Preference for 530 chain

[crag antler]

Just a general question to get everybody's ideas.

What chain do you prefer for a 530 conversion on my 83 GS1100E??
And no, a shaft isn't a option:?

I have run DID in the past and haven't had too much problems but was wondering if anyone knew of a better 530 chain.
I was hoping to stay with a master link setup but if endless is better, why?
Besides the possible loss of the link, which hasn't happened to me in the 24 years of riding\\/

I really dig these new font choices

 

[beby99]

What chain do you prefer for a 530 conversion on my 83 GS1100E??

RK 530 X-ring

 

[ddaum]

RK 530 X-ring

I concur, I use an RK 530 X-ring chain and it's been great. It came with a rivet-type master link, but I went to my local dealer and picked up a clip-type master link for it for less than $10. No problems at all, and the price isn't too outrageous.

 

[scotty]

Just a general question to get everybody's ideas.

What chain do you prefer for a 530 conversion on my 83 GS1100E??
And no, a shaft isn't a option:?

I have run DID in the past and haven't had too much problems but was wondering if anyone knew of a better 530 chain.
I was hoping to stay with a master link setup but if endless is better, why?
Besides the possible loss of the link, which hasn't happened to me in the 24 years of riding\\/

I really dig these new font choices

YOU KNOCKED lEON OUT OF THE LOOP WITH YOUT SHAFTIE COMMENT DOUG Nice work. I think i will leave the 630 on my gs.. I think.

 

[dtkid]

630 vs 530

630 vs 530

Please inform:

What is really the difference in the 630 and 530 chains? Is it purely a weight issue?

 

[crc1214]

A 3rd vote for the RK X-ring chain!!!!!!!!!!! They're awesome!

 

[crag antler]

Please inform:

What is really the difference in the 630 and 530 chains? Is it purely a weight issue?

I have heard it was a weight and also a cost issue.
Maybe those more knowledgable would know.

 

[bwringer]

Please inform:

What is really the difference in the 630 and 530 chains? Is it purely a weight issue?

Mostly cost and easy availability - 530 chain is far more common.

Modern 530 chain is also far stronger than anything made in the '80s, so there's no real need for 630 anymore.

 

[earlfor]

I have RK 530 x-ring chain on the 1150. Clip type master link. I do only install a clip one time. If I need to remove the master link, it gets a new one.

Earl

 

[dtkid]

So what is required to switch from a 630 to a 530??

 

[earlfor]

You need a list of what bikes use 530 sprockets that will fit the GS suzuki's that were made with 630 setups. You'll need to figure out how many links of #530 chain will be needed for whatever sprocket combination you decide on. considering diameter differences and clearance issues on the swingarm crossmember, you will need to use at least a 17 tooth front sprocket when converting to 530 chain size. I have a list somewhere in one of my ref books. I'll dig it out if you decide to go the 530 conversion route.

Earl

So what is required to switch from a 630 to a 530??

 

[bradleymaynar]

I have a list somewhere in one of my ref books. I'll dig it out if you decide to go the 530 conversion route.

Earl

That list sounds like it could deserve a sticky. I stayed with the 630 last time around, but it'd be nice to have a quick reference if I decide to go to a 530.

Brad tt

 

[earlfor]

Ill take a lookie see Brad. I know its here................somewhere.

Earl

That list sounds like it could deserve a sticky. I stayed with the 630 last time around, but it'd be nice to have a quick reference if I decide to go to a 530.

Brad tt

 

[crag antler]

Ill take a lookie see Brad. I know its here................somewhere.

Earl

I would deeply appreciate if you could find that earl.
I plan on going with a 16 front and a 44 rear sprocket and was trying to figure out the chain length.
Jethro was thinking around 114 links:?

thanks in advance.

 

[Road_Clam]

I also notice that when I read the available information in my Parts Unlimited catalog that when converting a 630 GS over to Sunstar 530 sprockets, there is a footnote stating the need for "6mm thick washers". Where exactly do these washers go, and whats there purpose?

 

[beby99]

I also notice that when I read the available information in my Parts Unlimited catalog that when converting a 630 GS over to Sunstar 530 sprockets, there is a footnote stating the need for "6mm thick washers". Where exactly do these washers go, and whats there purpose?

The 530 sprockets are thinner than the 630. So when you tighten down the
530 sprocket on the shaft, you run out of thread on the shaft and you
get a loose sprocket. Thus you need the washers for added thickness.

 

[earlfor]

I made the washer from a piece of 1/4" thick aluminum plate. Quarter inch is slightly too thick, so once the washer was made, I rubbed it down on a piece of 80 grit emery flat on my table saw top. I used a drill press and two hole saws to cut the inside and outside cuts for the washer. Cut the inside 3/4 of the way through, then cut the outside 3/4 of the way through, then finish the inside and then the outside. Smooth the edges with a palm sander. Works perfectly.

Earl

The 530 sprockets are thinner than the 630. So when you tighten down the
530 sprocket on the shaft, you run out of thread on the shaft and you
get a loose sprocket. Thus you need the washers for added thickness.

 

[Road_Clam]

The 530 sprockets are thinner than the 630. So when you tighten down the
530 sprocket on the shaft, you run out of thread on the shaft and you
get a loose sprocket. Thus you need the washers for added thickness.

Thanks dude, yo da 530 man!

 

[dtkid]

I too would like to the reference table/sheet. I think I would like to switch for the sake of the many 530 choices that exist.

 

[earlfor]

Ok, I found my list of bikes using #530 sprockets that will fit all GS models for those wanting to convert from the stock #630 sprockets to #530 sizes.

Can use a FRONT SPROCKET from:

GSF 1200 Bandit (any)
GSF 600 bandit (any)
GSXR 750 1986 to 1997
GSX 600F Katana 1988 to 2002
SV 650 (any)
GSX 750F Katana 1989 to 2001
Yamaha YZF 600R 1994 to 2002
FZR 600 R 1989 to 1999
ZX 600 Ninja (any)
Any KZ 650 EXCEPT KZ 650H
KZ 750 1976 to 1979
ZX 750 Ninja 1987 to 1994
VN 800 1996 to 2002
ZX9R Ninja 1994 to 2001

REAR SPROCKETS can be used from:

GSXR 750 1990 to 1995
GT 750 (any)

My note: This list originally included the 1200 Bandit as using the same rear sprocket as the GS. It will NOT fit.

There are probably others that will also fit, but the above is all I have in my list.

When converting to the #530 size, it isnt a good idea to use smaller than a 16 tooth front sprocket and it is preferable to use a 17 tooth front sprocket.
There will not be clearance between the chain and the swingarm crossmember
if a smaller sprocket is used.

Also, a 5mm (actually about 4.5mm) shim washer will be needed on the countershaft when changing to a #530 size sprocket.

Earl.