Topic: SPROCKET CHAIN COMBO

[COMB2]

Looking for the best combo for my 76' 550.  I would like to be able to get up and go pretty quick. Top speed will be just highway speeds of 70-75mph. what combo would get me their the fastest? Doing a rebuild so front, rear and chain all getting replaced.
I'm learning on these older bikes the only other I've had was a 01' F4i, I knew a bit about them but this is a new breed to me

[Gordon]

I think you'll be very happy with just going down one tooth on the front sprocket.  Obviously altering the ratio even more will get you up to speed more quickly, but at the expense of drastically raising the high speed rpms. 

A one-tooth drop on the front sprocket makes a very noticeable difference in low-speed and off the line acceleration without making the rpms too high for highway riding. 

You should also look in the FAQ under "The thoughts of Hondaman".  He goes through several things you can do to the 550 to help smooth out the power band.  In addition to switching to a smaller front sprocket on my 550, I opened up the air intake and shortened the advance unit springs (as per Hondaman) and swapped out the cam with one from a 650.  It's really livened it up a lot. 

[Frostyboy]

Good luck with your ratios, but please make sure you stay away from 'o' ring chains on that machine. 

[COMB2]

All I've ever know is Oring what else is there?  what size combo (520, 530...ect?)

[Frostyboy]

All I've ever know is Oring what else is there?  what size combo (520, 530...ect?)

If you use the search bar up top, have a search for oring chains on 550s. I made the mistake of using one, although it was supplied from a Honda dealer. There's a clearance issue at the front & it'll grind its way through the crankcase.
I'm running a 530 chain on 17/34 sprockets on my 550. It's a bit tall according to others on this forum but I found it okay. At least it was. I've just changed up to a 90 series rear tyre from an 80 series, I've yet to get it on the road to really know if it's gonna work. I spent lotsa $ & bought a Tsubaki Pro Gold chain.

[Gordon]

All I've ever know is Oring what else is there?  what size combo (520, 530...ect?)

Stock chain size is 530 (non o-ring) with 100 links.