Topic: Help Noob with chain questions please...

[rocco]

Hello,

I need some help, I'm approaching the end of my 1 year restore and I've arrived at the chain. I've read that people insist on changing the sprockets with the chain but the sprockets look in great shape, the issue is really the chain sat in the weather for 20+ years. I've been researching and I believe all I need is a non o-ring 530 chain with 100 links. Bike is a 78 CB550K. My questions are that once I get the chain, it comes not looped together I would imagine? Normally do you need to purchase a master link with it? Can I just re-use the one on the present chain? If I order the appropriate length and links, I shouldn't have to do any cutting of the chain, correct? Sorry, I've been reading about chain breakers and master links and cutting chains and I'm a little confused, I thought I could just order the chain and slap it on.

Thanks

[calj737]

Chains come with and without master links, but you need to install one. Either buy a new slip type or rivet type. You can cut your old chain off and thread the new one on. It needs to be "linked" else it would not feed over the swing arm, sprockets, etc without significant disassembly.

[flybox1]

Count your existing links, and buy a chain w the same links.
Oring chains are not advised for your bike.  they will cut into the case/seal, so buy a standard/HD chain like a DID, RK, EK...
Rivet link chains should be set with the appropriate tool.  Do you have a rivet tool?
Masterlink slip clip chains are easy to install, and need no tools.  Loop the chain around the sprockets, install the mastterlink, its side plate and the  slip clip.  done.
New sprockets are advised when installing a new chain.

[Stev-o]

Post pics of your sprockets so we can inspect.     Cutting a chain without special tools is pretty basic, I've used a grinder and a punch.   
Be sure to put the master link clip facing the correct direction. 

[flatlander]

100 links is indeed standard, i.e. with standard sprocket sizes (or close to it). of course, the gearing on your bike may be different. if you want to keep it the same, count teeth and chain links.

sprockets and chain wear together. as you are this far into a restore i would just get a set of sprockets and a new chain. then you know what you have and be done with it.

in any case, get a standard chain (non-o-ring, non-x-ring, non-whatever-ring). there are sites and shops that don't know any better and sell you o-ring chains for the 550 that will eat into your cases. so just be safe, stay away from the "ring" chains.

[Deltarider]

New sprockets are advised when installing a new chain.

Not by my Honda dealer back then who owned a CB500 himself. For the last 100.000 kms I've done what he did and changed the sprockets every two chains. Best to use your common sense and judgement.

[strynboen]

if the tooth is perfekt fine..have same profile at both sides.(.not looks as a saw)..you can use the old sprockets..and use a theep thain..and use the sprockets rest living time ...and NeXT time thange all to a kvality set up

[Chachi]

I like the every other chain / sprocket change thing. I was thinking about doing the same thing when it's time (still on my first 'new' chain). But I did put on a new set of sprockets with this first chain. I don't think that's a bad way to start if you are the first one getting the bike on the road again after it's been sitting 15+ years. But it all depends on what it looks like I guess. And others will recommend new sprockets with every chain. A set of new sprockets are not that expensive. You'll know for sure what you're starting with, etc. I used JT sprockets, but you can search here for what others have used. I also used DID standard chain, but I think Hondaman and some others recommend the Diamond Power Sports chain.

[rocco]

Okay, I didn't mean for this to turn into a debate on whether or not to change sprockets and chains at the same time haha.
Here are pictures of the sprockets. I see nothing wrong with them. I know I'm cheaping out a bit by just going for a chain, but I now need to find two right hand side mufflers for a 4 into 4 which is going to cost me. So unless someone tells me I could die using these sprockets, I think they're safe to use? I have no issue changing them and the chain at a later date, but for now I want to get her on the road and see if everything runs well and I need to pass a road inspection and etc.

Counted my set-up:
17 teeth front - 37 teeth rear, which is stock.
98 chain links (I counted 4 times). Am I safe to go up to 100? Maybe PO cut his chain a bit short by accident?

As for chains, I can order a standard, non o-ring chain, with 100 links, so I won't have to cut it? And a clip master link, which would require no special tools according to flatlander. Install sounds pretty easy, I rebuilt the engine so this should be a snap haha. I won't have to grind off the old chain, it's off from when I did the tear down and frame paint. I should be good to go from there?

[Stev-o]

You wont die!   

[calj737]

Looking at the pictures closely, I have but a single question regarding your choice to use those sprockets, "What! Are you effing kidding?" You might actually die when your chain shears those rotted teeth, slings forward and cracks your lower cases, jams up in the drive sprocket, and throws your budget-busted butt down the asphalt for a good old fashioned Life Lesson.

Seriously, if your budget is truly so tight you need to consider reusing those, PM me your address. I have new factory correct sprockets I will gladly send to you as a Community gift. I would absolutely never, consider putting those on a bike and riding them. Send the PM please. Else I will hunt you down, and install the sprockets on your bike myself.

[jonda500]

I have got used sprockets/2nd new chain on all three of my bikes, but I have sprockets that actually really are in great shape- they, when cleaned, are hard to pick any difference from a new one. That front one in the picture is not too good, I would replace it or your new chain will wear out prematurely!
John
ps I use an angle grinder to shorten the new chain - just grind down the rivets flush with the plate and lever it off.

[rocco]

Alright, I mean, I didn't clean the front one off, I didn't think rotting was a real thing on a sprocket, it's covered in crap but I figured it would be fine once de-greased haha. My budget is not so tight as to put life in jeopardy haha

[WV_750]

I recently replaced the chain on my 750 with a Tsubaki 530 HSL. Search for it on Amazon, it was like $33 and came with a master link. It's pre-streched, shot peened and nickel plated. I haven't ridden on it much, but no chain readjustments needed so far. Others more knowledgeable than me will advise on the sprockets. I didn't replace mine, but the tips of the teeth were more squared off than yours and showed a lot less wear.

[754]

 I did not think they looked terrible, and would run them.
I did over 700 miles in a day on a very badly worn chain, I replaced it the next day.. I thought it may hurt the sprockets but they seemed fine.
 I cant really see a lot of wear on those, but here is the simple test. Take a new chain, or piece of one.. fit it over a few teeth.. now try to rock it back and forth  radially..like on the teeth. If you get a lot of back and forth its got wear...

[flatlander]

they do have some wear. not terrible but it's there and not worth ruining your new chain with them. sprockets are cheap, why are you thinking about this still??

[Airborne 82nd]

Alright, I mean, I didn't clean the front one off, I didn't think rotting was a real thing on a sprocket, it's covered in crap but I figured it would be fine once de-greased haha. My budget is not so tight as to put life in jeopardy haha

That is a understatement just how long would that have taken? Just go get new parts hahahahahaha

[rocco]

I will be getting new parts, no one will die due to sprocket or sprocket related failures. Thank you all for your input!

[seanbarney41]

Those sprockets are fine...your chain will wear out a couple thousand miles sooner than if you bought new sprockets.

[przjohn]

Buy a Farkin tool, will ya! This is not so much just aimed at you but anyone who needs to buy a certain chain length and has issues. YOU OWN A VINTAGE BIKE, GET IT? A chain tool is a must have for anyone who works on vintage bikes, or any damn bike, as far as I am concerned. You either buy the correct tools or pay someone to do it for you, GET IT? Don't come #$%*in about how much "The Stealers" cost. Anyone on this site who has put in the years, knows the worth of the proper tools. Many of us have tools we have only used once, but we know their value.

[calj737]

Calm down everyone, he's already sourced new sprockets and had a night to sleep on it. Maybe they're good, maybe not. He's opted to replace so he's good.

[Don R]

 We're only this way because we care.

[evanphi]

When I look at that sprocket I see some asymmetry on the sides of the teeth. I would replace, too.

[calj737]

We're only this way because we care.

Me too. But when the OP says "Uncle" I let him up for air