Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
630 to 530 chain conversion
Collapse
X
-
andrewp16
630 to 530 chain conversion
I have been seeing some parts distributors talking about chain conversions from the factory 630 to 530 size. I'm in the process of replacing the drive chain and sprockets on my 1980 GS1100E. I'm wondering if this conversion is really worth while, or only a very minor performance improvement. Also what are the down sides? I'm guessing the smaller chain will wear out quicker.Tags: None
-
RJ
As far as any performance gains, there won't be that much. As far as parts availabilty and changing ratios, maybe a little more variety but not that much either. Where it does make a difference is if you swap over to wider rims like GSXR's. Then you need a thinner chain to clear the tire and frame which a 530 chain allows.
Comment
-
RJ
'Preciate the compliment, and right back at you for your hard work.. At the time I did the 530 conversion I hadn't seen anyone who didi a 520 so I stuck with the 530 which rides a little closer to my 170 Michelin than I'd like. If I had to do it all again I'd go 520.
Comment
-
Forum LongTimerGSResource Superstar
Past Site Supporter- Oct 2006
- 13955
- London, UK to Redondo Beach, California
80GS1000 is running a 520 chain on his bike with a 180 tyre but he has the GSXR swingarm.
The other key advantage is 530 parts are cheaper. I don't believe they would wear out much quicker on our bikes.....1980 GS1000G - Sold
1978 GS1000E - Finished!
1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar..... - FOR SALE!
www.parasiticsanalytics.com
TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/
Comment
-
The 530 chain makes a gentler arc around the sprocket than the 630 (links are 5/8 inch rather than 6/8) so wear should be improved, as long as it's a modern chain. It's only a tiny bit thinner - the rollers are still 3/8 inch wide and it's only the thinner side plates that make any difference. A 525 or 520 ar 5/80 and 1/8 thinner respectively but you would expect the wear rate to rise as you have the same power going through a narrower roller on to a narrower sprocket.79 GS1000S
79 GS1000S (another one)
80 GSX750
80 GS550
80 CB650 cafe racer
75 PC50 - the one with OHV and pedals...
75 TS100 - being ridden (suicidally) by my father
Comment
-
J_C
Also, good luck trying to find 630 sprockets and chains if you're on the road and have issues. Say you're 1000 miles into a western region rally and your chain goes south. Also say you start calling around Reno to see if anyone has a 630 chain in stock (or you can pretend you lose a masterclip or something) and you find that noone does. 530s are more likely to be there in case of an emergency.
Obviously all this stuff is unlikely to happen. But it COULD
Comment
-
alkswheetinjur
I am currently running a 630 chain with 15T front and 41T rear sprockets. If I switch to 530, should my new 530 sprockets also be 15T and 41T?
Comment
-
sharpy
Originally posted by alkswheetinjur View PostI am currently running a 630 chain with 15T front and 41T rear sprockets. If I switch to 530, should my new 530 sprockets also be 15T and 41T?
Comment
-
sharpy
Originally posted by RJ View PostAs far as any performance gains, there won't be that much. As far as parts availabilty and changing ratios, maybe a little more variety but not that much either. Where it does make a difference is if you swap over to wider rims like GSXR's. Then you need a thinner chain to clear the tire and frame which a 530 chain allows.
Comment
-
Originally posted by RJ View Post'Preciate the compliment, and right back at you for your hard work.. At the time I did the 530 conversion I hadn't seen anyone who didi a 520 so I stuck with the 530 which rides a little closer to my 170 Michelin than I'd like. If I had to do it all again I'd go 520.
Comment
Comment