Topic: Im screwed....right? Caution using an o-ring chain on a 550!

[FunJimmy]

Seems we are all purchasing 530 O-ring chains and now learning that these are not recommended. Bummer!

How about making or purchasing narrow spacers to add clearance. I’m soon going to be lacing up new wheels with a 3” wide alloy rim on the rear and have been told that if the chain clearance to the tire is to tight, just shim the sprockets.

Does anyone have experience shimming sprockets and a supply for shims.

Cheers
FunJimmy

[eurban]

Go to Cycle Exchange's website and look at their offset sprockets.

[Terry in Australia]

Oddly enough, Honda just released a critical service bulletin about using O-ring chains on CB series bikes. Honda recommends that, under no circumstances, should an O-ring style chain be used on CB series motorcycles. They even said that it will void your warranty. 

I suspect that my warranty may have expired after 37 years?

[ChopperCharles]

Where can I find  a 15 tooth front sprocket and a 37 tooth rear sprocket, 520 size, for a CB550K so I can run an o ring chain?

Thanks!

Charles.

[FunJimmy]

Sprocket Specialties can provide all the sprocket combinations you can dream of.

[ChopperCharles]

They only list 530 sprockets for the 550...

Charles.

[FunJimmy]

I stand corrected!
It really isn't difficult to machine the front sprocket and space it from the cases.
I'll post pictures later if it'll help.

FJ

[bwaller]

I had a 530 front machined to the proper width. Then bought a 520 blank for the rear and of course had to machine for the hub center and mounting holes.

[ChopperCharles]

I don't have access to machining here unfortunately.

Charles.

[apex_seeking]

I had an oil leak from that same left side cover. I thought it was the shift shaft seal as well so that was replaced. After a ride I realized that that was not the fix. I figured that it could wait until my winter tear down as the leak was just a drip here or there.

I wanted to get an o-ring chain because I was getting a lot of chain lube slinging onto my wheels. While doing a little research I found this thread and decided that I'd take a look at my chain a little closer. I have an o-ring chain thanks to the PO and it has eaten a nice groove into my seal as well.

Any of the temporary solutions here work? Just looking for a little follow up.

[Hush]

This is from May 2005? man someone dug furiously.

[apex_seeking]

Hahaha! I believe in the search button!

[solo 2]

Here's some good info on chains if anyones interested. I've never had an O-ring last any longer than a non o-ring, and you still need to lube them.

http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm

[TwoTired]

Not much to lose by cleaning it really well with alcohol and putting a JB weld patch over the leak.
Either that or pull the case halves apart to insert a new seal.

Then either ditch the oring chain or get an offset front sprocket to keep the chain away from the patch.

[q2418130103p]

Who makes an offset front sprocket?  I know cycle x has one, but its offset rather far.

[apex_seeking]

Who makes an offset front sprocket?  I know cycle x has one, but its offset rather far.

And all I saw were sprockets for 750's.

[TwoTired]

Who makes an offset front sprocket?  I know cycle x has one, but its offset rather far.

A machinist can mill off one side of a standard sprocket and make a spacer for the side that is un-milled.

I just use standard chains on my CB550s.  They are lighter, and if you use Black PJ-1 chain lube properly (and regularly), fly off is minimal.  What does fly off is easily cleaned with mineral spirits.

Cheers,

 

[Goofaroo]

I just use standard chains on my CB550s.  They are lighter, and if you use Black PJ-1 chain lube properly (and regularly), fly off is minimal.  What does fly off is easily cleaned with mineral spirits.

Bingo!

The only thing to add is that if your chain is shot, so are your sprockets. They might still look okay but as pins and rollers in the chain wear and the chain increases in length, it wears the sprockets to match the length of the chain. Putting a new chain on old sprockets will cause a mismatched condition and render accelerated chain wear. Your dollar will be stretched further and your driveline will be much smoother if you replace the chain and sprockets as a set. 

[apex_seeking]

Thanks for all the input. I think must of what I was seeing all over the rim was from the oil leak onto the chain. Not the lube I was applying. After messing with it for a bit last night, I agree with twotired, a standard chain has got to be lighter than that o-ring chain. That thing is a beast.

Anyway, lesson learned. 

[Kong]

I guess the only real question to be answered here is if anyone has had long-term success with a temporary repair (rub on goo of some sort or another) of the original problem.

There are a couple of other threads on this subject (as those of us who faithfully use the Search function first know) in which the proud owner, as opposed to the previous owner, smeared either MarineTex or JB-Weld around the area with at least temporary success, which begs the question again - did it hold?

I'm also a bit interested in the response about the 350 plug, is there a similar alignment stub on the 550's case and seal that might be removed to make this a repair that can be accomplished without splitting the cases?

Oh, on that Search thing, when I was doing a search on this subject I also ran across a bit of discussion about the purchase of a set of sprockets and chain in 520 (I think it was) that were special ordered for the bike; the when and where and maybe even the cost, were mentioned.  I didn't keep a link to it, I think it was Sprocket Specialists, but just to let everyone know, they are available.

[crazypj]

I've never used 'o' ring chain and probably never will.
 I don't see enough advantage and do see some disadvantage, particularly on lower power bikes. (which is why 'X' ring was invented)
 If your lazy enough to think 'O' ring is worthwhile to allow lack of maintainance, your wrong, they require almost the same maintainance as a non-O-ring.
 There is nothing to seal lubrication between rollers and bushings, only seals between bushing and pin.

[Tintop]

I installed 520 sprockets and an 'X' ring chain on my 550 build.  Alloy rear from Sprocket Specialties, machined 530 front (like Bwaller), which uses the stock 550 bolts and clip to position.  It was not an inexpensive solution, but as I plan to show the bike as well as ride it, I wanted to reduce the mess of a standard chain.  I would agree with TT that using a standard 530, is probably the best and least expensive way to go.  My 750K3 with be getting new 530 sprockets, and a 530 X-ring chain, as I feel the 630's are much to heavy, and rob power.  Be sides I already have the chain.

[Deltarider]

The only thing to add is that if your chain is shot, so are your sprockets. They might still look okay but as pins and rollers in the chain wear and the chain increases in length, it wears the sprockets to match the length of the chain. Putting a new chain on old sprockets will cause a mismatched condition and render accelerated chain wear. Your dollar will be stretched further and your driveline will be much smoother if you replace the chain and sprockets as a set.

Happen to disagree. The last 100.000 kms (CB 500) I've always used two chains on one set of sprockets and I'm not the only one. With a simple (non-O-ring) Tsubaki QR I've always managed over 15.000 kms per chain. No problems.

[madmtnmotors]

I know the 77-78 750's came with a 630 chain, but I do not believe they were "O-ring" chains. I have used o-ring chains, both 630 and 530 on my 78' 750K and have experienced some mild scoring on the case. I believe I wil be converting back to non o-ring 530 chain when the current chain wears out.

[Goofaroo]

Happen to disagree. The last 100.000 kms (CB 500) I've always used two chains on one set of sprockets and I'm not the only one. With a simple (non-O-ring) Tsubaki QR I've always managed over 15.000 kms per chain. No problems.

I guess the question to pose would be what kind of mileage everyone gets out of their chains and at what point they deem them unusable. I would personally expect more than 15000 kilometers (9320 miles) from a new chain and sprockets. I would say that in my experience a new chain and steel sprocket set (alloy is another story) has always lasted at least 20,000 to 30,000 miles or until I sold the bike, whichever came first. On the ones that I replaced because they were beyond the service limit, the sprockets were worn as well and would have eaten a new chain for lunch.