Thanks earl.
Is there a formula for figuring out chain length:?:
Is there a formula for figuring out chain length:?:
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Preference for 530 chain
- Thread starter crag antler
- Start date
I found an online site at one time that would compute it for you, but I found in practice that it did not account for the fact that the swingarm pivoting through its arc can change the chain length required by about two links, so it was not accurate enough (in my estimation) to rely on. I used it one time, found on assembly the chain was 2 links short after I had cut it and had to rivet two links back on. HUMBUG!! 
My method now is to measure the distance center to center between the countershaft and the rear axle. Draw a line perpendicular to the centers at each end. Add the distance for half the sprocket teeth at each end and add double the centerline distance between countershaft and rear axle. I set the rear axle in the middle of the adjustment range for making the calculations.
Example:
17 tooth counter shaft sprocket. A 180 deg wrap of that would be 8 1/2 teeth. Distance between countershaft center and axle center 28" (just an example) 28" top run + 28" bottom run or 56" total runs. 530 chain is 5/8" pitch or .625 so, 56 / .625= 89.6 links.
Rear sprocket 48 teeth or 24 teeth for a 180 wrap.
Add the sprockets and runs together and you get 8.5 + 89.6 + 24 = 122.1 links. I usually add two links to my calculation for ordering purposes and then fit and cut it on the bike.
Earl
My method now is to measure the distance center to center between the countershaft and the rear axle. Draw a line perpendicular to the centers at each end. Add the distance for half the sprocket teeth at each end and add double the centerline distance between countershaft and rear axle. I set the rear axle in the middle of the adjustment range for making the calculations.
Example:
17 tooth counter shaft sprocket. A 180 deg wrap of that would be 8 1/2 teeth. Distance between countershaft center and axle center 28" (just an example) 28" top run + 28" bottom run or 56" total runs. 530 chain is 5/8" pitch or .625 so, 56 / .625= 89.6 links.
Rear sprocket 48 teeth or 24 teeth for a 180 wrap.
Add the sprockets and runs together and you get 8.5 + 89.6 + 24 = 122.1 links. I usually add two links to my calculation for ordering purposes and then fit and cut it on the bike.
Earl
crag antler said:
Last edited:
B
Boondocks
Guest
earlfor said:I found an online site at one time that would compute it for you, but I found in practice that it did not account for the fact that the swingarm pivoting through its arc can change the chain length required by about two links, so it was not accurate enough (in my estimation) to rely on. I used it one time, found on assembly the chain was 2 links short after I had cut it and had to rivet two links back on. HUMBUG!!
Sprocket and Chain Optimizer provides a calculator for chain and sprocket sizes. Is this the one that wasn't accurate enough? It might still be useful for a cross check to help prevent a computation error.
The web page isnt the same as I remember. Web pages can be changed though. (someone told me that) LOL It could be as the word "optimizer" rings a bell, but bottom line is, I'm not sure. I just checked my example numbers against the optimizer results and the conclusion is the same, so it is certaninly accurate enough to order a length of chain. I still would not cut the chain without fitting it to the bike. LOL Hell, I dont even trust my own numbers enough to cut the chain without fitting it. eheh
Earl
Earl
Boondocks said:
KGB
Forum Sage
Earl,
You are the man!!
I did my 1000S a few years ago, it was in here somewhere, on the old forum.
I went with a DID chain,sealed o-ring type.
I did use 124 links, an took a few off, I don't remember how many.
As to the washers on the front sprocket, I went to the local hardware store, found some that were the rifgt diameter and placed one on the inside of the sprocket and one on the outside of the sprocket.
eyeballed it, hand spun the rear wheel, nothing hit or was close to making contact. I had the bike on the lift, front wheel locked, up on the center stand, fired it up, ran 2-3 gears no contact.
Don't try this at home unless you have a mechanic lift that locks down the front wheel and someone else to hit the cut off button, just in case.
I've got over 10,000 miles on it no problems.
I could notice the weight difference and it seemed to hookup better.
Might be all in my mind, but it works well.
there are more options for this size chain and as stated with technology,
the newer chains have more strenght. Not that our GS' put out
Busa type of power, it's nice to have the reserve.
You are the man!!
I did my 1000S a few years ago, it was in here somewhere, on the old forum.
I went with a DID chain,sealed o-ring type.
I did use 124 links, an took a few off, I don't remember how many.
As to the washers on the front sprocket, I went to the local hardware store, found some that were the rifgt diameter and placed one on the inside of the sprocket and one on the outside of the sprocket.
eyeballed it, hand spun the rear wheel, nothing hit or was close to making contact. I had the bike on the lift, front wheel locked, up on the center stand, fired it up, ran 2-3 gears no contact.
Don't try this at home unless you have a mechanic lift that locks down the front wheel and someone else to hit the cut off button, just in case.
I've got over 10,000 miles on it no problems.
I could notice the weight difference and it seemed to hookup better.
Might be all in my mind, but it works well.
there are more options for this size chain and as stated with technology,
the newer chains have more strenght. Not that our GS' put out
Busa type of power, it's nice to have the reserve.
Well Earl, Keith beat me to it.
You are the man\\
/ \\/ \\/
Many thanks
You are the man\\
/ \\/ \\/ Many thanks
P
Paul F
Guest
Yes there is a wieght differance, but the main differance is tensile stregth. The 630 chain has a pin diameter of .234 giving it an average of 8500 lbs. The 530 chain has a .214 pin diameter giving it an average of 6600 lbs. You need to find a 530 oring chain or 520 oring chain that has an average tensile strength of at least 8500 lbs. I am converting my bike from 630 to 520 oring made by Diamond Chain. It has an average tensile stregth of 9300 lbs.
B
Billy Ricks
Guest
Regina makes a really strong 520 chain too.