Topic: how to differenciate between a 630 and 530 chain ?

[IndianRider]

1978 CB 750 K ..

the drive chain started needing frequent adjustments as it kept getting loose after every 200 mile ride.. i am now at the end of the adjustment and the adjustment bolts wont turn in (tighten) anymore ..

the bike was pretty much stock with 18K miles and i was wondering how to figure out what kind of chain i have .. if my memory serves me right, it looks thicker than the chains on my ex bikes (2001 Ninja ZX9R, 1999 ZRX 1100) ..

The chain has 88 links including the master link and the rear sprocket has 41 teeth .. didnt count the front sprocket .. do the number of links sound right for a stock 630 chain ? if i convert to the 530 setup i would be looking at about 100 links with the stock psrocket setup right ? 

[333]

It should say on the links.  Not on every one,but every 3 or 4 on the outer side plates.

[IndianRider]

thanks .. need to go check what the links say .. also by searching the forum it looks like the 630 chain takes about 88 links and the 530 chains take about 100-102 links and considering my K8 was kept as stock as possible, it looks like i have the stock 630 chain ..

[eldar]

You have a stock 78.  88 links  630 chain  15 tooth front and 41 tooth rear sprocket.

[TwoTired]

A 530 chain has a pin spacing (roller to roller center) of 5/8 inch.  A 630 chain has a pin spacing of 6/8 or 3/4 inch.

Cheers,

[IndianRider]

thanks for the info .. looks like i need to get some 530 sprockets and chain to save some money ...

the stock gearing at 2.73 (630 with 41T rear and 15T front) was fine so with a 530 conversion I would probably like to end up with a similar ratio ..   im thinking of a 46T rear and 17T front for a 2.70 ratio which should drop highway rpm's slightly ..

looks like the K8 swingarm is longer so i might need to order extra length chain (105 links ??) . or is there a tried and tested length of chain for a 530 chain on a K8 ..

[eldar]

I have tried to get that answer and so far nothing. I would say to probably be safe and get a 110 link with a master link and then use a dremel to take off the links you do not need. Then write it down for the next time you replace the chain.  I think a 106 will work though.

[crazypj]

Like Two Tired said the 'code' is for measurements in eighths of an inch.
 530 =5/8X3/8 and 630 = 6/8X3/8.( 6/8 =3/4)
(Even  the Japanese couldn't get a switch from traditional inch sizes, maybe its why the Germans went shaft drive?? )
 Is not rocket science to work out overall length and do a conversion.
eg 100 links @ 530 =500/8.
 500/8 divided by 6=83.333.
As you cant get one third of a link you go with 84 links and you have some adjustment
PJ

[IndianRider]

thanks for the replies ..obviously it amkes more sense to get a longer chain and then remove links if necessary ..

[medic09]

I bought 106 links.  I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember what I took out.  It's at least down to 104 now, maybe less.  If you get 106, you should have some to trim.

Will that be affected by how many teeth on the sprockets you get?