530 drive chain??

Sorry if this question is bothersome to older members but I'm a newbie...

For those old KZ bikes, OEM drive chain size is (if I'm not mistaken) 630. With modern technology, I'm convinced that a 530 drive chain is way strong enough.
Am I right?

So, the question is to know if a 530 conversion is currently available and if it is commonly installed by members here.
Thanks!

In case it matters, I'm thinking at 1978 Z1-R, 1984 KZ750L4 and 1981 KZ1000J.

Yes, 530 chain is strong enough. Yes, the conversion kit is available. Try Z1 Enterprises. And yes, I think quite a few members here (but not me) use 530 instead of 630.

530 all the way.

Go 3 teeth up on the front sprocket and what ever number of teeth on the rear sprocket is necessary to keep the stock gear ratio. There are calculators on the web or as suggested, Z1 should be able to guide you.

The conversion calculations are easy enough in a spreadsheet. Basically, divide 630 gear by 5 multiply by 6. Then you can play with the numbers up and down and get whatever ratio you need.

Nessism wrote: 530 all the way.

Go 3 teeth up on the front sprocket and what ever number of teeth on the rear sprocket is necessary to keep the stock gear ratio. There are calculators on the web or as suggested, Z1 should be able to guide you.

Why 3 teeth up? I suppose it is to lower chain wear? Does 3 teeth larger works with any old KZ or it must be evaluated bike by bike?

Just curious but beside remaining OEM, is there any reason to stick with 630 chain/sprockets?

Thanks!

No reason to stay with 630.

By Claude: For those old KZ bikes, OEM drive chain size is (if I'm not mistaken) 630. .... In case it matters, I'm thinking at 1978 Z1-R, 1984 KZ750L4 and 1981 KZ1000J.

From the diagrams at Partzilla & Cmsnl.com the three models you're referencing have a 630 chain, but just an FYI some models came stock with a 530.

Claude. wrote: Why 3 teeth up? I suppose it is to lower chain wear? Does 3 teeth larger works with any old KZ or it must be evaluated bike by bike?

Just curious but beside remaining OEM, is there any reason to stick with 630 chain/sprockets?

Thanks!

A 630 sprocket and a 530 sprocket with +3 teeth will be approximately the same diameter. It's important to use a front sprocket that's at least as large diameter wise as the original or the chain may drag on the swingarm.

Many thanks for all this useful information!!

Realize also that you will need a 530 chain with more links than the original 630 chain.

The 6 in 630 stands for 6/8" (or 3/4.) That's the length between pins
As you might imagine, 530 has 5/8" pin spacing.

So (make believe) if your 630 chain had 96 links. 96 x .75 = 72" long chain.
72" / .625 = 115.2 (round up to 116 links for 530)

BTW, the 3 in30 stands for 3/8", which is the chain roller width.

630 is a better chain although heavier I suppose. I don't care to replace my Ford F350 parts with F150. I see no reason to not keep the heavy duty chain. The 630 will last longer. I guess I have about the same miles on each at 200,000 or so. 630 is better for sure. Only good reason to downgrade is when 630 is no longer offered, which could be now for all I know. As long as you can get the 630, keep it.

RonKZ650 wrote: 630 is a better chain although heavier I suppose. I don't care to replace my Ford F350 parts with F150. I see no reason to not keep the heavy duty chain. The 630 will last longer. I guess I have about the same miles on each at 200,000 or so. 630 is better for sure. Only good reason to downgrade is when 630 is no longer offered, which could be now for all I know. As long as you can get the 630, keep it.

You have it backwards. 530 is the "better" chain. They run smoother, quieter, are lighter, cheaper, much better availability, they require less maintenance because the load is shared with more sprocket teeth and more pins for the same length, and other things I'm sure.

The only reason to run 630 is because you already have one in good shape, you are doing a faithful restoration, or you are drag racing and making crazy HP numbers.

630's tend to have higher tensile strength numbers because the side plates are thicker. Chains don't fail in tension though unless you are dumping the clutch while running a slick driven by some blown high $ engine!