630 series drive chain

[Twinlamp]

Does anyone sell a high quality replacement 630 series drive chain
anymore. I'm looking to replace the chain on my 83 1100ED and
would like to upgrade the sprockets (stock gearing) and chain
with better quality items. Any tips/directions are much appreciated.

 

[Boondocks]

Chaparral Motorsports has the RK O-Ring Chain 630SO at a bargain $85.44 for a 96 link chain. This is a top quality super heavy duty 11,100 lb tensile strength 630 O-ring chain with a 20,000 mile warranty. Orders over $100 ship free.

 

[denydog]

I bought a D.I.D 630V O-Ring chain, which I think is comparable. MAW has a decent price, but I've seen some bad customer reviews.

 

[earlfor]

I've run nothing but the RK "O" ring chain 630 SO on my 1150E. I will vouch for it being a damn good chain. I average about 20K+ miles of chain life with it on this bike, which aint easy on chains. LOL

I use Dennis Kirk.

E.

Chaparral Motorsports has the RK O-Ring Chain 630SO at a bargain $85.44 for a 96 link chain. This is a top quality super heavy duty 11,100 lb tensile strength 630 O-ring chain with a 20,000 mile warranty. Orders over $100 ship free.

 

[fnickel]

630 to 530 conversion

630 to 530 conversion

I'm just considering the same thing, a 630 chain replacement. I was recommended the DID O-Ring chain, about $150 up here in Canada. One shop suggested that I consider converting to 530 chain and sprockets. They are still available for my 1980 GS1100L. Most of the large, powerful bikes these days come with a 530 chain. A DID X-Ring 530 chain with both sprockets will run about $240 up here. They said that the 530 will actually last longer than the 630 because it is lighter, and the quality of the current chains is much better than the original 630 chains from 25 plus years ago. The bulk and weight of the 630 actually causes it to wear out faster. That was this shop's opinion, anyway.

 

[bradleymaynar]

My experience with a 530 is limited. My 750 was removed from the GS life rather unexpectedly. But while I had it, I was happy. I'm currently looking into replacing my 1100's 630 chain and sprockets with a 530 conversion.

Brad bt

 

[Boondocks]

... Most of the large, powerful bikes these days come with a 530 chain. A DID X-Ring 530 chain with both sprockets will run about $240 up here. They said that the 530 will actually last longer than the 630 because it is lighter, and the quality of the current chains is much better than the original 630 chains from 25 plus years ago. The bulk and weight of the 630 actually causes it to wear out faster. That was this shop's opinion, anyway.

If a 530 chain is lighter than a 630 chain, it is primarily because it is of less robust construction. A 630 is .750 in. (6/8") and a 530 is .625 in. (5/8") pin to pin center. The chains are the same width (3/8 in.). For a given length, a 530 chain requires 20% more links than a 630. The sprockets are the same width, so there is no weight savings there.

There is a weight saving in 530 chain, more significant in the less strong variety. As 530 chain tensile strength is increased in premium varieties, the construction becomes more robust until the weight is close to a 630 chain. For instance:

A RK 530XSO Premium X-ring chain with 9,200 lb. tensile strength weighs 6.08 lbs for a 120 link chain, the length equivalent of a 11,100 lb. tensile strength 630SO O-ring chain which weighs 6.48 lb., a savings of 0.4 lb and a decrease of 1,900 lb. in tensile strength.

The strongest 530 D.I.D. 530ZVM2 Super Street X²-Ring ZVM chain with 10,370 lb. tensile strength would weigh 5.82 lb., a savings of .66 lb. and a decrease of 730 lb. in tensile strength compared to the RK 630 chain (6.5% less, not very significant).

All else being equal, the main reason that a premium 530 chain weighs less than a 630 is that the roller diameter is smaller. This saves some weight, and transfers pressure and wear to the smaller sprocket teeth.

All else being equal, the bulk, weight, and strength of a 630 chain allows it to last longer, in spite of BS opinions to the contrary.

What is not equal is that the newest premium 530 chains have replaced O-rings with advanced designs with different trade names like X-Ring, RX-Ring, etc.. These advanced rings have multiple sealing lips that were designed to last longer with less pressure on the chain side plates than the standard O-ring. This should better seal the permanent lubrication between the pin and the bushing. If these advanced seals last longer than an O-ring, the chain life should be extended.

Extravagant claims of a premium 530 chain having up to 2.5 times the wear resistance of an O-ring chain are made in the D.I.D. specs. An RK 630SO O-ring chain can easily go over 20,000 miles with the simplest of maintenance (hence the guarantee). This would imply that the D.I.D. chain should be good for better than 50,000 miles. This claim is not supported by real world results and is marketing BS using some undisclosed test methods.

The RK630SO 630 O-ring chain with 11,100 lb. tensile strength is $85.44 for 96 links. The equivalent links for a 530 chain would be 116. Here are some comparative prices of 116 link 530 chains from Chaparral:

D.I.D. Chain - 530V Professional - O-ring 9,600 lb tensile strength - $83.52
D.I.D. Chain - 530VM Gold - X-ring 9,760 lb tensile strength - $125.28
D.I.D. Chain - 530ZVM X-Ring 10,400 lb tensile strength - $135.72

The 630 O-ring chain is said to be overkill in size and strength. Personally, I think that it is part of the charm of the bulletproof, overbuilt GS series. I like overkill, especially when it comes at a reasonable price.

 

[Guest]

Philip, as usual your post is well researched and detailed. I for one appreciate your time and follow your lead for good decisions and purchases.

 

[Boondocks]

Philip, as usual your post is well researched and detailed. I for one appreciate your time and follow your lead for good decisions and purchases.

Thanks, Bill. It's always refreshing to be appreciated and hear some kind words.

 

[sharpy]

hi

hi

Have a DID 630 chain and its had its day after 55,000 klms and im getting another on. If you want genuine differant gearing a 1980 GSX1100/750 L has a 40 th rear. And i use a 750 front sprocket as it hasnt all the "dampering" stuff attatched. Just a thought.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

The smaller size chain is sometimes used for a little extra tire clearance- say bigger tire

 

[Boondocks]

The smaller size chain is sometimes used for a little extra tire clearance- say bigger tire

A 630 and a 530 chain are both 3/8 inch wide, so there is no additional clearance with a 530 chain.

 

[bradleymaynar]

Dang! Now you've got me reconsiderring the conversion.:lol:

Brad bt

 

[80GS1000]

Yep, the only way to save on chain width is to go with a 520 chain. The GSXR 1000 front sprocket will fit the spline on the GS output shaft, but you'll have to search through the JT Sprockets catalog to find a 520 rear sprocket that has the same 6 bolt pattern and dimensions as the GS sprocket carrier.

 

[rapidray]

Actually, Boondocks, you're wrong on a couple of things. First, the 530 sprockets ARE lighter & if you put a 45 tooth 530 sprocket on top of a 45 tooth 630 you will see why. The same gear ratio sprockets are CONSIDERABLY smaller in diameter. Therefore, LIGHTER! Also, The new 530s also can be bought with the SAME strength as the 630s, hence Pro Stock Bikes ALL running 530 chains. I race NHRA Division 7 ET/MC & the 530 is PLENTY strong to go an ENTIRE season problem free. So, Any of you guys thinking about converting to 530, DO it because it is FREE horsepower & strenght & longevity is NOT an issue with today's new 530 chains. Ray.

 

[Boondocks]

Actually, Boondocks, you're wrong on a couple of things. First, the 530 sprockets ARE lighter & if you put a 45 tooth 530 sprocket on top of a 45 tooth 630 you will see why. The same gear ratio sprockets are CONSIDERABLY smaller in diameter. Therefore, LIGHTER! Also, The new 530s also can be bought with the SAME strength as the 630s, hence Pro Stock Bikes ALL running 530 chains. I race NHRA Division 7 ET/MC & the 530 is PLENTY strong to go an ENTIRE season problem free. So, Any of you guys thinking about converting to 530, DO it because it is FREE horsepower & strenght & longevity is NOT an issue with today's new 530 chains. Ray.

Ray, you have misconstrued my comments. Your example is flawed. A 45 tooth 630 sprocket is not coverted to a 45 tooth 530 sprocket. The common practice is to approximate the same sprocket diameters (about 20% more teeth on the 530 sprocket). This ensures the same gear ratio will result with no problems.

There are potential problems with changing front or rear sprockets to smaller diameters. From Z1 Enterprises Changing Chains & Sprockets:

Changing sprocket diameter can present problems - sprocket clearance on the front limits how big you can go, and you want to avoid going too small as the tight turn wears the chain prematurely. Additionally, you can run into problems with the chain slapping the swingarm if you go too small on front and/or rear. This is something you cannot always see when the bike is static, the combination of swing arm movement over the bumps, and acceleration or deceleration cause the chain to tag the top OR bottom of the swingarm.

Chains used for high powered drag racing are not the same ones used on the street. EK chains make a 630SHB-Z Drag Race Chain with a tensile strength of 30,000 lb.. 630 chains for drag racing are used for the most demanding highest horsepower applications. I must have missed the availablity of 530 chains that are this strong. Can you provide a link to a source of the 30,000 lb. tensile strength 530 chains?

The EK 530DRZ2 Pro Stock Drag Racing chain is as strong (11,500 lb. tensile strength) as the RK 630SO street chain, but it weighs the same for the same length. According to the EK site, the EK 530DRZ2 Pro Stock Drag Racing chain can not be used on street bikes.

Nobody is questioning the strength and longevity of premium 530 chains used on the street. EK Chain's newest and best 530 street bike chain, the EK 530 ZZZ is very strong at 11,000 lb. tensile strength and has lightening holes in the center of the side plates. A 116 link EK 530 ZZZ chain would be 0.67 lb. lighter than the equivalent length 96 link RK630SO chain. It comes in different finishes such as gold, silver, and chrome. Dennis Kirk has them, and 120 link chains (selection jumps from 110 to 120 links) are $192!:shock:

 

[jeff.saunders]

There are many factors to consider when looking at 530 versus 630. Realistically, tensile strength isn't one of them unless you want to run a cheapo Malaysian 530 chain.

They fit QUALITY 530 chains on all the modern sportbikes - not one of them runs a 630 chain - not the 'busas, not the ZX14's. With the exception of the Kawasaki KZ1000 Police bikes, all the other popular bikes were running 530 chain by the end of the 80's. Why? Very simple - chain technology (and sprocket quality) improved dramatically. None of the chain manufacturers have released an 'improved' version of the 630 chain in years - while all the brands keep tweaking the 530 chains. RK just released a revised version of the 530 X RIng chain - called the 530 XSO Z1 (no relation...). Slightly lighter, and stronger than their previous X-Ring chain. They've moved the sideplates in very slightly to narrow the overall width about 0.5mm.

X-Ring chain will outlast regular O-Ring chain in everyday usage models - mainly due to the X-Ring profile providing a double layer of protection from crud and water getting into the rollers of the chain.

The key is how you ride and how you maintain the chain.

530 chain is much more available. Need a 630 chain or chain link while out riding? You'd be lucky to find a 630 chain in the first 10 places you visit...

We sell a good number of 530 conversions - it's beneficial to most riders - quality X-Ring chain will out last the O-Ring 630 chain, you will gain a small amount of power at the rear wheel, you save a few dollars, you have more choices of chain, including just about any color chain you want.

Just avoid the cheap chains.

 

[Boondocks]

There are many factors to consider when looking at 530 versus 630. Realistically, tensile strength isn't one of them unless you want to run a cheapo Malaysian 530 chain.

They fit QUALITY 530 chains on all the modern sportbikes - not one of them runs a 630 chain - not the 'busas, not the ZX14's. With the exception of the Kawasaki KZ1000 Police bikes, all the other popular bikes were running 530 chain by the end of the 80's. Why? Very simple - chain technology (and sprocket quality) improved dramatically. None of the chain manufacturers have released an 'improved' version of the 630 chain in years - while all the brands keep tweaking the 530 chains. RK just released a revised version of the 530 X RIng chain - called the 530 XSO Z1 (no relation...). Slightly lighter, and stronger than their previous X-Ring chain. They've moved the sideplates in very slightly to narrow the overall width about 0.5mm.

X-Ring chain will outlast regular O-Ring chain in everyday usage models - mainly due to the X-Ring profile providing a double layer of protection from crud and water getting into the rollers of the chain.

The key is how you ride and how you maintain the chain.

530 chain is much more available. Need a 630 chain or chain link while out riding? You'd be lucky to find a 630 chain in the first 10 places you visit...

We sell a good number of 530 conversions - it's beneficial to most riders - quality X-Ring chain will out last the O-Ring 630 chain, you will gain a small amount of power at the rear wheel, you save a few dollars, you have more choices of chain, including just about any color chain you want.

Just avoid the cheap chains.

Jeff, I appreciate your lucid explanations, your contributions to this site and your good advice. Z1 Enterprises is one of the best parts resources for our old bikes, and your site contains useful information not found elsewhere. You've raised some interesting points and I agree with most of them. This is my viewpoint on:

There are many factors to consider when looking at 530 versus 630. Realistically, tensile strength isn't one of them unless you want to run a cheapo Malaysian 530 chain....

Tensile strength is the benchmark for chain durability. Chains with higher tensile strength will withstand shock and abuse better, and are just plain stronger, period. That's why the highest quality premium 530 X-ring chains always have the highest tensile strength. All else being equal (sealing rings), chains with higher tensile strength will also last longer. Extended chain life is a factor that most would consider when buying a chain.

None of the chain manufacturers have released an 'improved' version of the 630 chain in years - while all the brands keep tweaking the 530 chains...

This is no longer true. RK makes the 630GSV Premium XW-ring Chain, which is RK's most advanced sealing ring design. It has a max life wear index of 1,000 - the same as their other finest premium XW-ring chains.

X-Ring chain will outlast regular O-Ring chain in everyday usage models - mainly due to the X-Ring profile providing a double layer of protection from crud and water getting into the rollers of the chain....

There are other factors at play. According to the RK 630SO Specs, the 11,100 lb tensile strength O-ring chain has a max life wear index of 800. According to the 530XSO Specs, the 9,200 lb. tensile strength X-ring chain has a max life wear index of 750. I know that this seems to go against the flow of conventional wisdom regarding X-ring and O-ring marketing hoopla, but I am presenting RK's own data. I believe that the 630SO O-ring chain has a higher max life index because of its higher tensile strength.

 

[jeff.saunders]

It's best to think of tensile strength as JUST the strength of the chain - yes it does contribute to durability, but really not that much. If you take a 630 non 630 O-Ring chain, the tensile strength is excellent - the wear on the street sucks... I used to kill non O-Ring chains in 2-3,000 miles - but that's because the grime and water gets into the rollers.

The wear index of each of the chains gives an indication of the expected life - but I will tell you, a well maintained X-Ring chain can get far more miles than the comparable 630 O-Ring chain - we've a number of customers putting 20,000 miles on 530 chain on 900cc-1100cc motorcycles - a far cry from what they used to average with the 630 O-Ring chains.

Yes, there is the new W-Ring 630 chain - but it's too expensive to be considered a replacement for all but the most radical bikes - about $30 or more extra than the regular O-Ring version. What I was trying to say is companies like RK have continued to develop the 530 O-Ring chain from O to W and now the improved W-Ring AND KEEP the pricing the same. With 630 that hasn't happened - this new W-Ring 630 chain is not marketed as the replacement for the 630 O-Ring chain - that chain has been unmodified for years.

 

[Boondocks]

It's best to think of tensile strength as JUST the strength of the chain - yes it does contribute to durability, but really not that much. If you take a 630 non 630 O-Ring chain, the tensile strength is excellent - the wear on the street sucks... I used to kill non O-Ring chains in 2-3,000 miles - but that's because the grime and water gets into the rollers.

I think that everyone agrees that O-ring chains last much longer than non O-ring, for the reason you state. As I said, "All else being equal (sealing rings), chains with higher tensile strength will also last longer."

The wear index of each of the chains gives an indication of the expected life - but I will tell you, a well maintained X-Ring chain can get far more miles than the comparable 630 O-Ring chain - we've a number of customers putting 20,000 miles on 530 chain on 900cc-1100cc motorcycles - a far cry from what they used to average with the 630 O-Ring chains.

RK Chain guarantees at least 20,000 miles from the RK630SO chain. I get well over 20,000 miles from the 630 chains. Maintenance is important.

Yes, there is the new W-Ring 630 chain - but it's too expensive to be considered a replacement for all but the most radical bikes - about $30 or more extra than the regular O-Ring version. What I was trying to say is companies like RK have continued to develop the 530 O-Ring chain from O to W and now the improved W-Ring AND KEEP the pricing the same. With 630 that hasn't happened - this new W-Ring 630 chain is not marketed as the replacement for the 630 O-Ring chain - that chain has been unmodified for years.

Yes, the list price is $28 more for the RK 630 XW-ring chain, but then the list price is $140 for the O-ring chain. Nobody sells them at full retail list (except maybe dealers), and the difference should be commensurately less. The XW-ring chain is available at bargain prices if one looks. In fact, the RK 630 XW-ring chain costs no more than the least expensive 530 chain on the retail list price at RK XW-ring Chain Specs, and should last longer than the 530 chains due to increased tensile strength with equal ring sealing.

The RK 630XW-ring chain is not marketed as the replacement for the O-ring chain because it's an obsolete market. The point is, it's available. The 630 market was never huge to begin with, and today it's confined to people like us GS'ers. Suzuki started using 630 chains in 1977 and stopped in 1985. It's a dying market and is not going to get much attention from chain manufacturers.

As long as high quality 630 chains with bargain prices and a guarantee of over 20,000 miles are available, their choice is an economically viable option for those who prefer to make their own informed decisions. Chain conversion is always an option.