What rear chain will fit

[Guest]

Just a quick one for you guys. I am about to refit my swing arm after replacing the needle rollers and I find out I need a new rear chain. The one that was on the bike was a standard 530, no "O" rings, etc. If I buy an "O" ring chain will it fit OK . I was concerned that it might not have enough clearance around the gearbox sprocket and might rub on the gearbox housing. As the motor is out of the frame I cannot check it myself.

Can anyone help me out here with this please. The chain that I am looking at on EBAY is a "O" ring chain 530H. Will it fit my bike OK.

GS550B, 1977.

[sharpy]

Why do you need to fit the chain now? can do that anytime u like

[Suzuki_Don]

Why do you need to fit the chain now? can do that anytime u like

I don't wany to use a joining link if I can help it. Therefore I need to fit the chain at the same time as the swing arm goes on.

Good to hear from you SHARPY.

[sharpy]

try here.................

http://www.didchain.com/suzuki.htm

http://202.45.102.66/files/catalog32/CAT_DID.pdf

First one , 4th from the bottom. I think thats yours

[Suzuki_Don]

Hey SHARPY that is the chain I would need. But I still don't know if an "O" ring chain will fit.

That second article has a great piece on replacing the chain and using the rivetting tool. I bet that tool is worth a bit.

Thanks.

[Billy Ricks]

If you are having clearance issues do a 520 conversion. Modern 520 is plenty strong.

[Nessism]

Is an O-ring chain wider than a non O-ring chain? If so, I didn't know that. Regardless, an O-ring chain is standard equipment for most of the GS550's so it will fit.

[Zooks]

Hey SHARPY that is the chain I would need. But I still don't know if an "O" ring chain will fit.

That second article has a great piece on replacing the chain and using the rivetting tool. I bet that tool is worth a bit.

Thanks.

Don,

The rivetting tools for chains aren't all that expensive. I looked into getting one myself (a while back) and although I can't remember the exact price, it wasn't too bad.

[first timer]

yes oring fits' it is what is speced in the book. just get the did o-ring chain and be done with it. It is easy enough to do. also one these helps alot to getting the plates pressed on the pins

http://www.solomotoparts.com/catalog/Motion-Pro-Mini-Chain-Press-Tool-p-17658.html

they usally can be had for about 20 bucks at bike shops. you will still need a rivet tool to press the rivet though.

[sharpy]

Hey SHARPY that is the chain I would need. But I still don't know if an "O" ring chain will fit.

That second article has a great piece on replacing the chain and using the rivetting tool. I bet that tool is worth a bit.

Thanks.

If you arent a loner and have a mate/wife you can use a solid metal plate/hammer on the rear pin and a socket(8mm) with a extension on the front plate to "bash' the plate on then while still holding the rear pins steady with the plate/hammer just roll over the edges of the protruding pins to stop the plate from coming off. Just make sure you eye the plates to see if the line up with the other ones and arent too stiff when u squash the orings.

[Suzuki_Don]

Is an O-ring chain wider than a non O-ring chain? If so, I didn't know that. Regardless, an O-ring chain is standard equipment for most of the GS550's so it will fit.

Thanks Ed. It looks like my 550 did come with an "O" ring chain, I found an exploded diagram in my Suzuki manual that showed the "O" rings installed. So the 530 X "O" ring chain I am purchasing should work OK.

What are the opinions on whether to use a joining link with clip as opposed to rivetting the joining link.

[Suzuki_Don]

Don,

The rivetting tools for chains aren't all that expensive. I looked into getting one myself (a while back) and although I can't remember the exact price, it wasn't too bad.

Dave you're right, the tools are not that expensive. So I will get one when I get a chance. I was surprised they were so cheap. Thanks.

[Zooks]

Interesting tidbit: - I was told recently that a lot of categories of motorcycle racing are now banning the removable links. They stipulate that the chain must be 'one piece' so to speak. Apparently there have been a few incidents in recent years where the clips on removable links have failed and the chains have come off at high speed.

[Billy Ricks]

Interesting tidbit: - I was told recently that a lot of categories of motorcycle racing are now banning the removable links. They stipulate that the chain must be 'one piece' so to speak. Apparently there have been a few incidents in recent years where the clips on removable links have failed and the chains have come off at high speed.

Even my manual calls for an endless chain. These bikes that rev higher and quicker now have a habit of throwing the clip on the master link. It has happened to me a couple of times when I know the clip was installed right. I use a piece of safety wire in a figure 8 now and keep an eye on it. The wire has never been a problem.

[first timer]

I like to apply a dab of red rtv over the clip, makes it easy to see and check plus it helps hold the clip in place too.