530 chain conversion

I was using "KG" Moly chain lube. That is not the problem. The problem is that once you get a droplet of water into one pin area, it is impossible to get it out unless you remove the chain and wash it in a solvent. The chain starts to rust within days on the pin and than starts to bind. My rides were quite extensive in rain and I went threw a chain per year no mater what lube I used. The KG was just the last in a line of lubes. I just switched to "Chain Wax" with my new Sigma 530 O ring chain. Hay Patton what makes the Dupont better besides the price? Just curious. How many miles do you have on your chain since you started to use the Dupont. I have been looking for the Castrol chain wax locally but have not been able to find it. I bought the Spectro SX because that was is what was available.

Doesn't seem to have as much nasty fling-off as some of the other chain lubes which are relatively more expensive and in the small cans.

Might not be the absolute best performing regardless of price, but have been well-pleased, as little fling-off as any, and enjoy using copious amount to sort of flush-clean the chain while freshly lubing.

Until using this, was usually disappointed in the claims and sales puffery touted by the several chain lube brands, each claiming superiority for various reasons over the others, and had concluded that ATF was about as good as anything with 0-ring chains.

YMMV.

And I gave up on non-0-ring chains many years ago.

My 630 0-ring chains last so long and for so many miles, longevity just isn't an issue (and my excuse for not keeping better records).

As and when replacement is needed, I plan on trying the newer x-ring version.

Good Fortune!

There's a good earlier thread on here somewhere by ronkz650 who has tried and tested every motorcycle chain lube known to man.

And has very definite opinions about them, and iirc often using the word "crap" when discussing them. :laugh:

Good Fortune!

Here are some interesting earlier threads regarding chain lube:

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In Search Of The Perfect Chain Lube

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=286647#286763

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spray on chain lube removal

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=111574#111628

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Chain life, stretching and adjustment

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=159288#160047

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What should i soak my chain in this winter?

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=5&id=252501#252509

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Good Fortune!

Thanks, I will pick up some at Lows next time I go. I got a $25 gift certificate from my neighbor so I have to use it anyway. Do you remember what department you found it in?

otakar wrote:

Thanks, I will pick up some at Lows next time I go. I got a $25 gift certificate from my neighbor so I have to use it anyway. Do you remember what department you found it in?

Sorry, I don't remember the department.

Hope to see a test report.

Good Fortune!

The 530 conversion is the better value for money.

If you buy a good quality 530 chain like the RK X-Ring chain, this chain will outlast the 630 regular o-ring chain. The 530 chain is slightly cheaper. But based on comments from customers, the 530 X-Ring will get as much as +50% better life.

The key is the X-Ring seal - it basically doubles the sealing protection - so if kept clean and lubed frequently, they are a good buy.

Here's some pictures of the o-ring types.
www.z1enterprises.com/reference/chaintypesize.aspx

One other factor - if you are out riding and ever break a chain, you can find 530 chain at any motorcycle shop. I doubt is 1 in 10 shops have 630 chain on the shelf.

BTW, NEVER take any notice of RK wear index numbers - these are a worthless test done in a sterile lab without exposing the chain to any of the elements.

I have now put a few thousand miles on the 530 conversion. In my mind it is the best conversion I could have done. I adjust the chain about every 1000mi and not every couple hundred like I did on my KZ900. I am using chain wax on it also and I did not have to clean my rear wheel all sumer. I lube it about every 500mi and am using a Tsubaki "Sigma" Oring chain.

I would like to know what the tensile strength of the factory 630 chain that the mighty Z1 rolled out with. I would bet a 6 pack that the tensile strength of that chain is equal to or lower than the strength found in a common 530 or 520 chain today.

Does anyone have that number?

The tensile strength is determined by the side plates of the chain and the pin size. I would not say it would be the same as a "Common" 530 but yes, the tensile strength of the 630 and a good 530 will be the same. I know that some guys have converted to a 520, but I think that is a bad idea. The 520 chain will reduce the chain to sprocket contact area by 33% in comparison to the 530 chain. The 630 to 530 conversion actually increases the contact area. That also gos for the roller contact area. The 520 will have 33% more pressure on all contact points over the 530 chain/sprocket configuration. This would not be a problem with a 650 or smaller bike but I believe that it would be a big problem with a 900 or larger bike. The only thing you would be saving on in a 520 conversion is sprocket mass. The sprockets would only be 1/4" wide over the 3/8 wide 530 sprockets.

i have converted my z1r to 520 chain and will also convert the rest of my succesive builds to 520 chains.

why spin more mass than necessary?

leon