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630 to 530 chain/sprockets on 1981 GS750L - Do it?

Andrew Vanis

Andrew Vanis

Forum Mentor
Past Site Supporter
630 to 530 chain/sprockets on 1981 GS750L - Do it? Looks like the OEM teeth counts are 15 front 40 rear

It's time to replace my front sprocket (and the chain has lost many O-rings).

Typically I'm a "stock" guy on stuff so I don't have to remember what I updated. But the 530 argument has been around for a while. so the questions are:

1) for this specific bike 1981 GS750L, is the 530 worth doing and why?

This Z1 article mainly says $10-$15 chain savings (but then there are spacer costs) - https://www.z1enterprises.com/blog/how-to-convert-from-630-chain-to-530-chain/

2) what specs of 530 sprockets/chain would be appropriate?

2.1) any thoughts on changing the sprocket rations? I am fine with how the bike rides now.

Thanks,
Andy
 
Front sprocket is 15T 630, replace with 18T 530 to maintain the same diameter.

Origional ratio = 40/15 = 2.667

Rear sprocket = 2.667x18 = 48T

Origional chain = 96 links x 3/4" between links = 72" long chain

For a 530 chain, which uses 5/8" between links, you have 72/(5/8) = 115.3, so use a 116 link 530 chain.

530 is lighter, quieter, lower-friction, and cheaper than 630. Not to mention, 630 chains are lower grade than the better 530 chains.
 
1779760476782.png

(so much for the cheaper 530 chain at Z1 :-/)

BTW the spacer
25mm x 36mm x 1.5mm
1" x 1-7/16 x 1/16" (approx)

***if I do the 530 - thoughts on the 530 rubber dampened front sprocket for $2 extra? I figure even if it wears out I'm back to a plain metal sprocket


1779760066505.png
 
Hi Andy,
going from 630 to 530 is a very good idea and has all the benefits as pointed out by Nessism. The lighter chain and sprocket weight = less rotating mass (and as a bonus a lower static weight) that provides quicker rear wheel spool up time and crisp gear changes due to the lighter drive train. I was very pleased upgrading from 630 to 530 a few years ago. If you are considering ditching the 630 set-up there is also another option that offers even more than a 530 drive train does. I swapped the 530 to a 520 set-up and wow, soo much better in every way. Light weight, crisp gear changes, fast spool up and the 520 chain I use has a higher Nm rating than the original 630 chain.

You mention you are a "Stock" guy however, the "Stock" final ratio does not take into consideration the individual riding style, suspension set-up and local riding conditions like commuting vs open road, hill riding vs flatlander or canyon carving, perhaps consider looking into fine tuning the final ratio, it can improvement performance as well as make the ride more enjoyable.

The over engineered factory front sprockets are nice but, I now use JT plain solid steel front sprockets and haven't noticed the change apart from the JT steel sprocket being less than half the weight of the factory sprocket. The JT 520 front sprocket needed a spacer on the outside of the sprocket, dismantled an old 630 factory sprocket and made a spacer from one of the plates.

It is helpful to use a Lazer, string-line or a straight edge to check your drive line and see if you need to off-set the front sprocket to line up with the rear sprocket, you might get lucky and not need to off-set the front sprocket. There is always an engineering solution, its the dollars that can be a deciding factor.

530 or 520, both will be an improvement on the 630.

This is the 520 set-up I have on my 1981 GSX 1197.
Carbon guard MKII b by Max Mutarn, on Flickr


Shock 7 by Max Mutarn, on Flickr



Case 1 by Max Mutarn, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
Update -

Talked with JT Sprockets. SUPER helpful.

In addition to confirming what @Nessism wrote above, JT said that the "RB" rubber cushioned front sprocket was the one to use since it has not downsides and that the OEM sprocket had rubber cushioning. The metal is the same as the non-rubber sprocket. Also they said the 6mm spacer may or may not already be on my sprocket. In OEM configuration there is a separate spacer. If sprocket was replaced in the past (like int the 90's) it may not be there since at that time the spacer was incorporated in many aftermarket sprockets. If it is all OEM, the 6mm spaces should be separate and if its not, its just a 1/4" thick washer I can get at the hardware store.

I ordered the following:

Item 530 JT part# JT link

Chain links 115.3

front 18 JTF513.18RB https://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/part/JTF513RB/

rear 48 JTR816.48 https://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/part/JTR816/


Chain 116 links https://nicheindustries.com/products/niche-519-cdc2541h $47 X ring

front https://www.ebay.com/itm/336586511940 $22

rear https://www.ebay.com/itm/404970743754 $35


Since I always try to buy directly from manufacturers / suppliers rather than eBay/Amazon when ever it makes sense the following was interesting -

Z1 didn't have the RB version of the sprocket on their site and they don't have a phone number listed anymore so couldn't call them ASAP before making the purchasing decision.

The 18T front sprocket eBay purchase actually is from Chaparral Parts and interestingly the item was the same price as on their private site but shipping through eBay was less and arrives faster than through their private site.

The 48T rear at $35 was a fluke lower price about $10 less than other places (private seller it seems) - typically about $40-45 on eBay or Amazon

The same "Niche Industries" chain was same price on eBay and AZ though the latest estimated arrival date was faster on eBay. It was also the same price on the Niche website with the same arrival time and it offers 60-day free returns which is better than eBay/AZ . Additionally, there was no sales tax charged on the Niche website so ordered there to save them the listing fees and I save $3 in tax.

Stuff should arrive between May 28-June 2
 
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