80 KZ650E LTD Cafe build

Usually best to do new sprockets with a new chain. Does the 650 take a 630 or 530 chain?

dom2570 wrote: Usually best to do new sprockets with a new chain. Does the 650 take a 630 or 530 chain?

+1 !!!

Worn sprockets (even a little worn) will prematurely kill a new chain, and an old chain will prematurely kill new sprockets. This is because the pitch doesn't match. Always replace both sprockets and chain as a set.

The KZ650 uses a 530 chain. Ed

650ed wrote:

dom2570 wrote: Usually best to do new sprockets with a new chain. Does the 650 take a 630 or 530 chain?

+1 !!!

Worn sprockets (even a little worn) will prematurely kill a new chain, and an old chain will prematurely kill new sprockets. This is because the pitch doesn't match. Always replace both sprockets and chain as a set.

The KZ650 uses a 530 chain. Ed

That was a lesson I learned the hard way. I had chain snap on my 750 after only 2 months due to bad sprockets. Unfortunately my 750 takes a 630 chain and the only way to get one is to order one online as all the local shops only carry 530s.

Ah man that's not good...new sprockets aren't in the budget and I thought getting a new O-ring chain for free was awesome. Now I'm torn...glad at least the chain is good for the bike.

Sprockets are the cheap part, it is the chains that can b e pricey. Amazon usually has JT sprockets for really good prices, were talking $25ish for the rear and like $12ish for the front.

When it comes to working on these bikes, I have learned that the easiest thing to do is throw away the receipts and not dwell too much on how much you spend on the bike, because they will just laugh at your budget.

HAHA yea I suppose you're right. I'll take a look at some sprockets. I was really hoping to get this thing up and running for the first time in 2 years by May 30th. Big Twin Cities cafe event goin on.
I'll be posting pics of what I've all done really soon. Bike is pretty unrecognizable at this point from where I started.

Alright I ordered new sprockets. Should be here by the weekend! Got my super bike bars situated after a long fight with ebay clip-ons I bought that just wouldn't work. Just need some nice sunny weather to clear my bare metal tins and start final assembly.
Hope replacing the sprockets don't prove too tough.
I already missed my May 30th deadline for the big Ton-Up meet so I'm bummed. Now it's just get the f'ing thing done asap to ride before the next kid arrives!

Be sure to use a new lock washer on the engine sprocket. Also, here's is a very cheap and easy way to hold the engine sprocket from moving when loosening and tightening the nut. Ed

www.kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/325119-bu...rocket-holder#325119

Damn! I ditched the old chain over winter when I got the new one. I already have the new chain on so couldn't I just stick something thru the wheel and have it hold against the swing arm as I brake it free?

Before you try that you may want to check with a couple bike shops around town. They most likely will have an old chain they have recently replaced that they will give you for free. Ed

So in order to keep myself from flipping out over electrical gremlins that have surfaced I went and sanded down my tins and clear coated them with 2k finally. I think it'll look awesome with the other touches I have in mind.

I also installed my rear sprocket and have the front to install as soon as I get a big enough socket!

Then I went to the local VJMC event and saw some amazing Kawi's I thought I'd share.

Enjoy...I know I did.

It may not look like much but I got a ton done this weekend. The pics are before getting the new front sprockets all on and chain together and chain guard on but thats all done. The headlight is now in and all my electrical issues are solved...ground wire was off and I don't know how. All I need is my petcock on, gas lines run, pods on, seat and front fender!