520 / 530 Chain Conversion;

[JungleJustice]

It is time for a new chain and sprockets on the '80 1100 E...

I wanted to do a 520 conversion while I was at it, but a buddy said no, horsepower, 1100 ya-da-ya-da... I know of a CBX with the Ducati single-sided swing-arm running 520 and no problems - he runs it hard!!!

Is it really a big deal to go 520 on this bike?

Second question please; a good online resource to go and just get the whole package - with good detail about the tooth-count choices etc?

I want to either go up one tooth up front or drop a couple at the rear...

 

[Guest]

I don't like conversions. I'm happy with my heavy 630 chain on both my bikes.
But if it's conversions you want, try E-bay, there's hundreds for the GS1100, different ratios and stuff, but all I see is 530. This will give you at least a start.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?....m570.l1313&_nkw=GS1100+Chain+sprocket&_sacat=

 

[81ZUKI75]

630 to 530 Conversion??? Do it.

630 to 530 Conversion??? Do it.

I converted by GS750T from a 630 to a 530 and think it was a GREAT improvement. Qiueter, less driveline lash, smoother all the way around.

I may not can wait to convert my '81 E model. Dang 630 chain is still loud even though I'm running an NEP rear sprocket on it.

I got everything I needed from Z1 Enterprises.

If you're really considering changing the gearing, I suggest you check out http://www.gearingcommander.com//

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

+1 on the Z1Enterprises.com recommendation for the 530 conversion. Many here have done just that and been very happy. Give them a call and the folks at Z1 will fix you up with the right stuff.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Billy Ricks]

The 520 conversion is worthwhile. I run 520 on my 700. With good chain and sprockets there's no reason you can't. Vortex sprockets sells really nice conversion sprockets. They aren't GS specific but there are certain GSXR models you can use for the conversion. JT Sprockets has nice specs on their sprockets at their website so you can make sure your dimensions match up then pick your sprockets. The 520 Regina chain and Vortex sprockets I use has been the best wearing combo I've ever run.

 

[Nessism]

520 is narrower than 530 so the chain/sprocket life will be shorter. Narrower may be good though if you have a wide rear wheel installed.

 

[tas850g]

Is it wise to run a 520 or 525 chain on a 1100 bike? The recommendations I've read suggest the 520 & 525 chains are good for up to a 750cc bike. Is this true?

 

[Guest]

Is it wise to run a 520 or 525 chain on a 1100 bike? The recommendations I've read suggest the 520 & 525 chains are good for up to a 750cc bike. Is this true?

I see guy's converting to 520 chains on these sport bikes all the time, I even converted my 98 GSXR1100 from a 525 chain to a 520 had no problems and that dyno'ed at 137 HP at the wheel, not going to be a problem for one of these old GS's. At the track 520 is the norm. Chains ans their strength's have come along way in the last 30 yr's

 

[obgrayone]

would a 520 be lighter i need to replace the chain on my 83 750e when i get back home. the thought of a smaller chain would be nice any ideas on sprocket sizes frnt and rear to keep stock gearing. the smaller chain woudl need more links and more teeth on the sprockets woldnt they

 

[Nessism]

would a 520 be lighter i need to replace the chain on my 83 750e when i get back home. the thought of a smaller chain would be nice any ideas on sprocket sizes frnt and rear to keep stock gearing. the smaller chain woudl need more links and more teeth on the sprockets woldnt they

Your bike has a 530 chain. A 520 is narrower, but the pitch (space between pins) is the same.

5 = Pitch in x/8 increments...so 520/525/530 is all 5/8" between pins.

30 - width in x/8 increments, so 530 = 3/8", 520 = 2/8 (1/4"), 525 = 3/16"

The number of sprocket teeth depend on the pitch, not width.

 

[JungleJustice]

Thanks guys!

 

[TheCafeKid]

I am a fan of the conversion for one major reason, and a bunch of bonus ones. 630 chains are harder to come by anymore. 530 are common as dirt. Toss a chain out in BFE and it's a 630, finding a replacement or masterlink to replace it may be tough.
Then, lighter, less rotating mass etc etc.

520, while likely perfectly fine, on a big GS I'm a bit sketchy on. Yeah, modern bikes make more HP and use em, but those modern bikes mostly don't make that power until they're already spun up pretty good. They also generally don't make the arm stretching torque right off the bat either. I may be paranoid, and yeah chains are a lot stronger now days, but I'm not one to chance certain things.

 

[Smokinapankake]

I think another thing to consider is how heavy our old dinosaurs are. Modern sportbikes generally weigh 100+ pounds less than our old GS's. Combined with the stump pulling torque down low and I get real nervous going with a chain that is significantly smaller.
That being said, this next time around I'll prolly convert my 82 to a 530 chain. The 84 already sports a 530.....

 

[Guest]

My 98GSXR 1100 had more horse power and as much bottom end torque as any GS1100 that I have seen out on the streets, or any that I have ever ridden. Might not probably put one on a drag bike. 137 , HP at the rear wheel and 73 FT lbs of torque, and I had no problems at all with a good quality 520 chain.Plus a 98 GSXR is no light weight stock form 505 lbs, with full stainless system and carbon fiber can 465lbs not exactly lite

 

[Billy Ricks]

My 98GSXR 1100 had more horse power and as much bottom end torque as any GS1100 that I have seen out on the streets, or any that I have ever ridden. Might not probably put one on a drag bike. 137 , HP at the rear wheel and 73 FT lbs of torque, and I had no problems at all with a good quality 520 chain.Plus a 98 GSXR is no light weight stock form 505 lbs, with full stainless system and carbon fiber can 465lbs not exactly lite

MY 700 is lighter than that. It was about 480 wet and I've probably knocked at least 40 lbs off of it, maybe more

 

[Nessism]

Listen guys, a 520 is plenty strong. The question though is why use a 520 when a 530 is wider, which will increase sprocket life? Unless you need the narrow chain for clearance around a wheel mod, it seems silly to compromise durability.

 

[Smokinapankake]

I must admit, there is so much I don't know about chains.

 

[JungleJustice]

OK - thanks for all of the input!

So, who sells a complete 530 conversion kit? I prefer Regina chains...

Should I stay with steel, or go aluminium on the rear sprocket?

 

[Nessism]

OK - thanks for all of the input!

So, who sells a complete 530 conversion kit? I prefer Regina chains...

Should I stay with steel, or go aluminium on the rear sprocket?

Steel sprockets are most durable.

As already mentioned twice in this thread, Z1 Enterprises is a good place to get sprockets and chains.

 

[JungleJustice]

So, one vendor tells me that the tooth-counts / gearing will change - and I mean DRASTICALLY - with the 530 conversion!?

Something like - up (to an 18) on the front and - down (to a 40 or a 42) on the rear to keep the same gearing....!

The other vendor says NO WAY - gearing stays the same!!!