New 530 chain doesn't fit?

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  • StratJeff
    • Mar 2026

    #1

    New 530 chain doesn't fit?

    I've replaced my 630 chain with a new 18/50 sprocket and 530 chain set from Z1. The math (and forums) said I'd need a 115 link chain, but Z1 only sells 116, so I had to remove a link. However, now the chain won't fit around the sprocket. I have the rear wheel adjusted all the way forward, and I'm exactly one link short. No amount of pulling/taking out chain slack can get me that last tooth.

    Did I do something wrong? Thanks!
  • Cipher
    Forum Sage
    • Mar 2016
    • 3130
    • Toronto Ontario

    #2
    it would seem you cut off one link too many.
    1983 GS 550 LD
    2009 BMW K1300s

    Comment

    • StratJeff

      #3
      That's what I'm worried about. I used this thread for reference: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...ain+conversion

      Comment

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

        #4
        should have tried it on before getting hasty and cutting links off. if that is the length Z1 sent you then they obviously knew that was the right length for the conversion.
        1978 GS1085.

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

        Comment

        • Cipher
          Forum Sage
          • Mar 2016
          • 3130
          • Toronto Ontario

          #5
          have you counted the links remaining?
          Maybe a nice local person who needs a shorter chain will buy it off you to ease the pain of the loss.
          1983 GS 550 LD
          2009 BMW K1300s

          Comment

          • Nessism
            Forum LongTimer
            GSResource Superstar
            Past Site Supporter
            Super Site Supporter
            • Mar 2006
            • 35811
            • Torrance, CA

            #6
            That sucks man.

            The factory Suzuki service manual says the 1000E uses a 96 link chain.

            96 x 6/8" (distance between links for a 630 chain) = 72" long chain.

            72 / 5/8 (distance between links for a 530 chain) = 115.2 links

            Rounding down makes it 115 links.

            The stock sprockets are 42/15 = 2.8.

            2.8 x 18 (front sprocket for 530) = 50.4 rear sprocket. Rounding down to 50 suggests we should have plenty of chain.

            Sorry, but I don't understand what could be wrong.
            Ed

            To measure is to know.

            Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

            Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

            Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

            KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

            Comment

            • Cipher
              Forum Sage
              • Mar 2016
              • 3130
              • Toronto Ontario

              #7
              is there a remote chance your sprockets are the wrong size?
              1983 GS 550 LD
              2009 BMW K1300s

              Comment

              • StratJeff

                #8
                Checked again, they're right- 18/50 and 116 links.

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                Comment

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

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Nessism
                  That sucks man.

                  The factory Suzuki service manual says the 1000E uses a 96 link chain.

                  96 x 6/8" (distance between links for a 630 chain) = 72" long chain.

                  72 / 5/8 (distance between links for a 530 chain) = 115.2 links

                  Rounding down makes it 115 links.

                  The stock sprockets are 42/15 = 2.8.

                  2.8 x 18 (front sprocket for 530) = 50.4 rear sprocket. Rounding down to 50 suggests we should have plenty of chain.

                  Sorry, but I don't understand what could be wrong.
                  should have rounded your calculations UP instead lol, 1 link to long is better than 1 link too short!
                  1978 GS1085.

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

                  Comment

                  • Cipher
                    Forum Sage
                    • Mar 2016
                    • 3130
                    • Toronto Ontario

                    #10
                    or ,8 links too short.
                    1983 GS 550 LD
                    2009 BMW K1300s

                    Comment

                    • Nessism
                      Forum LongTimer
                      GSResource Superstar
                      Past Site Supporter
                      Super Site Supporter
                      • Mar 2006
                      • 35811
                      • Torrance, CA

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Agemax
                      should have rounded your calculations UP instead lol, 1 link to long is better than 1 link too short!
                      Check the math and tell us where it's wrong. The calculation says 50.4 sprocket so rounding down to 50 means that saves needed chain length.

                      StratJeff, you might want to count the chain links to be sure they sent you the proper size. 116 links, or even 115, should enough.
                      Ed

                      To measure is to know.

                      Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                      Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                      Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                      KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                      Comment

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

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Nessism
                        Check the math and tell us where it's wrong. The calculation says 50.4 sprocket so rounding down to 50 means that saves needed chain length.
                        Obviously not, lol
                        1978 GS1085.

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

                        Comment

                        • StratJeff

                          #13
                          Yeah, I think 116 is the right number. When I place the removed link back in place between the ends of the (now shortened) chain, putting the wheel about halfway down the tensioner gets the slack out completely.

                          Alternate options- can I buy another master clip link, add the link back in, and just have two masters next to each other in the chain?

                          Comment

                          • Cipher
                            Forum Sage
                            • Mar 2016
                            • 3130
                            • Toronto Ontario

                            #14
                            what do master links cost? One must assume a chain is only as stong as its weakest link,
                            Hell just run it till the chain wears enough to fit.
                            1983 GS 550 LD
                            2009 BMW K1300s

                            Comment

                            • Sandy
                              Forum Guru
                              Past Site Supporter
                              • Feb 2004
                              • 7534
                              • Cranbrook, BC Canada

                              #15
                              I have to jump in here. All this talk of 115 links or 116 links is a little odd as chains only come in even numbered sizes. Granted a raw chain out of the box is an odd number of links but not much good until you add the master link which now makes it and even number of links. So when the chain is installed on the bike it will have an even number of links. So if the actual nominal calculation comes out 115 links you have to decide to buy either 114 link chain or 116 link chain.
                              '84 GS750EF (Oct 2015 BOM) '79 GS1000N (June 2007 BOM)

                              Comment

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