I need advice re: drive chain

 

My chain is stretched on my 1979 CB 650. I bought a new one online, but
since I could not find exact replacements for the OEM specs I thought I had
figured out one that would apply -- I read as much about it as I could find
online and waded through the multitude of chain choices, but I obviously
still lack understanding because I think I bought the wrong chain and am
lost.

The manual calls for RK50NK or DID 50HDK, 102 links,  but I could not find
even a mention of these anywhere. I bought a 530 Heavy Duty 110 links from
jcwhitney, the only one I thought I could figure out. I began to work on it
and found that the chain on the bike has no master link.  From what I read
these may not be interchangeable so I need advice.  Thanks,

frog

 

 



A 530 chain seems to be the right size, but a Google shows the number of
links quoted at 102 or 106 according to model (I even found a 104 link
spec). With 110 links, you haven't got a problem, anyway, because you
can just remove some links.

OK, so your bike has an endless chain fitted. Again, not a problem.
You'll need to buy a good quality chain riveter/splitter and a soft
rivetable master link.

Break the existing chain, attach the new chain, roll it on, and loosely
join the ends using the master link. You'll soon see how many links you
need to remove.

Alternatively, take bike and new chain to a dealer and ask the dealer to
do it (cost: rather less than a quality riveter/splitter will cost you).
Oh, and ask dealer to source and fit new sprockets at the same time.

Given that you seem really ignorant about this most basic of tasks (no
offence), getting a professional to do it would seem wisest.

--
BMW K1100LT  Ducati 750SS  Honda CB400F  Triumph Street Triple
Suzuki TS250ER GN250  Damn, back to six bikes!
Try Googling before asking a damn silly question.
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

 



Not ignorant about mechanics, I have fixed chains on the interstate with a
flashlight and using a highway marker as an anvil. I can fix CB 350-450
bikes on the highway with my eyes closed. It is my first CB 650. I am happy
to know that the only difference between the chain on the bike and the one I
bought is that the second has a master link.

I will make it a 102 link with my Dremel tool, and use that as well to get
the rivet chain off the bike. I was under the impression that the riveted
ones were a different pitch, i.e. 630 instead of 530 that's all.

As for sprockets, this bike has only 8K miles on it, ridden 234/miles a
year--the sprockets are like new.
Thanks,

frog

 



My 1982 GS1100 has a 630 (3/4" pitch) chain because chain
manufacturers couldn't make a chain with 10,000 pounds tensile
strength in 530 size back in those days.

My 1994 FZR1000 came with an oddball 532 chain, but OEM Yamaha
sprockets are too expensive, so I will order a 530 chain/sprocket kit
next time.

 


Liar...you looked up. You do not ride motorcycles (except as bitch)
nor have you ever ridden one.