520 Chain Conversion on a GS700

[lhanscom]

I'm in the process of converting to a 520 setup on my 700, and while I have a front sprocket, and a chain, the rear sprocket ended up not fitting. So, I'm hoping somebody can point me in the right direction. It looks like the 90-95 gsxr750 rear sprockets are the same as the 700s, but as the stock size for the gsxr is 530 as well, I still need to special order the conversion. Ideally, I'd like to find a bike that came stock with a 520, but has the same carrier as the 700. Anybody know of one? By the way, the GS1100, GS1150, GS650(maybe not all years), and GS550, all share the same carrier dimensions, so if you've done this conversion on one of those, the same info should hold true for the 700.

Thanks!

[Billy Ricks]

If you ended up with the 5 hole sprocket I might take it off your hands depending on the size.

JT sprockets has a 520 conversion sprocket that will work for you.
http://www.jtsprockets.com/52.0.html...sel_uid=1706&p=
Vortex offers one as well, pricey but well worth the money.http://www.vortexracing.com/index.ph...x=6&submit.y=3

[lhanscom]

Awesome, it's nice to see JT actually gives the measurements instead of just applications. What makes Vortex worth the money? Is the reduction in weight by switching to aluminum enough to be felt? How bad is the wear vs Steel? I'm going with the JT one this time, but have been tempted to try the Aluminum ones in the past. If they don't wear out too fast, and provide a performance benefit, the extra $20 isn't a big deal. If they get half the life or don't show any gains, then it probably isn't worth it too me. So, assuming you use the Vortex ones, what has your experience been?

BTW, the sprocket I got was mislabeled from Dennis Kirk, and will fit a Kawasaki Vulcan I guess. So I'll be sending that back.

Also, if anybody wants to order the sprocket thru Dennis Kirk, the part number is JTR182541 and evidently fits a couple different quads.

Thanks for the help!

[Billy Ricks]

The Vortex sprockets are so precisely made even slight chain snatch is virtually eliminated. Just about every other sprocket I've ever run has been slightly out of round and caused some snatch. Never tried AFAM though, I suspect they are as good or better. The Vortex sprocket runs so smooth it extends the life of the chain and they have self-cleaning grooves that keep most gunk off the contact areas between chain and sprocket. That smoothness probably helps performance in a small way.

[hp1000s]

I'll vouch for Vortex smoothness...had 'em on a Ducati Paso and they didn't seem to wear any faster than steel.

[Killer2600]

Curious why the 520 conversion if not purely for weight reduction? I'm assuming your aren't going for weight reduction because you seem disinterested in aluminum sprockets. Personally unless racing I find the 520's to be too high maintenance and short on life for big bike applications.

[lhanscom]

Curious why the 520 conversion if not purely for weight reduction? I'm assuming your aren't going for weight reduction because you seem disinterested in aluminum sprockets. Personally unless racing I find the 520's to be too high maintenance and short on life for big bike applications.

Partly for curiosity, I switched my 1100 from a 630 to a 530, and saw no difference in wear, but it ran quieter, accelerated better, and had the added bonus of being cheaper. Now the 520 has the same possible benefits, we'll see how it works out. If it works out extremely well, I may try the same setup on the 1100, if it doesn't work, then I'll go back to the 530 arrangement, but from what I've heard, it should work well.

I also figure if they can make a 520 conversion work for a modern day gsxr1000, my lowly 700 at about half the power will do just fine.

[Billy Ricks]

I've had less problem with sprocket wear and chain stretch running the 520 conversion than any other chain/sprocket combo I've ever used. I'm using Vortex sprockets and a Regina gold chain. It simply works smoother. You also get less frictional hp loss with the narrower chain and sprocket. It's pretty minimal but it does exist. The key is using the best components you can afford.

As Luke said, if today's high hp bikes run them without any trouble our old bikes will do great with them.