Author Topic: where can I buy a standard drive chain for a cb 550? (Read 3179 times)

elquenada · « **on:** October 06, 2009, 08:48:58 AM »

Im looking to replace my chain on my 75 cb 550. I just want a standard chain but I cant seem to find one for sale. All the places Ive looked advertise o-ring and xring chains. Can someone recommend a good source for a standard chain?

mark · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2009, 08:57:20 AM »

My friendly neighborhood independent bike shop didn't have it in stock but could order one and have it the next day. Price was reasonable enough.

BobbyR · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:05:59 AM »

Try here I buy chains from him all the time. http://www.loudfastugly.com/index.htm
Just be certain you count the links carefully.

TwoTired · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:16:40 AM »

You need a 100 link chain... Such as this one...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/61/5565/ITEM/DID-530-Standard-Roller-Chain.aspx
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=11156120
http://www.moto-chains.com/site/898528/product/d530
http://www.motorcycle-atv-chains.com/site/898526/product/d530
http://www.bikebandit.com/d-i-d-530std-standard-chain?WT.mc_id=1484958

elquenada · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:42:02 AM »

thanks for all the responses

elquenada · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2009, 06:02:00 AM »

Quote from: TwoTired on October 06, 2009, 09:16:40 AM

You need a 100 link chain... Such as this one...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/61/5565/ITEM/DID-530-Standard-Roller-Chain.aspx
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=11156120
http://www.moto-chains.com/site/898528/product/d530
http://www.motorcycle-atv-chains.com/site/898526/product/d530
http://www.bikebandit.com/d-i-d-530std-standard-chain?WT.mc_id=1484958

ok so I looked at these chains suggested to me and I emailed one of the above companys to ask about the type of master link that came with them. They told me that both the DID & EK brand 530 Chain were only rated to a max 350cc and that they came with a clip-type master link because it is "not a streetbike chain" and that this type of link is ok for such a "light application".

So my question is then...can I use this chain on a cb 550? I thought a tensile strength of 7400 lb would be sufficient. Also, is it possible to get a rivet-type master link for this kind of chain? I'm really trying to avoid o-ring chain cause I dont want to deal with clearence issues.

thanks

tlbranth · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:39:17 AM »

I use Diamond chain with a press-fit link that uses a retaining clip. I've used these chains since 1970 and never had a problem. I've seen the chain online for $40 or so.

Gorms · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:44:53 AM »

BobbyR · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2009, 09:08:29 AM »

Quote from: elquenada on October 07, 2009, 06:02:00 AM

Quote from: TwoTired on October 06, 2009, 09:16:40 AM
You need a 100 link chain... Such as this one...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/61/5565/ITEM/DID-530-Standard-Roller-Chain.aspx
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=11156120
http://www.moto-chains.com/site/898528/product/d530
http://www.motorcycle-atv-chains.com/site/898526/product/d530
http://www.bikebandit.com/d-i-d-530std-standard-chain?WT.mc_id=1484958

ok so I looked at these chains suggested to me and I emailed one of the above companys to ask about the type of master link that came with them. They told me that both the DID & EK brand 530 Chain were only rated to a max 350cc and that they came with a clip-type master link because it is "not a streetbike chain" and that this type of link is ok for such a "light application".

So my question is then...can I use this chain on a cb 550? I thought a tensile strength of 7400 lb would be sufficient. Also, is it possible to get a rivet-type master link for this kind of chain? I'm really trying to avoid o-ring chain cause I dont want to deal with clearence issues.

thanks

Go here http://www.loudfastugly.com/index.htm as I suggested, talk to the guy, he is local to us. I use a master link press on plate and clip he supplies. Strong sucker and once you get it on right, it ain't coming off.

TwoTired · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:41:16 AM »

I've been using these DID chains on 550s since 1975. I've worn them out, but never broken one. Also, I use the clip type master links. You just have to orient the clip in the right direction.

7400 psi tensile is plenty for the stock 550. (What's it have, 40 Ft lbs of torque?) I've no idea where they got the 350cc limit. Probably from modern two strokes with far more power and abuse that such a bike would endure....and lawyers.

I suppose if you plan on catching 50 ft of air in jumps, then you'd better get a stronger chain.

Gorms · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:52:47 AM »

TwoTired,
What is the right direction for the clip?

TwoTired · « **Reply #11 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:56:56 AM »

Quote from: gorms on October 07, 2009, 10:52:47 AM

TwoTired,
What is the right direction for the clip?

The open end goes in the opposite direction of chain travel. If the link clip is positioned at the top of the chain loop, the open end faces rearward.

TwoTired · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:17:17 AM »

I did some back of the envelope math for chain strength requirements.
Assumptions: 40 ft lbs of torque at the crankshaft.
X 12 to get inch lbs. = 480 inch lbs.
Trans ratio torque multiplication 15.68 in 1st gear. X 480 = 7,526.4 psi to the output shaft.
(I think I forgot how to calculate the force lost due to moment arm between shaft and sprocket tooth.)
But, if we (for the moment) assume zero, this means if you lock the rear wheel, rev the motor to its 40 Ft lbs of torque, pop the clutch (and it doesn't slip) you actually may exceed the design guarantee of the chain, during that brief moment before the engines stops dead. (And a stopped engine provides no torque at all.)

If a manufacturer guarantees 7400 psi tensile, that is the worst sampling you will find and most will take more than that stress during it's designed lifetime.

If you plan on abuse and wear beyond these limits, then you'd better get a different chain.
However, for practical purposes, it works fine on the 550 in stock form.

Good luck!

Honda? · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2009, 12:12:04 PM »

Farm and Fleet

TwoTired · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2009, 02:12:37 PM »

Here is a pic of the chain box I bought from the Honda dealer for my 550 (probably 15 years ago). They didn't have a 100 link so they sold me a 120L they had in stock for the same price as a 100L. I just cut off the excess.
They knew what bike it was for (they also sold these for 750 use).
I think the chain is still in use on one of my 550s, actually.

I just can't imagine why their Honda stocking reference books would specify a chain for farm and fleet.
(Unless they knew quite well it worked fine on the 550, perhaps.)
The Microfiche list the chain as 50HDS-100L
In the common replacement parts listing it says.
Chain,drive,(100L) (DAIDO)
Does that last name DAIDO look familiar? (Hint, look at the picture below)

Some of you guys sure like to make things difficult for yourselves. But, if you want to pay more for a chain because a salesman tells you to, it's ok with me.

Cheers,

Honda? · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2009, 02:46:29 PM »

I dunno. My friend only uses chains from F&F. He's got on on his 80s GS750E and it looks and performs great after 3000 miles. Doesn't cost much either.

elquenada · « **Reply #16 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:49:49 AM »

great info. thanks again.

BobbyR · « **Reply #17 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:46:38 AM »

We are a bit short of Farm Fleet stores in NYC.

CBGhia · « **Reply #18 on:** October 08, 2009, 07:08:22 AM »

Quote from: BobbyR on October 08, 2009, 05:46:38 AM

We are a bit short of Farm Fleet stores in NYC.

With all of the roof-top farms popping up you would think they would have farm stores on every corner. LOL

tlbranth · « **Reply #19 on:** October 08, 2009, 09:34:50 AM »

Quote

My friend only uses chains from F&F. He's got on on his 80s GS750E and it looks and performs great after 3000 miles. Doesn't cost much either.

I'm guessing here that you're refering to industrial chain. I think it would be a big mistake to use such chain on a motorcycle. It's not designed for sustained high speed.

BobbyR · « **Reply #20 on:** October 08, 2009, 02:15:46 PM »

It should not be diffacult to find a 530 anywhere. The 750's use a 630 chain which considering modern metalurgy is over kill. High output Sportbikes are using 530 chains today. Your only consideration is non O ring for clearence purposes. Pick a vendor, pick your price range and move on.

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Author Topic: where can I buy a standard drive chain for a cb 550? (Read 3179 times)