Why not 630 chain?

[Remington44-77]

When I restored my bike last year I had a hard time finding 630 chain and sprockets. Every body wants to sell some blankey blank conversion set.
What is the great draw to convert to smaller chain? I bought several rear sprockets to find out that they were too thin even though the seller claimed they were 630. 630 chain means the link is 6 X 1/8" (3/4" pin to pin) by 3 x 1/8" wide( 3/8" wide).

[Baatfam]

When I restored my bike last year I had a hard time finding 630 chain and sprockets. Every body wants to sell some blankey blank conversion set.
What is the great draw to convert to smaller chain? I bought several rear sprockets to find out that they were too thin even though the seller claimed they were 630. 630 chain means the link is 6 X 1/8" (3/4" pin to pin) by 3 x 1/8" wide( 3/8" wide).

First, like you said, the 630 is harder to find. Lots more choices in a 530.
Plus, the 530 set up is lighter and general less costly.

I haven't heard anyone say the wish that hadn't converted.

[Steve]

Another advantage is that the current 530 chains have as much, or more, strength than the original 630 chains.

Add in the fact that they are cheaper and lighter, you have a "win-win" situation.

.

[bluewool]

Because they are giant!! heavy and unecessary. However I did put one on my 1150 but I wouldn't do it again.

[blowerbike]

unless you purchase a high quality/expensive 530 chain and your running a big tork higher HP GS...your asking for trouble.
a 50 dollar 530 chain won't cut it.
unless you have what is posted above and have tried it... all your doing is quoting what you have read.
i see people going to a 520 and they are just asking for trouble if they make any power at all.

[bonanzadave]

Because the 530 conversion will make your 30 year old bike perform like a new G-SXR .

[Big T]

Try PBI sprockets - they still make 630 for front and rear

[derwood]

630 lasts longer

[tkent02]

Except they actually don't last any longer.

[sedelen]

I run a RK 630GSV XW ring on my GS1100E. It's rated for bikes up to 1400cc. I also have one for my GS1000 when the time comes to replace it. There may be some 630GSV chains still available for $68 here. This is the best 630 chain that I know of.
Scroll down to the chain section and you'll see them.

http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/blemished_dirt_atv.html

As far as the 530 conversion, there are two advantages, lighter weight and I believe they're smoother, as far as strength goes, I guess there strong enough, hard to believe they're stonger than a 630 though, but they do put them on the Hyabusa don't they?

[rapidray]

The Pro Stock bikes all run 530 chain now & they make over 350 HP. There IS 530 that is strong enough, you just have to find it. Ray.

[trevor]

Because they are Perrtee I'm very happy with my 530, glad I did it, it's lighter, maybe stronger and more available. And you can have fun with some colour too...

[sedelen]

Because they are Perrtee I'm very happy with my 530, glad I did it, it's lighter, maybe stronger and more available. And you can have fun with some colour too...

OK guys, check this out! Have you ever seen a cleaner sprocket, chain, rear wheel and tire on a bike that was regularly ridden? I'm seeing it and I'm not believing it. Trevor, I don't know but that center stand does appear to have a coat of dirt on it and the spring for it isn't silver.

[blowerbike]

The Pro Stock bikes all run 530 chain now & they make over 350 HP. There IS 530 that is strong enough, you just have to find it. Ray.

ray i think you know my point..you do know what site your on..right?? lol
cheeeep cheeeep cheeeep...hahaha
150 bucks won't get chain and sprockets in 530 size that will hold up to much tork/HP power shifts/burn outs and so on.
going to a 530 size has been a common way of loosing rotating mass for many years but...you have to buy good stuff unless your a driving miss daisy type with a 750cc.

[trevor]

OK guys, check this out! Have you ever seen a cleaner sprocket, chain, rear wheel and tire on a bike that was regularly ridden? I'm seeing it and I'm not believing it. Trevor, I don't know but that center stand does appear to have a coat of dirt on it and the spring for it isn't silver.

LOL, very funny. Now I have to go out and clean that spring! Just so you know that pic was taken right after I put it on, so of course it was clean. Here is a pic of what it looks like now, 10000km (6300mi) and 5 months later. Much worse.