Topic: CB 550 Sprocket and Chain question...

[rheilman]

Hi,  I frequently tighten the chain on my 74 CB-550, but it always seems to work its way loose again.  Sometimes when I go over bumps I can even hear it slapping around below me! 

I have resolved to replace my chain and sprocket sets this spring, but I am unsure of the best place to obtain new parts.   I have found all the ingredients on Old Bike Barn, but I was wondering if anyone has a merchant that they recommend in particular.

I have searched around on the old threads and believe that a 530 non o-ring chain with 100 links is appropriate.  There were not as many references to sprocket sizes, but from what I found it looks like I will need a 17 front and 37 rear?  Am I right?

Any suggestions for online sources for these components would be appreciated!

Thanks, and get out and enjoy the spring!
Ray

[moham]

many threads here for sizing, install, retail, etc...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=372.0

[Gordon]

I have searched around on the old threads and believe that a 530 non o-ring chain with 100 links is appropriate.  There were not as many references to sprocket sizes, but from what I found it looks like I will need a 17 front and 37 rear?  Am I right?

Yes, these are the correct stock sizes. 

Make sure you're not overtightening the chain.  This will cause excessive wear and make you have to adjust the tension more often.

[danielg]

many threads here for sizing, install, retail, etc...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=372.0

That FAQ is next to useless.  It really didn't help me, however... A search may reveal the following post (by me last month)

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=35847.msg370657#msg370657

And from Bikebandit:
JT 37-Tooth Rear Steel Sprocket (Honda CB 550 1978)  5276657-001 | -    1    $26.99    Pending
JT C/S SPROCKET 17T 5276652-001 | -    1    $20.69    Pending
EK 530 Sport Non O-Ring Chain - 100 Link 5258579-001 | -    1    $26.99    Pending
Item(s) Subtotal:    $74.67
Shipping & Handling:    $7.95
Total: $82.62

I posted specifics for anyone that needed the same items. 

If you read the reset of that thread, you'll see an important bit of info: I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM BIKEBANDIT.COM AGAIN.  My part arrived in >20 calendar days on top of that the packaging was so poor that the front sprocket managed to come out of the box!

If I had the chance to do over, I'd order the sprockets and chain from z1enterprises.com.  I got my brake stuff from them in <2 days!)

[danielg]

530 (JTF288 series) 17T Front Sprocket  - $18.09
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1799

    
530 (JTR282 series) 37T Rear Sprocket  - $24.09
http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1968


It looks like they don't have the chain I ordered (see above), but they do have x-link chains.  They're more expensive.  I'd check with the local tech-heads, but I was told the O-ring chains shouldn't be used-- not sure bout the x-ring

Hope this helps!

[bunghole]

Dennis Kirk will probably have your chain and sprockets.  You can punch in your model of bike and it will bring up the items that work with it:

www.denniskirk.com

[ieism]

I think an x-ring chain is just a more modern version of an o-ring chain. Most people here agree that you can't use a 530 o-ring chain on a 550 because it is too wide. I think an x-ring chain would have the same problems.