Topic: 1974 cb750 chain question.

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

Hi,

After reading the chain FAQ and searching, I am a bit confused. It seems a stock geared '74 750 would run a 530 chain o-ring or not, o-ring preferred. But what length chain? I have seen 100 or 102. And will I just need a chain breaker to change the chain, or will I need something else as well.
Thanks in advance,

Jay

[Gordon]

100 link, non o-ring, is the stock size for the K4.  O-ring chains fit just fine on the 750's, and it's entirely a personal preference as far as chain maintenance goes. 

I don't know if you'll need a chain breaker to remove the old chain.  Most likely it has a clip type master link, so chances are you won't need one.  Spin the chain around while looking at the left side of it.  You'll see the clip if it has one. 

You should consider replacing both of the sprockets when replacing the chain, too.  They all wear together, and putting a new chain on worn sprockets will wear out the chain quickly. 

[nteek754]

prsman hey In my opinion I would go with the  ORING all the way they are so much better in all ways not just maintanance but in strength. Just look at the differance in the plate size fron the so called stock  530 non oring to the oring . Now I still do oil mine every 300 miles with a quality chain lube (the kind that sticks) and dont fly off too much. and like Gordon said  I would change sprockets along with good luck have fun. Craig in Maine

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

Cool, Thanks guys the sprokets are already here, and I guess it's time to order the chain. Any suggestions of where to get one at a good price?

[Gordon]

Any suggestions of where to get one at a good price?

http://www.loudfastugly.com/  has the best prices on chain.

[GroovieGhoulie]

I've heard that the O-ring chains suck horsepower compared to non-O-ring (all things being equal, lubed, maintained, tensioned, etc), because all the little seals and grease in them add friction to the chain.  Any truth?

[Bob Wessner]

I've heard the same thing, on the order of 1-2 horsepower. But then, a GHOF such as myself wouldn't even miss it.

[Gordon]

I've heard that the O-ring chains suck horsepower compared to non-O-ring (all things being equal, lubed, maintained, tensioned, etc), because all the little seals and grease in them add friction to the chain.  Any truth?

I've never seen any test results showing the difference between o-ring and standard chains, but I see no reason to believe it's not true.  Exactly how much power it saps is the important part, and I think on the 750, especially, the difference is negligible. 

I'd be more worried about things like incorrect tire pressure, dirty air filter, dragging brakes, dirty jets, sloppy valves, incorrect timing, etc... robbing me of horsepower than a properly lubed o-ring chain. 

[BobbyR]

Any suggestions of where to get one at a good price?

http://www.loudfastugly.com/  has the best prices on chain.

Ditto, I bought two chains from him this year. Great price.

[gpdesign]

I just put new sprockets and chain on my K6, I went with 530 o-ring, 18-48 sprockets. I cut my chain at 100 links and it is almost too short, I'm going to try and add another couple of links so that the rear brake adjuster isn't maxed out. I'm not sure if the '74 750 has a different swingarm length, but something to look out for. When you buy your chain try and find out if it comes with a clip link or rivet link, if rivet you will need a rivet tool (or just buy a clip link)

[BobbyR]

I've heard the same thing, on the order of 1-2 horsepower. But then, a GHOF such as myself wouldn't even miss it.

Yeah, I know what you mean Bob. Maybe I can gain back that 1-2 HP by going on a diet. Better power to weight ratio and less aero drag.

[Jonesy]

I bought my o-ring DID chain from the Honda dealer. I also had them rivet the new one together for me as I don't have a chain riveter, and I didn't mind pulling the swingarm bolt to put it on. (doesn't really take too much longer that way...)

[Johnie]

Even if there is no clip on that master chain link to remove it, you do not need a chain breaker.  Just take a Dremel and grind off the master ends and pop it off.  Works nice.  I have done 3 of them this way since summer and works every time.