Topic: Diamond XDL 530 on a CB550 ??

[Eddie]

Anybody use one ?   will it fit?

[grcamna2]

I'm not yet familiar enough w/ Diamond chain to know what your intended chains specs work out to,but I plan on replacing my O.E. chain with a nice Quality diamond 530 standard chain soon; do you have a picture ?

[gane]

Just a thought , I'm not familiar with cb500/550's, BUT...I seem to recall reading many posts where 530 xdl & 530 oring chains were wide enough to make contact w/engine cases at the c/s sprocket area. luck g

[lone*X]

A little research on the Diamond web site goes a long way in answering your question and for explaining to non-believers why o-ring chains are a no-no on a 550.  The 2nd page of the link below provides Diamonds description of their Motorsport chains as well as all the dimensions.  Note that dimension "C" is the outside width of the widest part, the master link, and is what you need to watch for.

Multi Service (530MS) is Diamonds nomenclature for standard chain.  Duralube is the designation (530DL) for your XDL chain.  Both the 530MS and 530DL are .89 inches in width at point "C".  This would indicate that there is no issue running this chain.  Only one dimension is different, that being a thicker link plate on the DL.  This would not affect fit and probably doesn't mean anything special as the tensile strength for both the MS and DL chains is 6600lbs.  Is it worth the premium price for the lube impregnated chain?  Only you can decide that.  I doubt it would do away with the need to clean and lube on a regular basis.  You would still need to remove road grime.

Notice the width of "C" for the XLO (o-ring) chains is considerably wider (1.02 in) which is the reason that when used with stock sprockets they eat the case and seal up. 

http://www.diamondchain.com/files/DC_cycle_chain.pdf

[Eddie]

I did look at the Diamond web site and was unsure if the DL was indeed the XDL version. I measure the chain that came on the bike and it was .860 but also saw a slight wear mark by the case plug....hmmm.

[lone*X]

The XDL is considerably more costly than the standard chain.  If you are in doubt then make it easy on yourself and go with the standard chain plus new sprockets.  Probably about the same as just the DL chain.  With regular and proper cleaning, adjustment, and lubricating the standard chain will last quite a few thousand miles.  I've used quite a few of them over the years.

[lone*X]

"it was .860 but also saw a slight wear mark by the case plug" 

Slight wear is probably visible on everyone of these old bikes and is nothing to worry about.  I doubt the standard chain was making full contact.  The chain does drag a lot of crap through the case and even just grease with road grit in it can scour the rubber seal.  You only need be concerned if it is gouging the case and seal.

[Eddie]

heres a pic of the sprockets, the only reason I'm replacing the chain is I extended the swing arm and nee a longer chain. I could be wrong but the sprockets look great.

[HondaMan]

heres a pic of the sprockets, the only reason I'm replacing the chain is I extended the swing arm and nee a longer chain. I could be wrong but the sprockets look great.

Look at the sprockets from the side, not the edge. If the teeth show deeper wear at the points where the rollers pull against the curve in the middle of the tooth, it begins to look slightly "hooked", with the teeth pointing forward-ish. You can flip the sprocket(s) for another round, though.

[Eddie]

heres more pics