Topic: Tsubaki cam chain

[emlupi]

Good afternoon folks,
I’m in search of aTsubaki BF05M 94 link cam chain but I’m coming up empty anywhere I look. Anyone have a source where I can find one? If not, what would you recommend as a replacement cam chain for use in a performance engine? I actually want it for a CB350 twin but I understand that these models use the same cam chain. Appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks.

[bryanj]

Most fours use did, why the specific make?

[emlupi]

I’m intending to use a slipper type tensioner in my engine and the Tsubaki was recommended because the flat sided link plates slide easier and create less friction and wear than the figure eight shape of the OEM type chains. I’m having a heck of a time trying to locate one. Maybe I will post in the racing forum and see what they are using.

[PeWe]

D.I.D like this does not cost that much if finding right seller.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/15024419966

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375261066228?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=8HkT0nVPRPS&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XgCEg0CPSya&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Yamiya sell a similar or same as Yoshimura type.

[Oddjob]

I have about 15 of the 94 link DID 219FTH chains, I cut them down to 88 links to fit the 500/550 and down to 82 links to suit the 350/400 fours.

It’s the postage that will kill it though, £33 for the chain and whatever the postage is if you need one.

[Deltarider]

Still I wonder whether those Tsubaki chains are still around. I've seen them once in a pic and to me it looked like the better design.

[Oddjob]

Same design as the 219FTH from what I can see, flat links instead of figure 8. Normally stronger as a result. A lot of 350/400/500/550 owners are now fitting them in preference to the normal 219H chains, I've sold loads of them, hardest part is cutting and rejoining the chain to the same standard as the factory, I had to buy a factory tool to do that at great expense, they are quieter in operation as well and reduce wear on the camchain tensioner. Tsubaki are still around.

[PeWe]

DID 219 FTH has thicker side plates than Tsubaki.
Tsubaki 1mm vs DID ca:1.1mm not less (+10%)

*** EDIT Sept 15:  ****
Tsubaki in: 1.3, outer 1.05mm
DID FTH in: 1.25, outer 1.25mm
**********************

Photo
Tsubaki vs DID 219FTH

[Oddjob]

So the DID is stronger, that's a plus UNLESS there is a clearance issue but 0.1mm isn't a huge difference when it comes to clearance.

[RAFster122s]

Depends upon the metal alloy used and it’s hardness if the thicker DID plates are stronger…

[Oddjob]

The DID 219FTH is specced at 2.15Kn, if Tsubaki released the same type of figures we'd know for certain. The DID 219H/T (original equipment) is specced at 1.27Kn so the FTH is a MUCH stronger chain in comparison.

[Tracksnblades1]

DID 219 FTH has thicker side plates than Tsubaki.
Tsubaki 1mm vs DID ca:1.1mm not less (+10%)
Photo
Tsubaki vs DID 219FTH

Per,

The inner plates of the Tsubaki look thicker than the DiD…?
The left one the darker colored chain…?

[PeWe]

DID 219 FTH has thicker side plates than Tsubaki.
Tsubaki 1mm vs DID ca:1.1mm not less (+10%)
Photo
Tsubaki vs DID 219FTH

Per,

The inner plates of the Tsubaki look thicker than the DiD…?
The left one the darker colored chain…?

I had to measure again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

This time verified with 2 Mitutoyo calipers from the 80's (first half).
I also used better glasses and a magnifying glass.

Measured several times on different plates. It is only the tip of the caliper that has to grip the plate. Not too far out on the plate.

Tsubaki:
Outer: 1.05mm
Inner:  1.3mm
Width over pins: 11.5mm

DID FTH closed chain (There is open with clip too.)
Outer: 1.25mm
Inner:  1.25mm
Width over pins: 12.3mm

Tsubaki to the left as before