Chain Length/Size

Hello,

I was wondering about bike chain size/length.

My bike is a 1977KZ650B, which calls for a 530-102 chain.

I bought a 530-110 chain today, and when I counted the links, there were 110 excluding the master link that came in a separate baggy.

When I am shortening my chain, do does it need to be 102 links including the master link, or 102 links not including the master link?

paulstanely45 wrote:

Hello,

I was wondering about bike chain size/length.

My bike is a 1977KZ650B, which calls for a 530-102 chain.

I bought a 530-110 chain today, and when I counted the links, there were 110 excluding the master link that came in a separate baggy.

When I am shortening my chain, do does it need to be 102 links including the master link, or 102 links not including the master link?

Including the master link.

It's not possible for a "split" (unconnected) chain with no master link to have an even number of links in it. The links are in male-female sets of two, so the master is the even numbered link to be added.

That would be 102 without the master link. Back off the chain adjusters all the way and push the wheel all the way forward in the swingarm. Check that 102 links will work before you knock that pin out.

bountyhunter wrote:

paulstanely45 wrote:

Hello,

I was wondering about bike chain size/length.

My bike is a 1977KZ650B, which calls for a 530-102 chain.

I bought a 530-110 chain today, and when I counted the links, there were 110 excluding the master link that came in a separate baggy.

When I am shortening my chain, do does it need to be 102 links including the master link, or 102 links not including the master link?

Including the master link.

It's not possible for a "split" (unconnected) chain with no master link to have an even number of links in it. The links are in male-female sets of two, so the master is the even numbered link to be added.

That is correct. I'm with Bountyhunter on this one

After some closer counting the chain has 109 links plus the master link.

My bike calls for 102 links, so I guess I would knock off 8 links and then use the master link for a total of 102 links?

paulstanely45 wrote:

After some closer counting the chain has 109 links plus the master link.

My bike calls for 102 links, so I guess I would knock off 8 links and then use the master link for a total of 102 links?

Correct, but I would fit it by hand before cutting to make sure in case you have a larger sprocket.

Yeah...what he said!

what i used to do if i had an extended swingarm that i had just put on was take a piece of 1/4 rope and wrap it around the sprockets with the rear axle adjusted where you would need it then mark on the rope how long it was then measure that and divide the size of link that your using 3/4 for a 630 chain for example into that lentgh and you will come up with the amount of links you will need then i take the number and add a couple of extra links just in case.

are you changing sprockets also? old sprockets will ruin new chain really fast