drive chain

Ive got an 82 KZ1000LTD and need to replace the chain. The thing is there are 2 listed a 96 and 98 link the 96 link chain says if will fit my bike but i read that the LTDs have a longer swing arm than the standard KZ for that year. I counted the links on my chain and there are 98 but I am at the limit of adjustment. Could it be streched that much or should it have the 96 link?:huh: I looked at my manual and it doesnt say one way or the other. Does anyone know. I am ready to order a bunch of stuff and this is holding me up.
Thanks
Tom

i like torun the longer chain just for the fact i can slide wheel back further to gain a little wheelbase.your old chain is stretched so the new chain will be shorter,dont forget new sprockets

IF you have stock sprockets, then you need a 96 link chain...if the sprockets are not stock, then perhaps a longer chain...and PLUMMEN is correct, also replace your sprockets when you replace the chain...and if they are non-stock, you might consider going to a 96 chain and stock sprockets (unless you really like the current set-up)

What is the difference in price for the 2 extra links? As for me, I would get the longer chain as I've found it hard to add/stretch a chain that is too short. Also it gives a little more leeway to play with sprocket sizes.

You better stay 96 unless you are changing the rear sprocket larger which I doubt you want to do. Remember 630 is a 3/4" pitch chain, so 2 extra links will pull your rear wheel back 3/4" further than with the correct chain. You only have about 1" adjustment range on the wheel, so you'll be at the end of adjustment most likely even when new with the 98.

thomas ed wrote:

Ive got an 82 KZ1000LTD and need to replace the chain. The thing is there are 2 listed a 96 and 98 link the 96 link chain says if will fit my bike but i read that the LTDs have a longer swing arm than the standard KZ for that year. I counted the links on my chain and there are 98 but I am at the limit of adjustment. Could it be streched that much or should it have the 96 link?:huh: I looked at my manual and it doesnt say one way or the other. Does anyone know. I am ready to order a bunch of stuff and this is holding me up.
Thanks
Tom

If your chain is REALLY stretched, it probably can't be stretched more than about 3% which is maybe 1/2" ballpark at the axle. That would be a REALLY badly stretched chain.

Going TWO links less on the chain shortens it's reach by ONE link because there are two runs. For a 530 chain, that's about 3/4" shorter. Check the range of adjustment you have on the slot in the swing arm and see if you want to go to the shorter chain. Sounds to me like either might work, but pick the one that gives most range of adjustment. My swing arm slot looks like it has close to 1.5" adjustment range, YMMV.

If your sprockets are larger or smaller than stock, understand that the chain's length needs to change 1/2 of how ever many teeth you change the sprocket: getting a rear sprocket with 4 more teeth needs a chain with two more links. That's because the chain is always on 1/2 the sprocket.

dittoMcdroid wrote:

IF you have stock sprockets, then you need a 96 link chain...if the sprockets are not stock, then perhaps a longer chain...and PLUMMEN is correct, also replace your sprockets when you replace the chain...and if they are non-stock, you might consider going to a 96 chain and stock sprockets (unless you really like the current set-up)

MEASURING STRETCH:

My manual says to measure the length of 20 links with a 10 lb weight hanging on it and it's nominal (new) length should be 317.5 mm, calculate stretch from there to see what a new chains length will be in your application.

I talked to the guy I bought the bike from and he said he put a larger 41 tooth sproket on the rear but couldnt remember what the stock one was. I'm thinking I should go with the 98 linker because of the larger sproket and I like the gearing how it is. Does anyone know what the stock sproket size is?
Thanks
Tom

Take a look in the Kawasaki FSM for your bike. It will show you the service limit and how to measure a 20 link section. I don't have the FSM for your bike, but the KZ650 FSM gives a clear description for the 530 chain. Ed

Tom, random thoughts, If you're going to order a new chain, and 96 is too tight, you've just lost @ 3 weeks. and, a longer chain avails the opt's of changing gearing, increases wheel base a tad, and if too long shortening chain the 2 O/S pitches. and here's the biggie, (if using staked Master ) The ability to remove rear wheel for tire changes w/out removing C/S sprocket. I discovered after the fact, (admittedly w/530 chain & altered ratios) that while chain slack was within comforable adjustment perameters, I could no longer simply drop adjusters, or even remove axle and gain enopugh slack to simply derail chain & remove wheel. G

thomas ed wrote:

I talked to the guy I bought the bike from and he said he put a larger 41 tooth sproket on the rear but couldnt remember what the stock one was. I'm thinking I should go with the 98 linker because of the larger sproket and I like the gearing how it is. Does anyone know what the stock sproket size is?
Thanks
Tom

The explosion drawings for it show a 39T rear.


42041-1059 KZ1000-K2 LTD (1982)
Assembly: REAR WHEEL/HUB/CHAIN SPROCKET-HUB,39T
(SKU: 42041-1059)


With a 41T, that explains why your chain is at the end of adjustment. Chains can only change in two link gradations, but going up two teeth calls for a one link increase to stay centered on stock position. Your wheel will be a half-link distance fore or aft of the nominal position depending on whether you have the 96 or 98 link chain.