530 vs 630

[jeff.saunders]

Other than for authenticity, there's not much of a reason to stay with the 630 chain these days.

As others have mentioned, 530 chain is very, very good these days. The wear, the tensile strength - all plenty good enough for 'busas and other high-powered bikes.

Nearly every bike shop will carry 530 chain, but most bike shops don't routinely carry 630 chain.

We do carry 630 chain - but typically will recommend converting to 530 where possible (there's a couple of Kawasaki models where the 530 conversion sprockets are not available).

With 530, there's many more color choices - everything from pink to neon green and more.

[81ZUKI75]

Yup, when I compared my old 630 to the new 530 set up, the weight difference was huge. Being that a new 630 chain just by itself was going to cost more then the complete 530 setup. Once I had installed the 530 set up the alignment was spot on and could feel the difference in throttle response as well. .....

Ditto...

PLUS: I converted my '81 750 last year from a 630 and a NYLON rear sprocket that I had installed in the early 80's. The new 530 on steel sprockets was QUIETER . Now I'm hearing noises I never new the bike was making before .

[smoothbored]

Thanks, Tkent & Gatekeeper & Jeff @ Z-1 . This site has been a wealth of knowledge.

[exdirtbiker]

Why does anyone prefer a 630? ...

When someone walks up to your bike and says:
"Holy crap, look at the size of that chain !"

But, yeah, I put a 530 on the L ...

[mrbill5491]

Really? Now you're talking my language! Now I'll consider it.

Are there any numbers (1/4 mile, top speed) that quantify the difference?

What's the weight advantage of a 530 set up over a 630 on an 1100EZ?

Seat of of my pants quantify my statement, less rotational mass and unsprung weight.

[jeff.saunders]

Weight savings equates to about 1lb of rotational mass on a GS1000 chain. Less driven weight, so a very small performance gain.

[earlfor]

I don't think they even make x ring 630s.

I had "O" ring #630 on my 1150 for a couple of years. You may be right about X ring #630 not being made though. I don't remember ever seeing any.

[jeff.saunders]

I had "O" ring #630 on my 1150 for a couple of years. You may be right about X ring #630 not being made though. I don't remember ever seeing any.

They do make it - we sell it... RK 630 XW-Ring Chain. Just not many places stock it.
RK XW-Ring Chain
We are one of the few places that carry it.

[AX2007]

I just got my 530 conversion "kit" from z1 yesterday. I've been reading up on how to replace everything, but I'm not sure how to figure out the proper length for the chain. Also, how does the chain clip work, there is some wire included, I'm not sure why.

I know the spacer goes on the outside of the small sprocket, but I think i read somewhere I should keep the bike in 1st so the shift linkage doesn't fall out. Is this true?

Any tips, tricks, or detailed instructions will be greatly appreciated.

[mrbill5491]

I just got my 530 conversion "kit" from z1 yesterday. I've been reading up on how to replace everything, but I'm not sure how to figure out the proper length for the chain. Also, how does the chain clip work, there is some wire included, I'm not sure why.

I know the spacer goes on the outside of the small sprocket, but I think i read somewhere I should keep the bike in 1st so the shift linkage doesn't fall out. Is this true?

Any tips, tricks, or detailed instructions will be greatly appreciated.

Get your sprockets installed and snugged down, don't fully tighten them just yet. Push your rear wheel as far forward as you can on the swing arm and snug it down a little. Take your chain and wrap it over the sprockets. At the rear sprocket pull it where the rivets on the plates line up. You don't want the chain tight at this point, so move it back a link or two and see where your slack is at any point. Once you figure the slack you need to tighten correctly, take a chain breaker or grind off the rivet heads to remove the excess link(s). My chain was 118 links and I believe I removed 2 links, don't remember now.

Don't know about keeping the bike in gear so the shift linkage won't come out. Though I would place in gear once I got my chain ready to size it.

As far as the clip master link is concerned, you'll need a little tool to compress the outside side plate and orings onto the link so the clip fits on correctly. Don't use a pair of vise grips, it won't compress it far enough. Once you get the clip seating into the link grooves (make sure you got the clip facing the right direction of travel, dab a bit of silicone over the clip to help secure even more. Tighten up your sprockets according to the specs and adjust away on the chain to your manual specs.

Once you have everything buttoned down and tightened, rotate your rear wheel by hand and check your sprocket and chain alignment. Mine was spot on.

[Notz]

They do make it - we sell it... RK 630 XW-Ring Chain. Just not many places stock it.
RK XW-Ring Chain
We are one of the few places that carry it.

I bought one last year for <$80 delivered.

Someone posted a link here in the forum.

I hope everyone continues to do the 530 conversion, so the next time I need an "outdated" 630 chain it'll be even cheaper! HA!

[Rob S.]

I bought one last year for <$80 delivered.

I hope everyone continues to do the 530 conversion, so the next time I need an "outdated" 630 chain it'll be even cheaper! HA!

I second that. I like the big, muscular look of the 630. Also, it's correct for my bike (1100EZ). Also, it's already on there. No conversion necessary.

[tkent02]

I second that. I like the big, muscular look of the 630.

Meh, you can't see it while you're riding anyway.

Also, it's correct for my bike (1100EZ).

Are you contiuing with the Mag Mopus tires and the 1978 brake pads too? How about the original fork springs?

Buy the good stuff for your motorcycle, it's worth it.

Also, it's already on there. No conversion necessary.

This line I can agree with.

[Rob S.]

I'm not against the conversion to 530. In fact, after reading someone (I think it was Chef) say it made a noticeable improvement in acceleration, I added it to my list.

It's just that there's so many items ahead of it: new tires, new (steel) brake lines, regulator/rectifier, to name just a few (costly) things.

PS The 1100EZ is an '82, not '78 model.

[tkent02]

I hear you. I wouln't replace a 630 that still runs straight and true unless I had every single other thing perfect. I never get that far. But I certainly wouldn't ever buy a 630 either.