530 Chain Conversion

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  • Crank
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    530 Chain Conversion

    What are the benefits or any negatives with converting from a 630 to 530 chain and sprockets?
  • GSXR7ED
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Dec 2012
    • 10146
    • DE via L.A.

    #2
    Well, once my kit gets installed, I'll give actual feel. As for benefits...weight reduction is one. Got mine from Z1.

    Ed
    GS750TZ V&H/4-1, Progressive Shocks, Rebuilt MC/braided line, Tarozzi Stabilizer[Seq#2312]
    GS750TZ Parts Bike [Seq#6036]
    GSX-R750Y (Sold)

    my opinion shouldn't be taken as gospel or in any way that would lead you to believe otherwise (30Sep2021)

    Comment

    • Agemax
      Forum Guru
      • Apr 2008
      • 8371
      • plymouth uk

      #3
      Loads, search the forums there are countless threads relating to this upgrade.
      1978 GS1085.

      Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

      Comment

      • exdirtbiker
        Forum Sage
        • Aug 2011
        • 1579
        • 2 miles from exit 89: Brick NJ

        #4
        pay attention to "sprocket size"... different from "how many teeth".
        check many posts like Agemax says.
        I didn't....
        Changed my 79 1000L from 630 to 530... chain rubbed on swing arm.. had to buy sprockets twice.
        When I got it right, I realized I like the "old school" look better.. and wanted the 630 back.
        1980 GS1000G - The Beast - GOING... GOING... yup, it's gone. I'm bikeless !!! GAaaahh !!!
        1978 KZ1000C1 Police - GONE !
        1983 GPZ750, aka ZX750A1 - restored, fresh paint... Gave it back, it was a loaner !!!
        Check My Albums for some of the 30+ headaches I've dealt with

        I know -JUST- enough to make me REALLY dangerous !


        Comment

        • posplayr
          Forum LongTimer
          GSResource Superstar
          Past Site Supporter
          • Dec 2007
          • 23673
          • Tucson Az

          #5
          Originally posted by Crank
          What are the benefits or any negatives with converting from a 630 to 530 chain and sprockets?
          The 530 chains are much cheaper than unless you are recycling 630 chains.

          Comment

          • Rob S.
            Forum Guru
            Past Site Supporter
            • Dec 2013
            • 9393
            • New York City

            #6
            I've been told the 530 is stronger.
            1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

            2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

            Comment

            • Guest

              #7
              Originally posted by Rob S.
              I've been told the 530 is stronger.
              that is very uninteresting.....

              Comment

              • eil
                Forum Sage
                • Dec 2012
                • 3062
                • SE Michigan

                #8
                A modern 530 is probably stronger than a vintage 630.

                In a nutshell, there are no downsides, other than you need new sprockets. (Which you would need anyway if your 630 chain is worn.)
                Charles
                --
                1979 Suzuki GS850G

                Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

                Comment

                • GSXR7ED
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • Dec 2012
                  • 10146
                  • DE via L.A.

                  #9
                  Wow....all this talk about 530 conversion. If ONE talks to the folks at Z1, there would be no issues with fit test. I'm just sayin'. And I remember being mentioned about tooth count....it depends on how you ride.

                  Ed
                  GS750TZ V&H/4-1, Progressive Shocks, Rebuilt MC/braided line, Tarozzi Stabilizer[Seq#2312]
                  GS750TZ Parts Bike [Seq#6036]
                  GSX-R750Y (Sold)

                  my opinion shouldn't be taken as gospel or in any way that would lead you to believe otherwise (30Sep2021)

                  Comment

                  • posplayr
                    Forum LongTimer
                    GSResource Superstar
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Dec 2007
                    • 23673
                    • Tucson Az

                    #10
                    Originally posted by GSXR7ED
                    Wow....all this talk about 530 conversion. If ONE talks to the folks at Z1, there would be no issues with fit test. I'm just sayin'. And I remember being mentioned about tooth count....it depends on how you ride.

                    Ed
                    Would you rather a tire or sparkplug thread?

                    Comment

                    • Rob S.
                      Forum Guru
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • Dec 2013
                      • 9393
                      • New York City

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Rob S.
                      I've been told the 530 is stronger.
                      Originally posted by derwood
                      that is very uninteresting.....
                      Why is that?

                      OP asked for benefits or negatives, that's a benefit.

                      Ill manners are uninteresting. My post wasn't uninteresting enough for you to ignore.
                      1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

                      2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

                      Comment

                      • GSXR7ED
                        Forum LongTimer
                        Past Site Supporter
                        • Dec 2012
                        • 10146
                        • DE via L.A.

                        #12
                        Originally posted by posplayr
                        Would you rather a tire or sparkplug thread?
                        Finally!

                        I'm not much for debate...but you're messin' with me! (In a good way)

                        I just wish I could have completed the task back in NM. That darn front sprocket just wouldn't budge. No impact gun meant I was stuck with it but got MrBill's old 630 chain...which I still have.

                        I also talked to Rob from Z1 who was very helpful in this regard as well as the purchase of my V&H/4-1 Exhaust. Those were exciting times when I made all those purchases. Now I have different priorities.

                        Good chat!

                        Ed
                        GS750TZ V&H/4-1, Progressive Shocks, Rebuilt MC/braided line, Tarozzi Stabilizer[Seq#2312]
                        GS750TZ Parts Bike [Seq#6036]
                        GSX-R750Y (Sold)

                        my opinion shouldn't be taken as gospel or in any way that would lead you to believe otherwise (30Sep2021)

                        Comment

                        • limeex2
                          Forum Sage
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Dec 2012
                          • 1498
                          • Stillwater, Mn.

                          #13
                          When I was road racing in a production class(1982!), I ran a 530 chain kit and people thought I was cheating. I have a used 630 set-up that is in very good condition. 15/42. Will need a master link. It came off of a GS1100E. Will trade for most anything off of a GS1000ec or GS1100ez plus postage. I went with a 530. If you are looking to lighten things up, the chains from Z1 are very heavy duty, but a little heavy in weight compared to others. Z1 chains are also way less $$$
                          Current Rides: 82 GS1100E, 00 Triumph 955 Speed Triple:twistedevil:, 03 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 01 Honda GL1800, '15 Kawasaki 1000 Versys
                          Past Rides: 72 Honda SL-125, Kawasaki KE-175, 77 GS750 with total yosh stage 1 kit, 79 GS1000s, 80 GS1000S, 82 GS750e,82 GS1000S, 84 VF500f, 86 FZR600, 95 Triumph Sprint 900,96 Triumph Sprint, 97 Triumph Sprint, 01 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 07 Triumph Tiger 1050, 01 Yam YFZ250F
                          Work in progress: 78 GS1000, unknown year GS1100ES

                          Comment

                          • Crank

                            #14
                            Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

                            Now....how do I go about getting the correct information on what size 530 to replace the 630 sprockets?

                            Comment

                            • Steve
                              GS Whisperer
                              • Jun 2005
                              • 35925
                              • southwest oHIo

                              #15
                              Go back and read post #9.


                              EDIT: OK, I see that it would be a LONG distance call for you.
                              Visit their website, instead.

                              .
                              Last edited by Steve; 08-14-2015, 06:11 AM.
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