Topic: CB550 sproket part numbers

[singedebile]

My chain/sprocket is finely to the point where I really should not ride it anymore so I am ready to buy a new full set and start fresh (first set I will have bought for my bike). The difference between the tight and slack is just too great to get the tension right despite the sprockets not looking too worn.

I've heard good things about the RK M530 chain's so I was going to get one (100 links for stock sprockets it believe), and to go with it I have heard good things about JT sprockets. Does anyone have the part numbers handy for the stock sized sprockets for the 550? Or if you recommend another brand I would be happy to try it, I want something well made but doesnt need to be flashy.

Dennis kirk but through the "machine finder" search the only JT sprocket that comes up is the front, though I feel it likely they have the correct rear... but maybe not.

(sorry I did several search's but I had trouble finding the info)

[Gordon]

JT sprockets are what I've always gotten when replacing worn ones, and I've never had a reason to try another brand.  Z1 Enterprises has front and rear.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=CB550-1976-MP0

Stock size is 17/37 for the 550. 

The least expensive, quality chain I've found is here:

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

[singedebile]

Is Emgo a rebadge of JT?

[FunJimmy]

Would be the perfect time to convert to a 520 setup if available.
That way you could use an O-Ring chain.

Don't use an O-Ring chain with stock 530 sprockets on a CB550 or case damage will result!

[singedebile]

Would be the perfect time to convert to a 520 setup if available.
That way you could use an O-Ring chain.

Don't use an O-Ring chain with stock 530 sprockets on a CB550 or case damage will result!

whats the point in converting to a 520? and what would that entail outside the obvious?

[FunJimmy]

whats the point in converting to a 520? and what would that entail outside the obvious?

I'll type slowly this time. 

O-ring chains are wider than non-O-ring chains, and a 520 chain is narrower than a 530 chain. Therefore a 520 O-Ring chain will fit without damaging the cases while a 530 O-Ring chain will not. That is providing you wish to use an O-ring chain in the first place, and if you don’t, than disregard this information. 

[singedebile]

meh, ill stick with the 530.. no need to switch and I have heard plenty of conflicting perspectives on how good 0-Ring chains really are.

I am still curious though, so those Emgo sprockets on Z1 are rebadged JT sprockets?

[Gordon]

I am still curious though, so those Emgo sprockets on Z1 are rebadged JT sprockets?

Good question.  Didn't even notice that when I looked it up this time.  I know the sprockets I have are stamped with the JT logo.  From the wording "Emgo marketed" it seems like these are sprockets made by JT and sold by Emgo under their own name and part number.  Maybe bought in large quantities and sold to suppliers for less.  But then I could be wrong.   

[singedebile]

well i gave in and ordered from amazon, seemed to have ok prices got the JT sprockets and the RK KS chain, not cheap (especially the "heavy duty" chain), but came to about $100 bucks shipped so the same price as one of the un-branded 0-ring kits of ebay.

[FunJimmy]

I have heard plenty of conflicting perspectives on how good 0-Ring chains really are.

Ya, I hear you.
I'm still not convinced that fuel injection and radial tires will catch on either. 

[singedebile]

I have heard plenty of conflicting perspectives on how good 0-Ring chains really are.

Ya, I hear you.
I'm still not convinced that fuel injection and radial tires will catch on either. 

haha! don't worry, I am happy to use the latest technology but I have also seen (in areas I am more confident in) where the "improvements" have been more about ensuring future employment and not actually improving the product... so I pick and choose, living in the future and having access to the past gives us that luxury hehe

[Gordon]

well i gave in and ordered from amazon, seemed to have ok prices got the JT sprockets and the RK KS chain, not cheap (especially the "heavy duty" chain), but came to about $100 bucks shipped so the same price as one of the un-branded 0-ring kits of ebay.

I'd say you did pretty decent for both sprockets and a chain for 100 bucks shipped from the same source.  You could get the same for less from separate places, but then there's always a premium for convenience, and I'm no stranger to paying extra for that. 

I have heard plenty of conflicting perspectives on how good 0-Ring chains really are.

Ya, I hear you.
I'm still not convinced that fuel injection and radial tires will catch on either. 

There's a lot to be said for marketing savvy.  If you can convince people that it's a good idea to spend at least three times as much money for a product that won't even last twice as long as its predecessor, then there's money to be made.