'83 1100E - 530 Chain/Sprocket Conversion

[Jethro]

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

Just curious...

~Adam

What do you mean Adam? A difference in wear? I'm still doing good with my 530 setup, rarely needs adjustment, got about 10k mi on it or something.

[ScottMc1100L]

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

So Frosty, have you got it installed? Comments?

I picked up a new chain for the 1150 a couple of weeks ago. The parts guy came from out back blew the dust of the box and said "I can't believe we had one" . Now I was going to do the conversion but the only reason my chain needed replacing was (IMO) that it sat in one spot for to long expose to weather. There is on section that's really stiff and it's not giving in to lube. The sprockets look fine to me and I wanted the job to be easier. The chain is heavy, but I don't care about the weight, the bike is a horse anyways and has the sauce to spin it :-D! Also, when looking at the box it says roller chain, not "O" ring. I did ask for OE, o ring type. I'm thinking it's not right but it will work. Also it has a master link. I'm not sure I like that so I did not open it yet. Should I return it? It was about $110 with tax from the stealer.

[koolaid_kid]

If it is an oring chain, the master link will have 4 orings with it. If it does not, return it and run far, far away.

[Jethro]

If you paid $110 for a non-sealed chain, PLEASE post the dealers name here so that I NEVER accidentally go there... You can get a good non-sealed 630 chain for around $50-60 each and every day. I have to assume it's an o-ring chain they sold you.

[ScottMc1100L]

I got jammed?

......I have to assume it's an o-ring chain they sold you.

Went down to the storage place today kissed my ride(s) hello and grabbed the "new" chain.







Does not say "O" ring so I'm figuring it's not. I've no excuses, I asked for OEM-"O" ring and I was ordering about 6 other things at the same time and was just happy that they had it. I did not really look until later and took him at his word. I know one thing, it's heavy, about 7 lbs.

I'm such a newbie . In my defense, I've only owned two other bikes. One was belt and the other was shaft, so be easy on me!!

[Guyver]

X-Ring

Anyone running an X-ring chain? I bought a 530 conversion kit from Jeff at Z-1 and went with a 17-45 sprocket set-up for a little better low end acceleration than stock and it came with an RK X-ring chain. The combo also came with a steel rear sprocket, which didn't fit my Performance Machine wheels. Seems I should have mentioned that I had those wheels when I ordered. I was mistaken in thinking that the rear had a Suzuki hub on it. The sprocket on it was from Sprocket Specialists and I called them up with the part number stamped on it. They make all of Performance Machine's sprockets so I ordered a 45 from them and it was to me in about three days at the cost of $76.00, ouch. Jeff said to send the rear sprocket I got from him back for a refund. He could have got the Performance Machine sprocket as well; however, he didn't have it in stock.

[posplayr]

I took the plunge

I just ordered the 17/48 (0.8% over stock ratio) and 16/48(7.1% over stock ratio) combos to get near stock and a little more spicy accelleration. 18/48 goes to -4.8% taller than stock.

Chain length is 114 links on the 530 v.s 96 links for the 630.

GS1100ED Stock is 15/42 (96 links for the 630)

Posplayr

PS: Spoke to Jeff at Z-1 for some 30 minutes to do an order on 530 chain conversion and multiple other parts. Great guy and very knowledgeable about bikes in general not just chains.

[Mysuzyq]

Anyone running an X-ring chain?

I ordered the X-ring RK chain with my conversion kit. I have about 8000 miles on it, and it is holding up fine with minimal maintenance...I think I have adjusted it twice since new. The trick is to run them on the loose end of the tolerance.....seems to last pretty well. I went with taller gearing to drop cruising rpm too, and am happy with the outcome.

Tony.

[saffa]

hmmm ...interesting thread .

i used to run a 630 with a 15/38 setup on my gsx1100 which was fine for acceleration and cruising. after the chain became really stiff i noticed the power drain on the motor (1170)

i got a 530 xring with a 17/43 set up. the whole thing was way lighter than the stock stuff and i noticed a small gain in power and much smoother acceleration and general running. i get a 100 mph at about 5500 rpm...which is nice as i get a few more miles per tank in motorway cruising yet it still shifts real quick when i put the hammer down.