Topic: chain size

[beachpeople]

Can anyone give me a quick primer on chain sizes and types? I have a 76 550f. Does my bike take the same size as a 750? (I'm not refering to length..)

[brimar6]

Hey there "beachpeople" I like that van, in your avitar. Your chain size depends on your sprockets, the more teeth in the sprocket the longer the chain. The only sure way to size your chain is to count the number of links and clean a couple of them real good and there should be a number stamped in them such as 520, 530 that will be your pitch. All you need to order a chain is # of links and the pitch. Also, you want to take a real good look at your sprockets because you do not want to throw a new chain on real ratty sprockets and vice versa. That would be like flushing your money. www.denniskirk.com has a pretty good variety and their prices, sometimes, are real good. I hope this helps.

[ddrink]

your stock replacement chain is a 530x100.  A 750F of the same year is a 630x88.  So to answer your question, no the are not the same.

[beachpeople]

Thanks for the info! I was curious about chain sizes (520, 530, 630) that I've seen mentioned and wasn't sure what size mine might be.

(I was tempted by the colored show bike chains on cycle xchange, truth be told!)

One other question... I have a four into one exhaust on my bike. Are there replacement mufflers made for these pipes?

[Noel]

Are there replacement mufflers made for these pipes?

Meaning like a slip-on can, rather than a whole system?

Either way, yeah, there are. I think SuperTrapp, Kerker, and Mac (and others, no doubt) can all provide what you're looking for.

If you want nice stuff (beyond mild steel) you have to work harder and spend more, though.

[TwoTired]

As mentioned, your bike came stock with a 530 chain.  However, don't let anyone talk you into putting a 530 Oring chain on your bike.  It's too wide and can grind into your engine case.  If you must have an oring chain, use a 520 with corresponding front and rear sprockets, too.

Cheers,

[KCs76Cafe]

As mentioned, your bike came stock with a 530 chain.  However, don't let anyone talk you into putting a 530 Oring chain on your bike.  It's too wide and can grind into your engine case.  If you must have an oring chain, use a 520 with corresponding front and rear sprockets, too.

Cheers,

Ah Hah!   The Master prevails again!  I wasnt told that when I asked about chain sizes. Glad I havent ordered my chain/sprockets yet.Didnt know I could run a 520 by changing sprockets.

Thanks TwoTired 

[TwoTired]

KC
You're welcome for the info.  Just remember the info was for a CB550.   I don't think I'd want to run a 520 chain on a CB750, though.  I'd stick with a 530, oring or Xring, because of the power and weight difference.  The 750's have enough clearance for oring chains, even with 630s found on later models.

I would be interesting to compare the engineering data for the 530 chain from the seventies vs the 530 or 520 of today's manudacture.  Maybe the 520's are strong enough???

Cheers,

[cb650]

The 2nd digit refers to the with correct?    A 20 being narrower than the 30.   So a shorter pin will be stronger than a longer pin.  Given that the plates are equal you could Say a 520 is stronger than a 530.   I doubt it though




           Terry

[TwoTired]

A 520 IS narrower than a 530 where it engages the sprocket tooth.  Sprockets are narrower, too.  So, the load bearing surface is reduced on a per tooth basis.  Given the use of the same materials I would say the 530 is stronger than the 520.  But, if you made a 520 chain out of say, titanium, it would probably be stronger than a 530 chain made out of ordinary steel.  So, build materials matter.

I thought this link was interesting:
http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm

From some cursory net shopping, it appears you can get 530 chains that range in specs. from 7000 to 11000 psi tensile strength, and 520 chains that range from 5500 to 8500 psi tensile strength.
Here's one even higher:
520RXO: GP Quality Sportbike Chain Tensile strength: 8800 lbs

My guess is that Honda chose the 530 because about 7000 psi tensile strength was deemed as the minimum needed for street reliability.  However, if you switch to 520 and then choose a high quality chain $$$, you'll probably be fine as far as tensile strength.
However, the cheapest 520 chain will not be as strong as the cheapest 530 chain.  And, with the 520s narrow sprocket width, I would expect the sprockets to wear faster than the wider 530 sprockets.

Cheers,

[KCs76Cafe]

Ooooops.    Thanks for pointing that out.  I must have missed the 550 part.