Topic: 16tooth front sprocket problems..?

[dergs713]

Hey guys just picked up a brand new 16tooth sprocket from a site online to put on my 75 cb550. I went to install it to swap out the original 17 tooth, and the sprocket is a totally different thickness... Called the shop up and they said it would be fine due to the retaining clip holds it secure and in place, and that 16 tooth sprockets are like that...

 I can see their reasoning, but I put it on an tightened it up, and I and getting movement from side to side.. Dosnt seem right to me.  They said the chain would hold it in place... Any people have this prob before???  I dont wanna listen to some random person,  then have my chain run into my case...!

Matt

[dergs713]

Here a pick side by side

[dergs713]

another

[Retro Rocket]

I am not a big fan of 16 tooth sprockets, the tighter curve puts more stress on the chain, 17 is as low as i would go. If you want to reduce your gearing then look for a bigger rear sprocket...

[754]

 You can put a machine shim on oone side, its like a big washer. Those thinner sprockets, keep an eye on the splines.. I tore the centre out of one, and welded it to the shaft.. Had to pull engine to spit the cases. The stock 16tooth on KO models has the thicker centre.

 The centers wont tear out easily takes a lot of abuse, and I wouldnt run a 16, on a bike that is run hard, its hard on the chains..

[somesuch]

ran 15T on my GSXR1000 for thousands of miles with not much worse wear than the stock 17T .... good chain is all you need, I think

[MCRider]

754: its a 550, won't be tearing the center out of anything. 

somesuch: does the GSXR1000 run a 630 chain? sprockets are much bigger than 530.

OP: all countershaft sprockets have some play on the splines. So that's OK. But without that shoulder the new one will run slightly to the side of the chain. Maybe even bend the chain a tiny bit. Probably not a problem, but  I like the shim idea.

[754]

 How many hundred  laying rubber episodes, burnouts, or dragstrip passes did that involve??

 I can get hundreds on a Tsubaki 530 QR with an 18 tooth front, and still get good chain life.. but I lube it a lot..

 Sane use, a 16 is probably fine.. but Honda went away from it.. probably for a reason..

[754]

 What if the 550 had Nitrous ?? and got used twice a year ??

[MCRider]

What if the 550 had Nitrous ?? and got used twice a year ??

Well, then...   

[somesuch]

...
somesuch: does the GSXR1000 run a 630 chain? sprockets are much bigger than 530.
...

GSXR1000 uses 530 chain stock, some people convert to 520

[MCRider]

...
somesuch: does the GSXR1000 run a 630 chain? sprockets are much bigger than 530.
...

GSXR1000 uses 530 chain stock, some people convert to 520

Oh, interesting. Never mind. 

[754]

 I just ground down a set of sprocket to 520 for a BSA.. lots of griding and turning, once they are hardened. Will probably try doing a satock cb750 front sprocket soon.