fits, although the rear ends up with the axle alignment indicators just ahead of the front one. (You also must grind off a little of the rubber cushion on the countershaft cover, and trim the tips off the teeth of the countersprocket, but I do that anyway...)

[PeWe]

I have replaced a strong chain that did not stretch much in lenght despite 81-93whp. 
DC chains strongest 530, 100 links.
New chain DID 530 ZVM-X has almost same spec. Same lenght.

Its wear more sideways, links felt really bad and chain had too much slack, roll bike and it got too much tension. Changed less than 1 notch on swingarm markings. Mostly 17:48 used.
I tried 18:48 but bike feels better on 17:48.
Stock or modified engine, same gearing.