550 chain

[wolfheze]

One thing which to me spoils the look of my k2 is the dull appearance of the chain.  Would like to change it for a new 0 or X ring gold plated one. Last time I trawled the internet there didn't seem to be any available in the correct size. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

[Green1]

Not a very safe move on the 500/550 stick with a conventional chain.
O ring chains just about fit the 750 with minimal clearance

[wolfheze]

Yes i remember now that seemed to be the issue, plenty of non 0 ring chains available but none were available with a gold finish.. I'll have another looÄ·.

[K2-K6]

What size is the chain?

Maybe worth a look at moto-x and enduro suppliers.

[wolfheze]

I'm assuming it's a standard 530?

[wolfheze]

Tsubaki gamma non o ring gold 530 chain around £40.
I'll measure the pitch next time I'm in the garage

[K2-K6]

Slight sideways step in thinking, 525 chain is the same spec for all dimensions except it's approx 1.6mm narrower.

http://www.wemoto.com/info/chain_dimensions/

Could be possible to get the inside face of sprockets turned  to meet the spec and use 525.

I've seen 525 used on some fairly potent motors, so maybe an option.

Edit; for example KTM 990 is using 525.

[matthewmosse]

I ran an O ring chain on the cb500 sidecar for it's last few years daily commuting with no ill effects. I think clearance was close but no damage. I cannot recall, it may have had different size sproketts in terms of number of teeth. The chain was Did brand O ring chain, I think from Silver's though I was starting to shop around a lot by then.

[wolfheze]

I'll take my time and take some measurements before doing anything. After All there's nothing wrong with the one that's on now apart from its dull grey appearance.

[K2-K6]

Here you go. Someone has already done it, albeit in USA.

http://www.moto-madness.com/Cafe-racer-caferacer-71-73-CB500-520-sprocket-chain-conversion-kit-honda-ahmra.html

They're using a 520 series though which you can see on current bikes putting out more BHP and torque than the original 750 SOHC.

For the 400 Four owners it's also used for that application as well. So o-ring chain for all the fours is possible.

[deltarider]

I just wonder, an O-ring chafing at the crankcase, is that a CB500 or a CB550 problem?

[paulbaker1954]

One thing which to me spoils the look of my k2 is the dull appearance of the chain.  Would like to change it for a new 0 or X ring gold plated one. Last time I trawled the internet there didn't seem to be any available in the correct size. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

I am assuming 500 and 550 chains are same and if so I got a very nice gold Choho chain along with a sprocket set from M&P for a very reasonable £44.99

Part numbers are
Chain 609585
Front sprocket 028817 17 teeth
Rear Sprocket 028234 34 teeth

Having said that I also recall that the 550 uses a 37 tooth rear sprocket so you will need to check part numbers for the 550

[wolfheze]

Cheers thank you.

[Seabeowner]

Standard was 98 links on 500 and 100 links on 550. Although I've got a 100L on one of my 500s and the adjusters will take it up.