630 to 530 chain conversion.

To those who have done it: what's the noticeable difference? And can the stock ratio be obtained with 650 sprockets? Hurry before my chain falls off.

Gday, I would also like to know the outcome and will this work on my Z1 and Z1A. Thanks Lyndon

I will be doing it on my 78 1000. The biggest thing I think would be the weight savings. less rotating mass=more ponies. Check Z1enterprises site for info. Also people have wondered about the strength compared to a 630 chain. I think if it's good enough for a Busa it's good enough for an old KZ.

I can't specifically say about weight savings, but I can tell you that its a instantly noticable differece. I was comparing the two at work a few weeks ago. My KZ is getting an R6 rear end with a custom 40 spoke and 530 conversion.

And as Don said, it will free up some of those ponies to make it to the ground instead of using them to keep that chain turnin!

Yes, the stock ratio can likely be maintained. That has nothing to do with the chain, it has to do with the gearing of your front and rear sprocket.

Along with the weight savings, there's also more sprocket size options available in the 530 IIRC.

There is just under a one pound weight difference between a 92 link 630 O-Ring chain and a 110 link 530 X-Ring chain (the equivilent length). If you run steel sprockets, there is no appreciable difference in weight between the 630 and 530 sprockets.

For the KZ1000, the 530 sprockets are readily available (as mentioned previously, they are the ones fitted to the KZ650's).

For the Z1, the rear sprocket has to be fabricated in aluminum (although we will be getting some 530 steel sprockets in the early spring).

With the aluminum rear, you can go with just about any tooth count (although we only keep a couple on the shelf).

well now I'm more confused than ever. No sprocket avail. for the 76900? Have to be made of alum.? Sprockets are avail. for the kz1000? A 1000 sprocket doesnt bolt to a 900 wheel? Well i can be like you guys... The narrow profile of the 530 chain lowers the drag coefficient therefore, whence spinning at high speeds, absorbs less turning force, which transelates to more pressure on the sprocket. End result is rapid ratio change as the aluminum disintegrates. And I have a knew question: Does Changing the chain to 530 and using steel sprockets make a difference in power to the wheel that one can notice when riding the bike? Keep in mind, chain is tensioned properely, outside temp is normal and the real world applicate is the planet of earth. Can I get an answer please?

This nads guys really a jerk!

The Z1/KZ900A models have a drum rear and a sprocket carrier that's unique to the Z1/KZ900A & H2.

630 and 530 chain are the same width... just different pitch.

Aluminum sprockets do wear quicker than steel - although not by orders of magnitude.

Less driven weight = more power at the rear wheel.

530 chain and sprockets are cheaper and easier to find, and I'm told that 530 chain will last longer than a 630. Why that is I don't know, but that's what I've been told.

Lots has been written on this topic, just do a search of the archives...

Jeff.Saunders wrote:

630 and 530 chain are the same width... just different pitch.

Jeff, I know you have chains at your shop, and I'm reasonably certain you have a Digital Caliper, so I'd appreciate it if you could measure the width of 630 and 530 chains of similar construction and post the actual measurements.

I had both a 630 and a 530 chain hanging on the same nail in the garage, and the 630 was noticably larger in width.

There is a possibilty that the 630 was an 0-ring chain, and the 530 wasn't, I don't remember and I can't find anything in the garage right now

Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/12/24 16:17

Cafe, is your myth holding water? You are the chosen one for proof the power gain is real. Do you have noterized proof that the 530 is faster than the 630? I'll even take your word for it, a few convincing adjectives will be enough to send me over the edge. Or else it will just be a money thing. I,ve considered the fact that by changing the chain over, and the wheels to lighter ones, may change the acceleration rate to something less desirable than before. Like don't fix it if noone can identify the disadvantages of the 630 chain.