1982 GS450TX Chain Selection

[ruler7171]

I was searching around on ebay for a new chain and saw several variations listed for my bike. They all are 530 pitch, but had several link differences. They had 116, 104, 102....

Any idea of what I need for my bike? I thought it was 104 link, but then ended up confused with all of the choices.

Any chains better or worse than the rest?

 

[cowboyup3371]

In my opinion go with the stock sizing in an x-ring chain

 

[Nessism]

JT Sprockets suggests 102 links, but you'd be smart to count for your self before ordering ...http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/model/5705

If you search ebay you can find some pretty good deals on chains. A couple to target is the RK 530ZSOZ1 and the EK 530SRX. Both are excellent value oriented chains. I recently picked up an RK for one of my bikes for $51 shipped.

 

[Thumper88]

JT Sprockets suggests 104 links: http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/model/5708

The 102 links is for a 450L (smaller rear sprocket).

It would be good to count, make sure previous owner didn't switch gears.

RK is good.

 

[bwringer]

Personally, if the chain situation is that confused, I'd buy a 120 link chain and cut it to fit when I have the sprockets and the bike in front of me.

Any decent o-ring or x-ring chain will be fine. Don't cheap out and get roller chain -- it'll wear out astonishingly fast.

However, you'd be fine buying "house" brand or generic o-ring or x-ring chain if you'd like to save a few bucks (such as Parts Unlimited chain from Dennis Kirk). Modern 530 chain is enormously strong, and your wee 450 will be absolutely no strain even if you get cheaper chain.