Topic: Chain recommendations please?

[Dennis]

I have a 750K8 and run a 630 chain...some like a 530...will you be doing the 530 convertion?

Don,
'75 - '76 CB750 F or F1 (whatever you want to call them) have 530 chain standard.
The 630 chain was later, I'm not sure when they made the change.

[Jim Shea]

Dennis,
Can you explain please?
"BTW I find it easier to "break" the bolts before I remove the chain, that way you have the option of using the rear brake to hold it for you"
Also, what is the difference between a 530 and a 630?
Jim.

[Bob Wessner]

I think he means when you put a wrench to the front sprocket bolts, the sprocket is going to want to turn on the shaft. If you have someone handy, they can step on the rear brake which will hold the rear wheel and thus make the chain taught and prevent the sprocket from wanting to turn. The 530 chain is narrower than the 630, by how much I don't know.

[Jim Shea]

Thanks. I will stick with 530 then no clearance problems that have been referred to here!

[SteveD CB500F]

Also, what is the difference between a 530 and a 630?

Jim, the 530 / 630 refer to the chain size in 1/8th inch increments.

Thus a 530 chain has a pitch of 5/8" and a width of 3/8"
A 630 chain has a pitch of 6/8" (ie 3/4") and a width of 3/8"

Good ol' imperial measures...

[Jim Shea]

Steve,
Thanks. I assume pitch is height of the chain then?

[Bob Wessner]

Jim,

You might find this info useful.

http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm

[SteveD CB500F]

Thanks. I assume pitch is height of the chain then?

Nope.

Pitch is the distance between the links (or the distance between the "points" of the sprocket)

EDIT: Just read Bob's post, which just about sums it up.  Think I'll put it in the FAQs.

[Jim Shea]

Thanks, it certainly does say it all.
Interesting comment below:
The smaller the pitch, the less noise, wear, and mechanical losses will be experienced.

[SteveD CB500F]

Yes but there is a trade off between "smallness" and the ability to transmit horsepower and last a reasonable time!

[Einyodeler]

Get a quality brand name chain such as: Tsubaki , D.I.D. , Regina or RK and keep it clean and lubed.
 But note that some of these manufacturers such as RK also sell economy chains made in Malaysia , stay away.
I put over 20,000 miles on my `72 this year and I bought one of these  Malaysian made chains from the local Honda dealer because it was the only one he had in stock at the time. It only lasted around 5,000 miles , it rusted imediately after a light mist and all of the pins were worn.
I now have a D.I.D. on it and in 15,000+ miles have only had to tighten a few times , hardly any stretch at all. Even after riding  back from Chicago 6 hrs. in a steady downpour it didn`t develop any rust.

Bottom line: Maintenance and more maintenance

[andy750]

I use Tsubaki Sigma O-ring chains on my CB750s (K4s) - 16,000 miles on the last one - and this chain had plenty of varied ridiing over a 2 month, long distance trip - deserts, mountains, beaches, rough roads. Im a believer in Tsubaki! :-). Worth the extras money for sure.
Cheers
Andy