530 conversion on 78gs1000e

[Gregory]

I just did the conversion with 17/48. I have read in the forums that the spacer goes "OUTSIDE" of the sprocket ((sprocket butted up on the shaft, spacer, lock washer, nut))

I havent put the chain gaurd on yet, but looked at it both ways and the chain looks to be in a truer / straighter line when the spacer is on the INSIDE of the sprocket. ((spacer, sprocket, lock washer, nut))

The z1 guy originally said on inside , when i told him i read outside he came back and said on outside.

Is there someone with a 78gs1000e that has direct experience with this?


Other than just eyeballing it, is there a way to know when the sprockets are perfectly aligned and true?

[Agemax]

it should go on the outside, to make up the difference in the width of the sprocket so the nut wont bottom out on the threads before tightening up correctly

[Guest]

You have to make sure your rear wheel is running true before eyeballing it , then you can take a straight edge, or string and hook it onto the back side of the rear sprocket and run it forward to the front sprocket, move it in or out so that it " just" hits the front side of the rear sprocket, that will tell you where it needs to be.

[koolaid_kid]

it should go on the outside, to make up the difference in the width of the sprocket so the nut wont bottom out on the threads before tightening up correctly

Actually, it will perform this function on either side of the sprocket. Think about it.

[koolaid_kid]

You have to make sure your rear wheel is running true before eyeballing it , then you can take a straight edge, or string and hook it onto the back side of the rear sprocket and run it forward to the front sprocket, move it in or out so that it " just" hits the front side of the rear sprocket, that will tell you where it needs to be.

Agreed, alignment is critical, and the eye and/or the marks on the swingarm are not accurate enough.
There are many easy ways to perform this function. Go here and read and listen a bit. Practice some, then report your results. Everything I have read claims that the washer should go on the outside, but I have no personal experience with the 530 conversion.

[Agemax]

Actually, it will perform this function on either side of the sprocket. Think about it.

yes i know that but if you put the spacer on the inside the front sprocket will be spaced out further and wont line up with the rear.
he was asking which side he should fit the spacer

[Gregory]

OK thanks guys. This forum is amazing! I posted a technical question before 6am and here before the sun comes up I have my answer.

I will read up on the alignment issues before I get out there, because as you guessed I was only using the alignment marks.

[koolaid_kid]

I agree on both points. All I was saying is that the function of the relationship between the nut and the threads is performed no matter which side you place the washer.
The washer is required to allow the nut to tighten down without reaching the end of the threaded portion of the shaft. It is placed on the outside so the alignment of the sprockets remains correct.
Not arguing, merely clarifying.

[Agemax]

OK thanks guys. This forum is amazing! I posted a technical question before 6am and here before the sun comes up I have my answer.

I will read up on the alignment issues before I get out there, because as you guessed I was only using the alignment marks.

its 12.20 pm here in the UK. thats why its great asking questions on here because you can always guarantee someone on the site is awake somewhere in the world..........

[Kiwi Canuck]

630 versus 530 Chain

I am in need of a new chain and maybe sprockets as well for my GS1000S, and I believe it's a 630 chain as standard, just wondering why the conversion to a 530 chain?
What the advantage or reason for it?

Cheers,

Kiwi Canuck

[GregT]

630 is an obsolete size now - what is still available is not current technology. 530 has been developed over the last 30 plus years to a high standard.

If you want cutting edge, we're using 520 on our racebike - lighter and narrower if you have tyre clearance issues. Motocross use has developed 520 intensively.

[koolaid_kid]

The main reason to convert is the wide variety of 530 chains, vs. the limited amount of 630 chains available. There is a slight reduction in unsprung weight, but on a 540 pound street motorcycle, will you notice? You will just have a lot more choices out there. And color, too, if you are into that.

[Kiwi Canuck]

Thanks

Thanks GregT and KK, I found a link on Z1 Enterprise website and got the scoop why the 530 chain makes sense.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/Chain630To530.aspx

Appreciate the quick repsonses.

[kicker]

I have just done this conversion on my GS1000, 17T front and 48T rear with a 114 length chain. Spacer is on the nut side of the sprocket.
I chose the 530 conversion because I could get two 530 sprockets and a chain for the same price as a 630 chain on its own.