Topic: Opinions on Cam Chains

[SKTP]

I'm about to order all my stuff and get this bike together.

There seems to be drastic price variances when it comes to Cam Chains

http://cbrzone.com/sohc.html – #BFO5Mx94 - CB750 all models thru '78 - $30.22

OEM (Bikebandit) – CHAIN, CAM (94L)    577440          $86.81

I recall seeing http://www.classiccyclecity.com/gallery/index.php having a crazy expensive one also...

With my budget I am leaning towards APE's 30 dollar one...

What are your thoughts on Cam chains?

Also, I am replacing my Cam chain tensioner with a new stock one...I'm thinking of leaving the primary chains and primary chain tensioner (after a through inspection) will I regret not replacing both when I have the chance?

[wrenchmuch]

The stock Honda chain is lighter in construction than the one APE sells . I would buy from APE . How many miles on the engine ? I would replace primary chains while I'm in there but if the miles are low they might be OK . I would definitely replace all rubber parts inside the engine . They get hard over time and fragments break off .

[nippon]

Hi Chris,

if you  keep in mind the shape of the Tsubaki chain links and the shape of the cam chain guide, you cannot go wrong with the Tsuabki chain.
Take it, it works perfectly.

nippon

[SKTP]

Tsubaki chain links and the shape of the cam chain guide, you cannot go wrong with the Tsuabki chain.
Take it, it works perfectly.

nippon

Where is the link to this chain?

[wrenchmuch]

Tsubaki is the chain APE sells . Cyclex sells them too .

[Deltarider]

if you  keep in mind the shape of the Tsubaki chain links and the shape of the cam chain guide, you cannot go wrong with the Tsuabki chain.

Could you explain a bit more?

[Bodi]

The OEM chain has plates shaped like a drive chain's, an hourglass shape sorta. The Tsubaki HD chain has lozenge shaped plates. I suppose the flat slides on the Tsubaki could be better or worse... more surface contacting the slides = more friction or = less wear because of lower peak contact pressure.
Also, the Tsubaki chain is stronger and will stretch less - this is good. It is also heavier, that is not good but weight in the cam chain isn't a huge deal.
On balance I think the Tsubaki HD chain is the best choice.

[Hinomaru]

If you’re building a high RPM performance engine with an aftermarket cam and higher valve spring pressures, then a heavy duty chain like the Tsubaki is a must-have to prevent chain failure. Otherwise the stock Honda chain will perform just fine.

Photos are not mine, but you get the idea from this broken 750 chain:

[Rgconner]

You will notice the APE studbolts are about the same price as OEM ones as well, but far superior.

Sometimes you get a better product for less money... enjoy it!

[MCRider]

The OEM chain has plates shaped like a drive chain's, an hourglass shape sorta. The Tsubaki HD chain has lozenge shaped plates. I suppose the flat slides on the Tsubaki could be better or worse... more surface contacting the slides = more friction or = less wear because of lower peak contact pressure.
Also, the Tsubaki chain is stronger and will stretch less - this is good. It is also heavier, that is not good but weight in the cam chain isn't a huge deal.
On balance I think the Tsubaki HD chain is the best choice.

I can't remember who said it, KOS, or APE, or DYNOMAN, etc. But it was said that the stock hourglass shape acts like a chainsaw chain on the tensioners, wheras the oval sideplates slide smoothly without digging in.

I have no proof, just something I heard/read.

[KRONUS0100]

i got my tsubaki chain from Z1 Enterprises for less than the 80 bucks elsewhere.

[MCRider]

i got my tsubaki chain from Z1 Enterprises for less than the 80 bucks elsewhere.

APE (Forum sponsor) has them at $31.  Both are good places to buy from.