'83 1100E - 530 Chain/Sprocket Conversion

[RollingFrosty1100]

Hello,

My old 630 chain and sprockets are toast. A friend suggested that I convert to 530 and shave some weight and save $ with a conversion kit. I have been looking on Dennis Kirk and Bike Bandit, but the specs don't go back 23 years.

Anyone with a 1983 GS1100E know what brand and specs/part #'s I should order to convert to 530 Chain and Sprockets?

Any suggestions would be great.
Thank you

[neil w]

Check the JT sprockets website for compatibility, I think its the 1200 bandit rear and either GSX1400 or 1200 bandit front that you need.

[onedirtyhat]

I just did this not too long ago. Give Z1 enterprises a call at 1-315-926-5054. They were great to deal with, very helpful.

[AOD]

What spacers are involved to re-align the chain?

[ArttuH]

You shouldn't need any spacers, except some washers between the front sprocket and the fixing nut. And the GSX-R1100 sprockets should fit too. Actually there is a large number of models which use the same sprockets. I used 17/45 sprockets on my GS1100, that's pretty close to stock gearing. Unfortunately I can't remember length of the chain.

[rapidray]

You shouldn't need any spacers, except some washers between the front sprocket and the fixing nut. And the GSX-R1100 sprockets should fit too. Actually there is a large number of models which use the same sprockets. I used 17/45 sprockets on my GS1100, that's pretty close to stock gearing. Unfortunately I can't remember length of the chain.

15/42 is stock gearing which is 2.80 to 1 gear ratio. With a 17 front you would need a 49 rear to get the same ratio. If you aren't riding ONLY on the highway, & want some performance, I would go 16/49. Then, if you want to ride a long trip, you can throw a 17 on it with the same chain & just a re adjustment. Ray.

[ArttuH]

According my calculator 15/42 makes 2.8 to 1 ratio 17/45 makes 2.65 so it's somewhat taller than stock, as you said, but still quite close. 16/45 makes 2.81 which is very close to the stock. But as you said, it's always better to adjust the gearing to own preferences and riding habits.

[Jethro]

16/45 is what I went with. At 65 mph in 5th gear I am right around 4k rpms.

[RollingFrosty1100]

Thank You

Called up Z1 Enterprises in Upstate NY.

VERY HELPFUL!! Guy with an '83 GS1100G named Jeff really knows his stuff. Going with 530 Chain - 114 Links with 17/47 Sprockets.

$145 all together, less than I thought it would be
:-D

[Guyver]

Me Too Me Too

I have an '82 GS12100E and just ordered a 530 chain conversion going with Jeff's recommendations for slightly more performance while still retaining highway cruising ability. He recommended a 17/48 sprocket combo along with a 118 link (I think) chain. It gets here Saturday and I can't wait to throw it on.

[80GS1000]

I went with a 17/48 when switching to 520 chain to get the chain height right. The larger tooth count was to keep the chain height good while staying close to the stock gearing ratio. It required a spacer between the sprocket and sprocket nut.

http://www.slcelectronics.com/GS1000_Build/032707/DSC01365-small.jpg

[AOD]

Do you guys notice any difference with the 530/520 chains on compared to the original beefy chain?

Just curious...

~Adam

[80GS1000]

Do you guys notice any difference with the 530/520 chains on compared to the original beefy chain?

Just curious...

~Adam

Still building the bike as we speak so no idea yet.

Although the 520 is a lot lighter than the 630, and weight savings is generally a good thing. :-D

[Guyver]

80GS1000 Where Are You?

I'm going to be up in Utah at the end of May visiting relatives in Sandy and Ogden. Whereabouts are you located? The bike is looking great. What kind of swingarm did you use? What's this about a GS rally in Yosemite in July? My daughter lives just outside of Yosemite and I'd like to go. Are you going? ~Gene

[80GS1000]

Guyver-

Just sent you a PM.