KZ900: Endless Chain vs. Master Link

Hey all,

Bike: KZ900 with ZX6RR (600) rear swingarm and rim with 180mm tire.

The stock ZX is a 520 sprocket set. As far as I know, offset sprockets can be ordered in 530 or 630, haven't found a 520. Nor would I think a 520 tensile strength be appropriate for a KZ900 due to the torque of these motors.

With this in mind, due to I haven't found a 630 for a ZX sprocket, this leaves me where a 530 rear sprocket and a 530 counter sprocket upgrade is required, I'm cool with that. But now I'm concerned in the chain selections.

EK 530 ZZZ Chains: 11,000 lbs tensile strength.
Seems should handle the KZ torque. Down fall is this chain comes with a master link (non endless).

Question: The stock and Kawasaki recommendation is the 92 link "Endless" type chain is required. I'll need 100-102 link or somewhere in there but the master link has me questioning?

Should I be concerned regarding the master link configuration on a KZ900?

Anyone else have this figured out and if so, please provide what you did for an endless type chain or if the master link isn't an issue due to newer technologies.

This is not a drag bike nor will I be racing it at my age.
No nose wheelies or any of that will be happening for that would only make me crap my pants! :blink:

Thanks,

Old Man Rock

Order based on reliability

(1) Endless chain
(2) Riveted master link
(3) Clip type master link

AFAIK, endless chain is only available from OEM (Kawasaki, big $$$).

I think most of us run clip type master links, and some run riveted master links.

I have never had a clip type master link come loose, but I have read of others that have. Never heard of a riveted master link coming loose.

The only endless chain I have ever run is the original chain that came on the bike. Uh...been a few years since that one hit the scrap pile. Have run clip masterlinks ever since and (knock on wood) never had any problems. That is something I wouldn't worry about. Just make sure the clip for the masterlink is on good, put some silicone, etc. on there to help hold it on and go riding.

Reading this got me to thinking,so I thought I'd snoop around.
I've heard about guys using a "Safety-Wire" before,on the master link clip,but never really put much thought into it,til now.Was never really sure what they meant,by the safety-wire.

I don't know...I think it's a good idea,as long as it's done "Properly".
I know there will be a lot of different opinions,and ideas when it comes to drive-chains,and connecting links,but just take a look at this one site in particular.
I've never has a clip let go on ANY bike that I've owned,but why not take that extra step?
The Warden and I are planning a trip up north this summer to visit family(approximately 750 miles one way).Just had one Uncle die a couple weeks back,so I want to get a visit in,before I lose another one,or My Dad.
Tips like this grab my attention,for peace of mind.Personally,I think the wire looks a bit "Mickey-Mouse",but again...for a long trip.
What do you guys think?...


faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_replace_the_chain%3F

AIMHO, a good clip master link won't fail unless it's installed wrong.

IIRC back in the day when these bikes were new. Some of the guys would just buy 60 industrial chain from like a tractor supply and run that. I have no idea what the tensile strength of this chain is but I'm sure you could find out. Like Steell pointed out the endless chains were big bucks even back then so alot of guys looked for cheaper replacements.

i used 520 chain on my z1r (1000cc).my buddies zx900r has about 160hp and he runs a 520 chain.with the size of tire that you are running a 520 chain could give you some much needed clearance.never ran anything other than a clip type chain and don't plan to change now.if you are worried safety wire it for some peace of mind.
here is my 520 tsubaki and my homemade 3/8 offset 520countershaft sprocket,all greasy.

and here is the whole chain run.

in my humble opinion you will be fine with a 520 and a clip.

531blackbanshee, is that a Suzuki rim? Looks just like the 4.5" GSX rim on the back of my 750E (except maybe wider).

Excellent replies, thanks guys!

I think I should query Kosman or Precision if they can make a KZ900 5/8" offset sprocket for a 520 chain. That extra 1/8" savings in width will indeed make a difference. Especially in staying with the 180mm tire.

Again, thanks all.

Old Man Rock

steell,that wheel came off of a 2000 yamaha r1,it is 6x17.
leon

although i believe that i saw a wheel on a busa that looked the same,three straight hollow spokes fwiw.