Need 630/530 Conversion Help

I just completed a 630/530 chain converstion on my 1982 KZ1000 LTD. I went with a 15/45 setup and the bike is turning too many rpm's. For example it turns 5,600rpm at 70 mph. Stock is 15/39 for a 2.6 ratio, I am now at a 3.0 ratio.

I have a few options, going to a 17t front will give me a 2.647 which should be fine, or going to a 38T rear will give me 2.53. I want to avoid making one sprocket really small so that it wears out, and am thinking the 17t option is the way to go. I have enough chain (I think) to do this. I will check this out tonight.

Anyone dealt with this issue, any suggestions?
TIA

I once fitted a 16 tooth to my KZ900 and I thought that that was as big as would fit. Are you sure that a 17 will even fit? You're correct, the smaller the countershaft sprocket the faster the chain will wear. What's wrong with the stock numbers. I'm interested because my 900 needs both sprockets and a chain.

I'll probably stick with the stock setup, 630 that is. I know it's more weight but doesn't MaKaw know best?

KZCSI

A 17 should fit ok - remember it's a 530 sprocket, not a 630 and it's smaller. I figure it costs less and is easier than taking off the rear wheel. I hope I have enough chain! I think I'll be ok - it shouldn't take too much more to fit over it.

Mine was 15/41 with the stock 630. When I converted to 530, I went with 17/41 which I believe is the same gearing as a ZX9.
I think 17/45 is still going to be really low gearing.

i like 16/40 with 530,you will be wound out around 120 but after that who cares:P

I didn't realize this until I rode the bike after I thought I was done... so i'm trying to fix the easiest way.

17/45 will give me almost the stock 2.6 - it calculates out to be 2.647 and is easier to change than the rear wheel. Z1E sells the 17 as part of the conversion so I think it should fit. I'll verify with them.

15/45 does rev up and it's a lot of fun in city traffic.... but too many revs on the highway.

I have a 18T 530 5/8" offset sprocket on my 1000. It fits fine and I think Klasmo does, or did, offer a 19T for a 530 chain. I'm running a 18/40 combo (2.22:1) and the stock gearing was 15/33 (2.2:1).

I was running a 18/45 combo when I first did the conversion and it seemed geared really low.

Don't know if this helps but thought I'd chime in anyways.

Later, Doug

Wow, 15/33 stock! I went to buykawasaki and checked mine and it's 15/39. I think the LTD's were geared a little different.

Mine used to turn about 5200 at 80mph indicated, now it's turning 5600 at 70. I may go one tooth higher than I thought then. I have to put it up on the rack and see how much adjustment I have in my chain... it's a new chain and I took out the links to size it right and left a little adjustment though it's at the front of the range. If I don't have much adjustment then it's time to replace the rear sprocket. The cost is about $10 difference in the sprockets but the rear is more work. Maybe I'll just go there anyway and play it safe, if I don't have enough chain then I gotta order another one, etc. wait, shipping, etc.

Time to recalculate options.

One problem I AM having is that none of my countershaft sprocket nut lockdown devices work on the 530 c/s sprocket. My sprocket is solid, no holes in it, and the offset sprocket is still too deep for the shaft splines to be available under the nut.

If I remember correctly I put some blue thread lock on the thread before torqueing the nut really good on my offset sprocket.

Later, Doug

yep, I used lock tite on mine and have had no problems since. However I do believe there is a washer out there that will fit the countershaft splines to allow the washer to be bent over the nut. I've come close but have nut located it.

I called up Jeff at Z1E and the preferred choice would be to go with a 17T in front. The more teeth on the sprocket, hopefully it results in a longer life.

He explained how to tell if I have enough chain for a 17T since I cut the chain to line up on the first adjuster. I can go forward enough for the change.

I'll keep you posted!