Topic: 17/34 chain length and pitch for a 550? (can't find the right information)

[chadbenson]

From what i've found out the stock chain is a 530 pitch with a 100 length. But that's with the stock sprockets of 17/37. I'm going to be going to a 17/34 to get my rpm's down at hwy speeds. I'm tired of running 6k rpms to just go 65 mph.

Anybody know what size chain I need to get?! Any help would be awesome!

[IndyFour]

Someone may know the exact number of lengths that you may need...I'm not sure.  I would guess 99?

I know from when I replaced my chain a few months back, I could not find a 530 chain in exactly 100 links here locally....so I ended up buying a 120 link (what the shop had in stock) and cut it to size using an angle grinder.  You might just go ahead and get a 100 link (or whatever size you can find) and cut it to 100 links.  when you put the chain on to test fit, you will be able to tell how many more links you can/should take out.  

When I replaced my chain, I also replaced the sprockets and put a 36 tooth on the rear....the guy at the shop sold it to me half price because it had been there forever.  It made a subtle, yet noticeable difference on the highway.....made 70 mph a little less frantic feeling.  There was also a subtle, yet noticeable reduction in low end torque....so keep that in mind if you go down to a 34 tooth.  You'll rev lower going fast, but you will also have less power at take-off.  BTW for reference...... with my 36 tooth sprocket, the stock length of 100 links works fine.

[Frostyboy]

I'm pleased to see someone else running the same ratio as me, although I've just fitted a 90 series tyre on the back (up from an 80 series) & still have to wait & see if 17/34 is too high.
I replaced the chain when I fitted new sprockets with 98 links only to fall into the trap of fitting an 'o'ring chain.
When I found the crankcase damage from that I bought a Tsubaki gold chain. Cut it to 100 links & it fits up fine just in case I have to go back up in size with the rear sprocket.
With 100 links & 34 rear sprocket the index on the adjusters are on the 3rd line from the back of the swing arm.

[Deltarider]

I guess 100 links is alright. Stock for the 500 that came standard with 17/34 is 98 links however.

[chadbenson]

Thanks for the advice Indyfour. There is another 550 guy who I've talked to that his bike was running the same rpm's mine was before he did his change over. But he went to a 18/33!!! Which is a BIG reduction but he says the bike runs great with it.

I guess my problem i'm trying to fix is that at 55 mph i'm running 5k rpms and at 65 mph i'm running at 6k rpms. I know the motor has a 8k-ish redline but from what OTHER people have told me their 550's can do 70 at around 5,400rpms or so.

This seems to be the norm for most people (70mphs at 5.4k rpms) i've talked to...so i'm just wondering what's up with mine I guess.

Frostyboy: what was the problem with the "o-ring" chain? Don't the 550's  come with one originally

[Deltarider]

Why do you concentrate on rpm so much? Choose rpm where the mirrors stop vibrating and become clear (again). That's your ideal cruising rpm.

[Frostyboy]

Frostyboy: what was the problem with the "o-ring" chain? Don't the 550's  come with one originally

I think you'll find plenty of stories of woe in here if you start searching, but here's one to get you started.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=65509.0
It annoys me how many ads tell us 'O-ring chain, suitable for 550'.

[chadbenson]

Wow!!! I didn't have a clue about o-ring chains being such a pain! I noticed on that thread that TT agreed the RK and D.I.D chains would work. How expensive was your 530 chain Frostyboy?        p.s. on a side note, i'm a pretty short dude (5'5") Have you tried the shorty shocks yet? http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks/p2021447.jcwx?filterid=c51023d8782y1976j3
I've heard they are better to use than the lowering blocks. I also have another set of forks that i'm thinking of trimming down the tubes and springs so that it will balance out the bike with the rear (if i decide on the short shocks)

[Frostyboy]

How expensive was your 530 chain Frostyboy?        

I paid premium price I'm sure. Around $160. I'm sure you can find 'em cheaper somewhere else. Tsubaki QR Pro-Gold. I had to settle for 114 links & cut it back to 100.

p.s. on a side note, i'm a pretty short dude (5'5") Have you tried the shorty shocks yet? http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks/p2021447.jcwx?filterid=c51023d8782y1976j3
I've heard they are better to use than the lowering blocks. I also have another set of forks that i'm thinking of trimming down the tubes and springs so that it will balance out the bike with the rear (if i decide on the short shocks)

lmao   You call 5'5" short   You should try it from 5'2""
I replaced my rear shocks only to find I already had shorties on there. The new ones are longer than what I took off.
I've let the front forks up through the tree an extra 15mm & am waiting for a response on availability of this http://www.saddlemen.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=6542
Just to add a bit of pain, like I said earlier, I now have a higher rear tyre than I had before. I have to wait to get it back on the ground to see if I can actually get on it!!  

[Edit] Be careful of those shocks that link of yours pointed to. You need eye to clevis not eye to eye. 

[Gordon]

Don't go cutting the fork springs unless you want a stiffer ride.