530 conversion on my kz900

I bought new sprockets and they are on order. 15 and 33. We plugged the old numbers on this little chart and i was at 2.2 and now I will be at 2.235 gearing or something. Anyway, will I need spacers so they align? I hope my new chain won't rub the swing arm. Did I jump too quick and buy some wrong stuff? I was clear on the fact it was a conversion and the shop dude didn't have any suggestions. Anyone here done this similar conversion ( I'm sure several of ya'll have)?

Stock 900 gearing is 35/15 or 2.33. The 1000 went to 33/15 or 2.20, and they would not pull anywhere near redline in top gear. The MK II went back to 35/15 and would almost pull redline in top. I used to run 36/15 on my demo MK II's.

In 530 I myself would have gone with 39/17 or 2.29, 37/16 or 2.31, 40/17 or 2.35. I had a customer ordered such a small rear sprocket on his Z1 that the sideplates on the chain hit the sprocket carrier!!! When we called Circle Industries after we got the sprocket and the guy at Circle wondered how we were going to get it to fit when they were making it!!!! Bet the 39t or 40t 530 sprocket is close to the same diameter of the stock 630 chain 35t rear sprocket!!

The rear sprocket for a Z1 or KZ900 in 530 is nothing more than 750 H2 triple sprockets!!!

You were 630 and going to 530? The first number is the pitch between rollers, the second is the width between plates, both in eighths. So they should both be 3/8" wide and shouldn't cause an alignment issue. Whether the chain hits the swingarm is more about the type of chain you bought. Though the old 630 chains are pretty beefy and are generally about as wide as the widest x-ring 530 chain, at least within a mm or two. Go measure the pin length on your current chain, then look up the specs on the chain you bought. I would bet its fine. Good luck.

Alan

Hi Matteson, I've done the 630 to 530 chain conversions on many Z1, Z1A, Z1B & Z900-A4's.
To obtain the original gearing ratio (15T/35T). I had no trouble with front 18T and rear 40 or 42T, suits length of chain 110 links.
The only difficulty was finding a locking tab-washer for the front sprocket, as 530 sprocket supplied did not have that small hole for the tab.

It's a great conversion, as the modern chains are stronger than the originals and the drive is a lot smoother!.
RegardZ.

Matteson, if you ordered 15/33 530 sprockets, you will have problems.

15 tooth front and 35 tooth rear are stock on the KZ900.

This converts to 18 tooth and 42 tooth 530 sprockets with a 110 link chain.

If you purchased 15 & 33 530 sprockets, they are too small - and you likely have a rear sprocket coming with the wrong bolt hole pattern. Other than custom manufactured, I am not aware of any manufacturer making a 33 tooth 530 sprocket for the Z1/kZ900. That's assuming your rear brake is still a drum brake and previous owners haven't converted to disk on the rear.

With sprockets that small, you'll have issues with the chain slapping the swing arm.

You will need a spacer behind the front sprocket.

What make and series sprockets did you order?

J T sprockets. I have a kz1000 rear tire.

So I confirmed my purchase by calling Performance Cycle and they told 17 and 38 is what I ordered. Sorry for the confusion. 17 is the largest they make. So I am one tooth off from the Doc's suggestion.

17 tooth is not the largest 530 front sprocket for that bike, 18 tooth is routinely available - any JT Sprocket reseller can get these, so I don't know why they told you 17 tooth is the largest.

17/38 will work for you, but you still need a spacer.

You will see slightly higher wear on the chain and sprockets by using the smaller sprockets.

SO I got it installed but there is a slight wobble. I tied a pencil up and marked the wobble. Adjustment one way or the other still didn't make it true. So I just tore it all down and checked the sprocket and it's straight. Any suggestions? I just spent a bunch of loot on this stuff and want it right.

Where is the wobble? Are you marking the wheel or the tire as you turn it? Ed

As a previous owner swapped out the rear wheel, you need to make sure all the parts you need are actually there. This includes the spacer that goes between the sprocket carrier and the hub. I would suggest assembling the parts on the axle to make sure they all fit perfectly. If the interior spacer is missing, or if is the wrong one or the wrong way around, the sprocket carrier may float.

650ed wrote: Where is the wobble? Are you marking the wheel or the tire as you turn it? Ed

sprocket ed.