Topic: Standard 530 HEAVY DUTY chain Vs. Standard 530 chain and my findings.

[eric11]

I figured I'd post my findings on a standard chain Vs a Heavy Duty chain considering I have searched all over the forums and only found the differences between standard, x-ring and O-ring. (Warning: I'm not saying all situations are the same, this is only what I've found to be accurate on my 1978 cb550)  I originally purchased the WPS 530 HEAVY DUTY (IN GOLD) from the local dealer, believing that it would work on my bike. When I got it home I did the test fit and noticed that it was really close to my case, too close for my comfort. And with all of the talk of chains eating through the case  and causing leaks it made me wonder.... ???So today I went back to the local shop and purchased a standard D.I.D 530 chain (to my understanding the factory chain). When I got home today I put the two side by side and there was a noticeable difference. (see pictures) I apologize for my measuring technique, but as you can see I didn't need a micrometer to show the differences. The Heavy Duty chain is at least a 1/16 of an inch larger. Now on my 1978 550 the heavy duty chain clears the case but just barely. It's close enough to where if I had any slack on deceleration I'd be close to rubbing the case. I'm not saying that the heavy duty won't work. But I have seen post of guys that are running heavy duty chains, some without any rub and others with holes in the case. So considering these machines don't put out enough power to need a heavy duty chain, I'm going to use the standard 530 D.I.D. To give me a little extra room and confidence.



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[Mr Freeze]

Interesting findings. I don't think you need a Heavy Duty chain on a street bike like the 550 or the 750 for that matter. Better quality 530 chain will have better tensile strength than some Heavy Duty types and have less weight. D.I.D. X ring has been a great buy for my bike and I think I have only adjusted it once since installing it a year and a half ago and that was when I put it on. I've logged a ton of miles with it and kept it lubed regularly. Nothing to worry about there.

[xtravbx]

Interesting findings. I don't think you need a Heavy Duty chain on a street bike like the 550 or the 750 for that matter. Better quality 530 chain will have better tensile strength than some Heavy Duty types and have less weight. D.I.D. X ring has been a great buy for my bike and I think I have only adjusted it once since installing it a year and a half ago and that was when I put it on. I've logged a ton of miles with it and kept it lubed regularly. Nothing to worry about there.

Check your engine case where the chain passes through. Supposedly x and I ring are also too large and can cause damage.

Thank you for this post.

I want to go to 520 badly but there is no kit.

[fmctm1sw]

Interesting findings. I don't think you need a Heavy Duty chain on a street bike like the 550 or the 750 for that matter. Better quality 530 chain will have better tensile strength than some Heavy Duty types and have less weight. D.I.D. X ring has been a great buy for my bike and I think I have only adjusted it once since installing it a year and a half ago and that was when I put it on. I've logged a ton of miles with it and kept it lubed regularly. Nothing to worry about there.

Check your engine case where the chain passes through. Supposedly x and I ring are also too large and can cause damage.

Many folks with old Honda twins found that out the hard way...  http://www.hondatwins.net/forums/59-tires-wheels-brakes/20366-do-not-use-oring-chain-cb450-2.html#post175952