Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Ok, my bike has 22000 miles on it and it needs a new chain bad. I have stock gearing and I am looking to change that. I am interested in the 520 chain conversion with the 15/43t. Seems like that's what everyone recommends. So my bike with stock gearing does 4500 rpms for an indicated 85 mph. How much is that gonna change, meaning how much are the rpms gonna be higher for doin an indicated 85 mph. Thanx

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Check this page out: http://www.kamware.com/vtr1000f/topspeed.htm
You'll need to know all the gear ratios and so forth. I have a service guide that has all that info in it. I can give it to you if you want. I don't know if the owner's manual has it, though. I too need a new chain and am going to change the gearing. Putting lower gears in my Mustang was the best mod I've done so far, so I figured I'd try it on my bike. I was going to do the 520 conversion, but I talked to someone @ RK tech support and he had this to say:

"Yes, the trade off by converting to a 520 set up is less mileage for less rotational mass. It’s difficult to give you precise mileage difference between a 520 set up and a 530 set up. I would say a 520 set up could range anywhere from 40% to 60% less mileage than a 530 set up depending upon conditions the chain is put through."

Being that I ride almost everyday, the 520 probably isn't worth it for me. My plan is to go with an EK530rxo chain and going +2 on the rear sprocket, while leaving the front stock. I ride on the freeway on a regular basis, so the -1 front sprocket is just too steep for my tastes. What I did with that calculator link was write down rpm's vs. speed at 80, 90, and 100 mph in 6th gear with the 16/41, 16/43, and 15/43 combos. Then I went out on the freeway and checked them out and found that I could live with the 16/43 combo. If anything, it'll be safer for me because it's so damn easy to go 100+ on this bike and the lower gearing will slow me down on the top end. Here are the numbers that I got from the calculator:

----------80 mph 90 mph 100 mph
------------------- ---------- -----------
16/41- 4500rpm 5000rpm 5600rpm
16/43- 4700rpm 5300rpm 5900rpm
15/43- 5000rpm 5700rpm 6300rpm

This included Dunlop's listing of the diameter for the 180/55 d208zr of 24.96". My speedometer is actually around 4300 rpms @ 80mph for what it's worth. I would assume that the calculator table is mathematically what the rpm/mph should be. It's probably damn close, so personally, I preface it to myself by saying "at around". Like "at around" 80mph, my rpm's will be "at around" 4500. Hope this helps. And let me know if you need the info for that calculator.

Wow, that awesome, thanx a lot for the info. Yeah, I am thinking more about the 16/43 combo now. As far as the 520 goes, If you look up some of the 520 chains, they are recommended for 1000cc bikes as well, I don't think that would be an issue. The new 520 chains on the market these days have amazing tensile strength.

Any 15/43t owners wanna comment on this?

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

I did the 15/43 520 mod the same time I upgraded my fork springs and fork oil.

Better feel coming out of 2nd and 3rd gear turns! 8)

Plus.....it drops a ton of spinning mass.


Mike

how is your chain holding up?

Amazing.... I am going to get a new chain and sprockets today... seems mine is stretched to the max at 18,755 miles... this could be due to the 43 sprocket I removed to go back to the 41... I dunno... but Im in the RED.

anybody know the link count for stock 16/41?

thanks

102 I believe. Did you have a 520 chain on there?

I have a DID chain and have not a clue if its been swapped... but it looks big like a 530 to me...

I have to order my sprockets and chain locally.. so best bet for price would be online....

got any good links for this junk?

thanks

PS its was over $200 at my local shop...

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Check out this link from an eBay store: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA...spagenameZWDVW

That's the absolute best price I could find on a chain/sprocket combo.

Is it worth it to do the 520 conversion? I have not heard too many things on this.. nor have I really looked into it....

what are your thoughts? Im a 750 mile per week commuter on my SH... I need it to last.... I dont know about the aluminum sprockets and all... weight is not a BIG concern of mine at this point... longevity is...

thanks

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

I'm still up in the air about the 520 conv. The thing is, that I won't know if I think it's worth it until I try it. In my experiences with lightening drivetrain parts on my car, I've always liked the results. I know they're different creatures, but the same principals as far as rotating mass have to apply. And to complicate things, like I said earlier, I'm changing the gear ratio at the same time. So I won't be able to isolate that the difference I feel is from the lighter chain, lighter sprockets, or more teeth on them. I know it'll be a combo of all of them. I'd rather not have the chain wear fast, but you figure worst case, if the 520 chain doesn't last very long, I'll just go back to the 530 set up if I don't like it. Someone said earlier that the 520 chains are pretty damn strong compared to the 530 versions of the same model. I just can't decide what to do. Here are some comparisons:

EK 520RXO (8500 lbs) vs. EK 530RXO (9400 lbs) = 90% the tensile strength

RK 520GXW (8800 lbs) vs. RK 530GXW (10000 lbs) = 88% the tensile strength

EK 520MVXZ (9000 lbs) vs. EK 530MVXZ (9300 lbs) = 96%-97% the tensile strength

All the specs come from each manufacturer's website, except for the percentages, which come from the nifty little calculator program in my computer.

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Maybe I'm dumb, but why in the world would there be any loss in mileage with the 520 sprockets with the same gearing? Even with a change in rotational mass, shouldn't this improve the mileage (or at least stay the same)?
I've changed sprockets on my "little" Hawk (NT650), and it wore them out faster, but didn't appreciably change mileage. It did change drivability some, but I the AL rear wore out A LOT faster; even with the decreased HP on the lil Hawk.
:?:

I think I might stay with a 530 chain and go 2 up in the back to a 43 and leave the front stock. What do you guys think?

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Ultimate gearing from everything I read is 15/43 as far as all around... however... my concern is mileage and longevity.... I had a 43 on the rear and seemed to hinder my mileage by almost 10 miles to a tank... now that may not be alot to some.. but I ride 140 miles per day and that can add up... I want to stick with 16/41 for my purpose.

Im finding it very hard to get the 530 setup online... I mean it should be easier.. but almost everything I find is 520 conversion... I dont think I want that with aluminum sprockets and all.... not for me with my commuting.

If anybody knows of an online store that carries the SH sprockets and 530 o-ring chain at decent prices? I have found some, but $95 is just a little steep to me...

anybody? thanks.... the quest continues.....

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

My 520 chain is holding up great!

Not sure on the make of chain. The best advice is...LUBE &CLEAN!!

Installed a Scot-Oiler when I was in the UK. I clean my chain once every couple weeks with a rag saturated with 90wt gear oil....let sit over night....wipe clean the following day. Getting close to 20k on the 520 and no where near the limit markers for replacement.

Proper alignment is a must. A $20 tool from JC Whitney works well. I didn't trust the Honda marks on the swing arms.

My .02

Mike

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Will the stock chain be long enough with the 16/43 combo?

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

I've learned to eyeball it. not easy or fast. just use the marks as a base reference. they are not exact. but its worked well for every bike I've owned so far. but I'm kinda nerotic about getting it perfect.

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

When they say mileage, I don't think they are talking about fuel mileage. I believe they mean how many miles the chain and sprockets will last.

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

It should be... I had a 43 on it when I got it and went back to 41.... still have 102 links.....

On another note....

I ordered JT Racing Sprockets ( steel, not aluminum) from a local shop....

530 16/41's with a 10% military discount for $54.25 out the door.... pick them up tomorrow...

Still debating the chain... so many to choose... o-ring... zx.... wx... or whatever they are... lol....

Looking at the gold RK for $95...

{I edited the gears I ordered... Type-O when I said 16/43's... I oredered 16/41}

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Thanks

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Here is a gear ratio chart for the SH. There is'nt much difference between the 16/43 and the 15/41.

http://www.jtsprockets.com/52.0.html...sel_uid=544&p=

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

W-O-T, why did you go back to the 41 tooth?

I think the chain is 120 links not 102, better check before you cut it.

Thanks for the link, mighty handy.
Actually states on thr link 102 links.

~Jeffers

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Stock is 16/41.... I got it with 16/43 and 102 links.... stock is 102 links... there is no way 120 links would be correct... I counted.

My reasons for 16/41 is my commute... 140 miles per day and 10 more miles ( est) per tank... not going off the speedo for this either cuz its wrong from the factory anyway....

I know ultimate is 15/43 for all around.. but my commute is ALL FREEWAY

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Hey w-o-t, sorry I was out of town for the weekend and when I got back got slammed with homework. :cry: I'd have to count but if I remember correctly I think you're right with 102 links.

Thanks SH22.... I got it.... sprockets are being picked up today....

Re: Chain/sprocket recommendations.
 

Ordered a 43 tooth today.

That's what I will be ordering. Just a 43 rear tooth with the stock 530 chain.

Good things go to those who search...

I found a RK530 X-ring 104 link on a back shelf in a local shop....

$73 out the door!!! :D