The Details-530 Chain conversion

[wayne]

I've just received these JT sprockets and a chain from Jawzy's powersports (on ebay). All three items. Chain and sprockets. Excellent service.

Rear 530 52 tooth #JTR816.52
Front 530 17 tooth #JTF424.17

Original ratio- 1:3.0714
New ratio- 1:3.059

On the right is an original 43 tooth 630 and on the left is the JT 52 tooth replacement. Same goes for the 14 tooth drive sprocket original and JT 17 tooth on the left.

If you want an original look, they're pretty close.

Many thanks to those who've gone before and allowed me to piece together the required info. Particularly the gent who provided conversion multipliers.

Note that both the rear and front sprockets are virtually identical diameters so there should be no problems with chain clearance etc. The holes in the driven sprocket all line up as they do on the drive (second photo).

I haven't experimented with the chain as yet but I think that you need something of at least 115 links in 530 EDIT: 114 worked. I bought a 120 O ring 530. I"m about to leave for some time so unable to report final assembly but it all looks good to go.

Wayne

[pmcburney]

But aren't you worried that a 530 chain might not be able to handle the power output?

[wayne]

W.A. Paul just threw a stock chain recently obviously from its inability to withstand everything that an RE5 can throw at it.

But hey, this is a big move for me. It ain't original, NOS or restored..............what's happening !!

[ap951]

for someone on a budget this might be all that's needed to be riding. Thank you for posting Wayne

[Jess]

Wayne...

Please go to hospital now and get checked...

Ask them to be on the lookout for signs of a stroke...

Barb is worried as well.

Best,

[kettle738]

Hi Wayne, I have also done this 530 chain conversion on my RE5, I wrote a small piece about it in the latest ROC magazine Trochoid...if you get that down your way.

You should have zero concerns about chain strength with a modern 530 chain given that bikes such as the Hyabusa with several times the grunt happily rely on them.

I must admit I was concerned before I started from the appearance point of view, I dreaded being sent one of those cheap nasty black painted efforts that has just been stamped from flat plate, but I was very happy with the JT sprocket when it turned up, it couldn't have been much closer to stock really.

All I was seeking to change was the dreadful racket made by the original 630 chain as it struggled round the gearbox sprocket and the corresponding risk of chain breakage; the smaller pitch 530 makes a much quieter and happier job of it.

All that changes in terms of the chain is the pitch, it's still the same 'width' .....unfortunately I've only managed about five miles on it since then so, not really tested at all....and as it's getting down to -8C here at night and we are ankle deep in snow not much prospect of testing it any time soon.

I'd definitely be interested to hear your opinions though once you have it up and running.

Mick................kettle738

[wayne]

Thanks Mick, it was probably you that posted the multiplier to convert sprocket sizes and chain length.

Not sure how many links I'll need exactly but I'll just cut the 120 down.

Will report in a couple of weeks (after checking in to hospital for a thorough checkup- glad that RR is always thinking of me). I'm hoping for smoother quieter and easy availability.

Wayne

PS Used to get the ROC letter and while the content was very good, it was mostly Norton based. Perhaps has evolved over the years.

[kettle738]

Hi Wayne, the number of chain links is a bit of a pain; I found when I cut mine to size the options were just too long, or just too short. By removing the minimum amount from the 120 link chain the adjusters were already mid way along the adjustment range, but removing one more link meant they were back to absolute minimum with the axle fully forward in the swingarm slots.

Initially I took the risk free option and had the adjusters mid way.....but it bugged me so I took out one more link....there is enough adjustment (just) to allow sufficient slack in the chain, and if it doesn't work I will replace it and the chain is still long enough to use on another bike.

I guess the problem is the number of teeth on the new sprockets...one tooth more or less on either sprocket would probably make all the difference, but that would alter the gearing so can't be done unless you want higher/lower ratios.

Yes I did post the conversion factors, but I can't claim any credit I just borrowed them from a Z1 site. I must say that now the kit is on the bike, at a glance you wouldn't know anything had been changed.....which helps a lot as I think I have the same originality 'issues' as you.

Mick..........kettle738

[wayne]

Thanks Mick, useful info before I go chopping into my chain.

Wayne

[wayne]

Chain and sprockets are now fitted. I had to remove 6 links from the 120 and that gives me enough slack in the chain with the axle almost all the way forward. Good points:

You'd never know it was non standard. The JT sprocket is so close in looks.

Easy availability of chains and sprockets and options for gearing changes.

However, I must say I'm a little surprised and disappointed. I've had so many people telling me that I'm throwing horsepower away flinging that dirty great chain around.

Well, the difference in weight between the 630 and the 530- about 150 grams over what's almost 3 kg. Bugger all.

And in fact, the JT sprockets weigh fractionally more. That's neither here nor there but I really thought that the chain would weigh significantly less.

Anyway, will report ride results.

[wayne]

Did about 120 miles- split between freeway and backroads. The bike is smoother overall and significantly smoother around that grinding harmonic which is roughly 60 mph.

However, is it smoother because it has new chain and sprockets or smoother because it is a 530 chain. I would tend towards the former.

Easy availability, perhaps cheaper, more gearing options for sure, but don't expect miracles.

Wayne