GSX400E chain and sprockets question.

[Guest]

I'm almost done getting this bike road worthy again and all that is left is the chain and sprockets, but I need some advice.

The original shop manual states that the bike uses a DAIDO DID50UB chain. The only thing I can gather from this number is that the chain was manufactured by D.I.D.. Google tells me nothing else. I am assuming this is an old style non-sealed chain. Can the GSX400E take a new fangled sealed chain? Are there clearance issues with the thicker sealed chains?

The PO has a non-sealed chain installed with some strange sprockets installed. The rear sprocket is supposed to be a 45 tooth sprocket by the book, and a 44 tooth sprocket by the CMS catalog, but the PO has a 42 tooth installed. Any idea why? My google learning has told me that the fewer teeth on the rear make a sprocket smaller, changing the gear ratio to favor speed over torque.

[Nessism]

Pretty sure you bike takes a 530 chain. Get the best you can afford and get new sprockets since they wear together as a set. When in doubt get the stock gear ratio sprockets unless you have a reason to change.

[Steve]

Yes, a lower tooth count will lower the engine speed for a given road speed, but it won't necessarily give you a higher top speed.

The smaller engines really need to wind out to make power, and a smaller sprocket might actually yield a higher top speed in fifth gear than it will in sixth.

.

[John Park]

Suzuki went back and forth between a 42 and a 45 in those years. Ls usually had a 45 because of aerodynamics, and the E and ES models had a 42 for the same reason.

I prefer the 42 but I don't feel obliged to think of sixth as top gear; there are two top gears on these bikes. One for downhills and tailwinds and the other for uphills and headwinds.

If you're running a windshield, luggage, two up, etc get the 45.

#50 chain is 530. If you're buying a pre cut length, make sure you count the links of the old one carefully. Usually it ends up at 106 or 108 but if in doubt buy longer. I just buy a 120 and cut it.

Enuma [EK] X ring chain is my choice because it comes with a link which is its own press tool. Brilliant idea. It seems to last as long as any other.