1980 GS550 Potential bad chain help

[Lugbolt]

Hello! I recently purchased a 1980 GS550 and I ran into a weird situation. It was making a clicking sound through deceleration. It wasn’t tied to RPM or throttle position, just deceleration. I’ve narrowed it down to the chain, at least as far as I can tell. It is a 51 tooth rear sprocket so I don’t believe the chain or sprocket are original. I can manipulate the chain to click against the frame which I’m pretty sure is causing the noise.

There’s about an inch and a half of slack in the chain, but what really has me scratching my head is that the rear sprocket adjustment to pull the slack out of the chain is already maxed out. It’s a 530 chain with a 110 links. Is this the correct chain? And if so any thoughts on why it would require full adjustment of the chain tension on the back wheel?

also I pulled off the front sprocket cover and it’s a greasy mess. Can I spray degreaser inside and around the front sprocket housing to clean it out or will that have unintended affects?

[Nessism]

Sounds like it's time for a new chain and sprockets.

[Big T]

What Ed said

You can degrease the front sprocket area, but watch for the plastic neutral switch and the clutch rod seal

[rphillips]

Yep, I agree, sounds like chain time. My opinion, if there's not a greasy mess under the sprocket cover, you ain't oiling the chain often enough.

[Maddevill]

Well, your countershaft sprocket is worn out which indicates that your rear sprocket and chain are probably also worn out. These things are wear items. Put all new stuff on and keep it lubed and adjusted for long life.


Mad

[Lugbolt]

Will do. Appreciate the advice everyone. I’m tracking a 530 110 link chain for a 1980 gs550. My manual doesn’t list the proper dimensions is that correct?

anyone recommend a specific chain and sprocket set from experience?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I just went through a 530 conversion on my 82 750T. There's a lot of good info from a lot of good folks in this thread I made in Sept-Oct 2020.

[Lugbolt]

Thanks! Scanned through the thread and some good info. How did you find the stock ratio of 2.73?

Pretty certain my chain and sprockets are not stock so I can’t use them as a baseline.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

The stock drive ratio would be found in your Factory Service Manual. If you don't have one, you should be able to download a pdf from BikeCliff's website (see my signature). Clymer or Haynes manuals, I think, would have this info as well.