Author Topic: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket (Read 5956 times)

campbmic · « **on:** February 14, 2011, 10:13:14 PM »

Hi guys! Im in the market for a new chain and sprocket and have done some research. From what I can tell I need a 530 17/37 sprocket with a non o-ring chain.

Through searching the forum I found this seller who apparently sells this kit ($95)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400169465492#ht_836wt_877

With a standard 530 100 link chain for like $69.

Anyways, will this kit work for me if I get a 530 100 link non o-ring chain?
Is this the stock chain and sprocket setup?
What about 520 chains, x-rings, and o-rings?
If this guy ends up not working out does anyone have links to buy the chain and sprocket kit I need?/

Thanks

Lars · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2011, 02:11:29 AM »

You may very well get it from here as well:

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB550K-1976-USA/

O-ring chain works fine.

c(b)hris · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2011, 05:48:13 AM »

Quote

O-ring chain works fine.

Hey I might be wrong but are you sure about that O-ring chain? I always thought you had to use a non-O-ring chain because of clearance issues on this bike.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1526.0

campbmic · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2011, 06:20:56 AM »

Ive also heard o-ring chains are no bueno.

I personally dont like DSS because it takes such a long time for me to get my order

Kong · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2011, 06:21:26 AM »

All I can tell you with dead certainty is that an O-Ring chain will cut into the cases of a 550's engine right across a rubber seal and the result will be an oil leak if it is allowed to continue. You can do a search to find pictures of what this damage looks like, I posted some pictures in association with getting advice on removing a stuck front sprocket that shows it - you should be able to find it with a search. The point is to use a Non-O-Ring chain, they are narrower and will not cut into the cases.

On edit. Look at the left side of this photo, see that black rubber plug, the one with the crescent-shaped cut in it that matches the cut in both the upper and lower case half's? That was caused by an O-ring chain. It seeps oil:

Lars · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2011, 06:46:31 AM »

Point taken, I will check my own bike. Only had the chain on for a short while.

underachiever · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2011, 06:49:38 AM »

Yep. 17/37 100 link NON o-ring is what you want.

As for sourcing such. Ummm.....how about a motorcycle shop?

Otherwise there are lots of mail order places in the US which ship cheap or free to the lower 48, (unlike to canada where we get royally hosed!)

Try Z1 or TAS or bikebandit or crc2 or western hills or..................check the FAQ for somewhere near you

tony

Gordon · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2011, 06:52:31 AM »

I'd also avoid getting any kit, unless it has exactly the type/brand of chain and sprockets that you're looking for and costs the same as or less than it would cost to buy them all separately.

Check out Z1 Enterprises for sprockets, and look here for chain:

http://montecdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=MD

Good standard chain for $15-$20 for 100 links.

Also, if you'd like to help wake up your 550 on the low-end of the tach, switch to a 16 tooth front sprocket. It was by far the easiest and best improvement I made to mine. Noticeably increased torque off the line without increasing the rmp too much on the top end.

chadbenson · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2011, 07:02:26 AM »

Look your bike up on bike bandit! They actually have decent prices sometimes. You should be able to get both sprockets and a decent roller chain for $100 bucks including shipping.

http://www.bikebandit.com/1975-honda-cb550-sprockets/c/a697344a690344?mg=957&t=1

http://www.bikebandit.com/1975-honda-cb550-sprockets/c/a697344a690426?mg=957&t=1

http://www.bikebandit.com/chains/c/a697193a697167a697127

Kong · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2011, 07:28:29 AM »

Quote from: Gordon on February 15, 2011, 06:52:31 AM

Also, if you'd like to help wake up your 550 on the low-end of the tach, switch to a 16 tooth front sprocket. It was by far the easiest and best improvement I made to mine. Noticeably increased torque off the line without increasing the rmp too much on the top end.

I agree entirely, if you are putting on new sprockets and chain you should go to a 16 tooth front. You may notice that the sprocket in the photo above is a shinny new 16-tooth version, count 'em.

Gordon · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2011, 08:05:27 AM »

Quote from: chadbenson on February 15, 2011, 07:02:26 AM

Look your bike up on bike bandit! They actually have decent prices sometimes. You should be able to get both sprockets and a decent roller chain for $100 bucks including shipping.

Still too much, IMO. If you get the parts separately from Montec and Z1 it should be about $75-$80 total.

Blacknine · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2011, 08:15:16 AM »

Oh boy, I just had my mechanic put a 530 O-ring on mine too. This sucks.

c(b)hris · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2011, 08:30:58 AM »

Quote

Oh boy, I just had my mechanic put a 530 O-ring on mine too. This sucks.

[soapbox] I've also been burned a couple of times by dealers giving me the wrong parts/putting my bike back together wrong. Sucks when you don't know what you're doing and they're the ones you have to rely on, but I guess it's good that it makes you rely more on yourself. I always do some serious googling before I do anything new to my bike anymore. Kind of ironic, that I couldn't put my 36 year old motorcycle back together without the internet. [/soapbox]

thankGODforthissite.

Blacknine · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2011, 08:42:55 AM »

Can anyone link the correct standard chain the bike needs?

Gordon · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2011, 09:00:02 AM »

Quote from: Blacknine on February 15, 2011, 08:42:55 AM

Can anyone link the correct standard chain the bike needs?

530 size, 100 link standard roller chain. Available anywhere that sells motorcycle chain. If you look at the link to Montec I posted above you'll find one.

Duanob · « **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2011, 10:27:31 AM »

I paid $27 for my chain delivered to my house. Basic 530 100 link roller didn't even have to cut it. I'm still looking for a 16 tooth front sprocket. None of the above mentioned websites has one. Z1 has a 16T for a cb650 if that fits I would like to know.

TwoTired · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2011, 11:15:19 AM »

If you do much freeway driving, you do NOT want a 16 tooth front sprocket on the 550. I certainly didn't like it. But, it did help with the stop light grand prix in the city.

The 16T only helps in first gear, IMO. Otherwise, if you need better pick up, drop a gear to get it.

Cheers,

campbmic · « **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2011, 01:01:39 PM »

Does anyone know if I can use x-ring chains?

Also, with these chains

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Do I need to buy the master link also or should it come with it?

Thanks

TwoTired · « **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2011, 01:27:12 PM »

Quote from: campbmic on February 15, 2011, 01:01:39 PM

Does anyone know if I can use x-ring chains?

In 530? No. Not without an offset front sprocket (on the 550).

X ring chains are just as wide as oring types. They just have a different pin seal shape.

apex_seeking · « **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2011, 01:27:42 PM »

I know it has been said but I don't think it can be said enough.

Don' put o-ring chains on 550s!

This is my bike, not someone who knew a cousin that was a brother of...no , my bike. It will seep oil. Your beautiful bike will no longer be able to hold her liquids and leave you with some embarrassing explaining to do.

c(b)hris · « **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2011, 01:34:56 PM »

Quote

Your beautiful bike will no longer be able to hold her liquids and leave you with some embarrassing explaining to do.

??

apex_seeking · « **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2011, 01:46:51 PM »

My point exactly

singedebile · « **Reply #22 on:** February 15, 2011, 02:58:26 PM »

I really like that link to montecdirect but i am still as clueless as to which brand/type 530 to buy from that huge list there.. also is 100link the right size for the stock gearing? or will it need to be shortened?

apex_seeking · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:50:06 PM »

http://www.bikebandit.com/rk-m530h-heavy-duty-chain
I just bought this one. 530 100 link

cameron · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2011, 08:22:18 PM »

I just got this recently, for the same job. Free shipping over $100. It got here just fine!

Thank you for recently shopping at MOTORCYCLE ONLINE STORE. Your order placed at http://www.shopmotorcycleonlinestore.com on 1/27/2011 has been updated.

Order Status: Shipped
Shipping Agency: UPS
Order Subtotal: $108.97
Order Tax: $0.00
Order Shipping Charges: $0.00
Order Total: $108.97
Payment Method: PayPal

Order:
Qty. Part Number Price Per Item Special Order Product Name
---- ----------- -------------- ------------- ------------
1 PJ1-20 $10.76 No BLACK LABEL CHAIN LUBE
1 56-0401 $6.75 No OIL FILTERS
1 249502 $26.99 No REAR SPROCKETS FOR HONDA
1 120855 $2.15 No 530 STANDARD CHAIN
1 120800 $40.76 No 530 STANDARD CHAIN
1 JTF288-17 $21.56 No JT SPROCKETS FRONT SPROCKETS

chadbenson · « **Reply #25 on:** February 16, 2011, 05:42:31 AM »

Quote from: TwoTired on February 15, 2011, 11:15:19 AM

If you do much freeway driving, you do NOT want a 16 tooth front sprocket on the 550. I certainly didn't like it. But, it did help with the stop light grand prix in the city.

The 16T only helps in first gear, IMO. Otherwise, if you need better pick up, drop a gear to get it.

Cheers,

+1 to that! I live in the north metro georgia area which is VERY hilly at times but alot of straight ahead hwy as well. My bike is huffing some rpms to keep 65 so I went with the 34 in the rear to get some better top end. Yes you'll lose some take-off but you also won't be searching for 6th gear once you hit the hwy.

Gordon · « **Reply #26 on:** February 16, 2011, 07:32:14 AM »

Quote from: chadbenson on February 16, 2011, 05:42:31 AM

Quote from: TwoTired on February 15, 2011, 11:15:19 AM
If you do much freeway driving, you do NOT want a 16 tooth front sprocket on the 550. I certainly didn't like it. But, it did help with the stop light grand prix in the city.

The 16T only helps in first gear, IMO. Otherwise, if you need better pick up, drop a gear to get it.

Cheers,

+1 to that! I live in the north metro georgia area which is VERY hilly at times but alot of straight ahead hwy as well. My bike is huffing some rpms to keep 65 so I went with the 34 in the rear to get some better top end. Yes you'll lose some take-off but you also won't be searching for 6th gear once you hit the hwy.

It's all a matter of personal opinion and feel. For me, if I were doing mostly highway riding on my 550 I would probably stick with stock gearing. As it is now, though, I do about half highway/city, and I find the 16/37 to be a good compromise for both. I'm willing to increase the 5th gear rpm a little to achieve better acceleration in 1st gear. Others may not be. Going the other direction in gearing will decrease the 5th gear rpm, but it won't increase the bike's top speed.

campbmic · « **Reply #27 on:** March 26, 2011, 12:38:22 PM »

Alright guys Im in need of a new chain super bad! Im wanting to go with this chain from Montec Direct

http://montecdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MD&Category_Code=530SR

Does anyone know approximately around what tensile strength I need for my chain? Also do I need to buy an "extra masterlink" from their site?

Does anyone think this is not a good idea?

Thanks!

rangelov · « **Reply #28 on:** March 26, 2011, 01:06:34 PM »

I am going to add a kink to this thread. Why don't You convert to a 520 chain? It is a narrower chain. It is lighter and more than adequate for your bike. Search the forum for more info.

campbmic · « **Reply #29 on:** March 27, 2011, 12:02:16 PM »

From what Ive hard I need to modify the bike to hold 520 sprockets. I think I would only save a few ounces of weight maybe a pound at the most with a 520 chain. I have a lot of carb work and other work to do before I start thinking about saving that type of wait haha!

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Author Topic: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket (Read 5956 times)