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Chain + Sprocket replacement questions... Sprocket Size vs. Chain Length.

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Old 06-19-2007, 05:17 PM
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Chain + Sprocket replacement questions... Sprocket Size vs. Chain Length.

The Rear sprocket I have on my bike now has 41 teeth.

I just got a "kit" that is a front 16 tooth (Sunstar Part # 52216) and a rear sprocket with 43 teeth. (Sunstar Part # 2-548643)

The chain I got is a RK RX-Ring Chain GB530XS0Z 1 with 116 links.

The Manual I have for the bike says the default length for the chain is 102 Links.

Does anyone know the math on the super hawk for how many teeth on the rear sprocket = how many links on the chain. I figure with 2 more teeth, its going to need more links on the chain to deal with the increased circumference.

The question is... Do I need to cut the chain?
Come Saturday when I'm doing the work, I figure I can test the length of the chain prior to any cutting, but I thought I'd ask here first.

Thanks!
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Old 06-19-2007, 06:05 PM
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The rule of thumb I've seen is + or - two teeth difference, you're fine with stock length (102).

I'm certain that 16/43 works with stock because thats what I've got on right now. Also, if you decide to drop a tooth in the front (15/43) then thats a +1 difference (-1 +2) and you're also fine. I hope that makes sense.
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Old 06-19-2007, 06:43 PM
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Thanks for the reply.
the new front sprocket is still stock, at 16 teeth.
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Old 06-20-2007, 07:00 PM
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What Nova said...
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Old 06-21-2007, 01:36 PM
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I just put a 43tooth on mine last night, with the stock chain and front sprocket. Fits fine, you do have to slide the wheel up alot more to get the proper slack though.. I love the idea of having a shorter wheel base now more like my cbrs I used to have.. Really wakes up the lazy tach now, comes up in second now with a slight tug on the clip ons... Makes the Hawk even more fun to ride!!!
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Old 07-31-2007, 09:44 AM
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Moving the rear wheel forward will make it steer quicker, and make it twitchy.
Not really a problem, but be careful in the wet or on dirt roads, as stability is changed.
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Old 07-31-2007, 10:38 AM
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I also went 16/43 last week. I agree, it is a great combo, gets me in 6th gear now which was pretty much useless before.
I do agree with the other post, take the first few rides easy till you get used to the shorter wheel base.
All in all your gonna love it..... My opinion anyway.
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Old 08-26-2007, 08:50 AM
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Can anyone verify the 102 links in the stock chain? I went to a cycle parts shop yesterday and they told me to buy a 120 link chain. I insisted it was a 102, and they checked TWO chain manufacturers which both said 120... I ended up not coming home with the desperately needed chain as they only had 110 link chains in stock at this time.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
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Old 08-26-2007, 09:49 AM
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Per the Honda Service Manual the stock chain is indeed 102 links.
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Old 08-26-2007, 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RK1
Per the Honda Service Manual the stock chain is indeed 102 links.
I know. But try looking it up on Chaparral or Bike Bandit, they both spec. 120 links... strange!
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Old 08-26-2007, 02:49 PM
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Doc;

I saw another site claimed it was 112. I just now jacked up the rear wheel, marked a side plate on my OEM chain and counted. 51 side plates with two links per plate = 102.
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Old 08-26-2007, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by RK1
Doc;

I saw another site claimed it was 112. I just now jacked up the rear wheel, marked a side plate on my OEM chain and counted. 51 side plates with two links per plate = 102.
Wow, now that is definitive! I guess the chain companies want to sell a few extra links.

Thanks!
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Old 08-26-2007, 03:24 PM
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Doc;

No sweat, I wanted to make sure myself.

I thought maybe the retailers didn't want to stock different length chains so were selling "one size fits all" with a master link expecting folks to punch out what they don't need, but I looked at the Bike Bandit site you mentioned and they stock RK 530X102 so go figure.
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Old 08-26-2007, 07:45 PM
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Most sell the chain in lengths of 100 or 120. Some will sell you exactly what you want. Some are just plain f'ed up.
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Old 08-26-2007, 08:34 PM
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16/43

Originally Posted by Tucknroll
I also went 16/43 last week. I agree, it is a great combo, gets me in 6th gear now which was pretty much useless before.
I do agree with the other post, take the first few rides easy till you get used to the shorter wheel base.
All in all your gonna love it..... My opinion anyway.
A 43 rear is better for most street riding but I find myself looking for another gear on the slab. A gear indicator would be nice as I forget but I'm old. Milage suffers with a 43 but jetting plays a bigger part when hammering anyway...
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Old 08-27-2007, 05:51 AM
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I have the same Sunstar setup in 16/43. I used the stock chain length (DID X-ring, riveted, 102 links). I'm never figured out what mileage I had on stock sprockets as I changed them when I bought this bike. I'm getting around 39.5MPG with K&N, WileyCo pipes, and no jetting.
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Old 08-27-2007, 07:57 AM
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Just to get the data into the forum where a search might find it.

I'm getting ready for a new chain. Stock gearing is fine with me. I wanted to stay with 530 chain size for maximum wear.

I was amazed to find out the a chain kit from Service Honda was priced under $200. part number 06406-MBB-E01 priced net at $193.54

All the after market parts houses were over $200.
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