Author Topic: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket  (Read 5960 times)

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Offline chadbenson

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Re: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket
« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2011, 05:42:31 AM »
If you do much freeway driving, you do NOT want a 16 tooth front sprocket on the 550.  I certainly didn't like it.  But, it did help with the stop light grand prix in the city.  ;D

The 16T only helps in first gear, IMO.  Otherwise, if you need better pick up, drop a gear to get it.

Cheers,

+1 to that! I live in the north metro georgia area which is VERY hilly at times but alot of straight ahead hwy as well. My bike is huffing some rpms to keep 65 so I went with the 34 in the rear to get some better top end. Yes you'll lose some take-off but you also won't be searching for 6th gear once you hit the hwy.

Offline Gordon

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Re: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2011, 07:32:14 AM »
If you do much freeway driving, you do NOT want a 16 tooth front sprocket on the 550.  I certainly didn't like it.  But, it did help with the stop light grand prix in the city.  ;D

The 16T only helps in first gear, IMO.  Otherwise, if you need better pick up, drop a gear to get it.

Cheers,

+1 to that! I live in the north metro georgia area which is VERY hilly at times but alot of straight ahead hwy as well. My bike is huffing some rpms to keep 65 so I went with the 34 in the rear to get some better top end. Yes you'll lose some take-off but you also won't be searching for 6th gear once you hit the hwy.


It's all a matter of personal opinion and feel.  For me, if I were doing mostly highway riding on my 550 I would probably stick with stock gearing.  As it is now, though, I do about half highway/city, and I find the 16/37 to be a good compromise for both.  I'm willing to increase the 5th gear rpm a little to achieve better acceleration in 1st gear.  Others may not be.  Going the other direction in gearing will decrease the 5th gear rpm, but it won't increase the bike's top speed.   

Offline campbmic

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Re: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket
« Reply #27 on: March 26, 2011, 12:38:22 PM »
Alright guys Im in need of a new chain super bad! Im wanting to go with this chain from Montec Direct

http://montecdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MD&Category_Code=530SR

Does anyone know approximately around what tensile strength I need for my chain? Also do I need to buy an "extra masterlink" from their site?

Does anyone think this is not a good idea?

Thanks!
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Offline rangelov

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Re: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket
« Reply #28 on: March 26, 2011, 01:06:34 PM »
I am going to add a kink to this thread.  Why don't You convert to a 520 chain?  It is a narrower chain.  It is lighter and more than adequate for your bike.  Search the forum for more info.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=76835
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Offline campbmic

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Re: 1975 CB550k1 Chain and Sprocket
« Reply #29 on: March 27, 2011, 12:02:16 PM »
From what Ive hard I need to modify the bike to hold 520 sprockets. I think I would only save a few ounces of weight maybe a pound at the most with a 520 chain. I have a lot of carb work and other work to do before I start thinking about saving that type of wait haha!
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