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'83 1100E - 530 Chain/Sprocket Conversion

  • Thread starter Thread starter RollingFrosty1100
  • Start date Start date
R

RollingFrosty1100

Guest
Hello,

My old 630 chain and sprockets are toast. A friend suggested that I convert to 530 and shave some weight and save $ with a conversion kit. I have been looking on Dennis Kirk and Bike Bandit, but the specs don't go back 23 years.

Anyone with a 1983 GS1100E know what brand and specs/part #'s I should order to convert to 530 Chain and Sprockets?

Any suggestions would be great.
Thank you
 
Check the JT sprockets website for compatibility, I think its the 1200 bandit rear and either GSX1400 or 1200 bandit front that you need.
 
I just did this not too long ago. Give Z1 enterprises a call at 1-315-926-5054. They were great to deal with, very helpful.
 
You shouldn't need any spacers, except some washers between the front sprocket and the fixing nut. And the GSX-R1100 sprockets should fit too. Actually there is a large number of models which use the same sprockets. I used 17/45 sprockets on my GS1100, that's pretty close to stock gearing. Unfortunately I can't remember length of the chain.
 
You shouldn't need any spacers, except some washers between the front sprocket and the fixing nut. And the GSX-R1100 sprockets should fit too. Actually there is a large number of models which use the same sprockets. I used 17/45 sprockets on my GS1100, that's pretty close to stock gearing. Unfortunately I can't remember length of the chain.
15/42 is stock gearing which is 2.80 to 1 gear ratio. With a 17 front you would need a 49 rear to get the same ratio. If you aren't riding ONLY on the highway, & want some performance, I would go 16/49. Then, if you want to ride a long trip, you can throw a 17 on it with the same chain & just a re adjustment. Ray.
 
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According my calculator 15/42 makes 2.8 to 1 ratio :) 17/45 makes 2.65 so it's somewhat taller than stock, as you said, but still quite close. 16/45 makes 2.81 which is very close to the stock. But as you said, it's always better to adjust the gearing to own preferences and riding habits.
 
16/45 is what I went with. At 65 mph in 5th gear I am right around 4k rpms.
 
Thank You

Thank You

Called up Z1 Enterprises in Upstate NY.

VERY HELPFUL!! Guy with an '83 GS1100G named Jeff really knows his stuff. Going with 530 Chain - 114 Links with 17/47 Sprockets.

$145 all together, less than I thought it would be
:-D
 
Me Too Me Too

Me Too Me Too

I have an '82 GS12100E and just ordered a 530 chain conversion going with Jeff's recommendations for slightly more performance while still retaining highway cruising ability. He recommended a 17/48 sprocket combo along with a 118 link (I think) chain. It gets here Saturday and I can't wait to throw it on.
 
Do you guys notice any difference with the 530/520 chains on compared to the original beefy chain?

Just curious...

~Adam
 
Do you guys notice any difference with the 530/520 chains on compared to the original beefy chain?

Just curious...

~Adam

Still building the bike as we speak so no idea yet. :lol:

Although the 520 is a lot lighter than the 630, and weight savings is generally a good thing. :-D
 
80GS1000 Where Are You?

80GS1000 Where Are You?

I'm going to be up in Utah at the end of May visiting relatives in Sandy and Ogden. Whereabouts are you located? The bike is looking great. What kind of swingarm did you use? What's this about a GS rally in Yosemite in July? My daughter lives just outside of Yosemite and I'd like to go. Are you going? ~Gene
 
Do you guys notice any difference with the 530/520 chains on compared to the original beefy chain?

Just curious...

~Adam

What do you mean Adam? A difference in wear? I'm still doing good with my 530 setup, rarely needs adjustment, got about 10k mi on it or something.
 
Called up Z1 Enterprises in Upstate NY.

VERY HELPFUL!! Guy with an '83 GS1100G named Jeff really knows his stuff. Going with 530 Chain - 114 Links with 17/47 Sprockets.

$145 all together, less than I thought it would be
:-D


So Frosty, have you got it installed? Comments?

I picked up a new chain for the 1150 a couple of weeks ago. The parts guy came from out back blew the dust of the box and said "I can't believe we had one" :-s . Now I was going to do the conversion but the only reason my chain needed replacing was (IMO) that it sat in one spot for to long expose to weather. There is on section that's really stiff and it's not giving in to lube. The sprockets look fine to me and I wanted the job to be easier. The chain is heavy, but I don't care about the weight, the bike is a horse anyways and has the sauce to spin it :-D! Also, when looking at the box it says roller chain, not "O" ring. I did ask for OE, o ring type. I'm thinking it's not right but it will work. Also it has a master link. I'm not sure I like that so I did not open it yet. Should I return it? It was about $110 with tax from the stealer.
 
If it is an oring chain, the master link will have 4 orings with it. If it does not, return it and run far, far away.
 
If you paid $110 for a non-sealed chain, PLEASE post the dealers name here so that I NEVER accidentally go there... You can get a good non-sealed 630 chain for around $50-60 each and every day. I have to assume it's an o-ring chain they sold you.
 
I got jammed?

I got jammed?

......I have to assume it's an o-ring chain they sold you.

Went down to the storage place today kissed my ride(s) hello and grabbed the "new" chain.

P5030053-newchain-resized.jpg


P5030054-newchain-resized.jpg


P5030052-newchain-resized.jpg


Does not say "O" ring so I'm figuring it's not. I've no excuses, I asked for OEM-"O" ring and I was ordering about 6 other things at the same time and was just happy that they had it. I did not really look until later and took him at his word. I know one thing, it's heavy, about 7 lbs.

I'm such a newbie :oops: . In my defense, I've only owned two other bikes. One was belt and the other was shaft, so be easy on me!!
 
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