CHAIN

Thanks for replies. Part of this conversion involves the offer of a new OEM 530 chain for a very reduced price, it was removed to install a race chain on a 2010 1100 Kawi. That coupled with the fact that 630 chains are more expensive and according to the local dealer not as easy to come by nor are the 630 sprockets.

So if I get a new OEM chain for a fraction of the cost, I can put on the "better" 530 sprockets and only affect the original ratio a little 2.6:1(orig) vs 2.7:1(new)

BUT there in lies my question - is that ratio change really noticable or not? Numbers seem small but I'm not sure how that translates at the rear wheel.

For the record:
630 is oem for the bike at hand.
530 is not oem for the bike at hand.
530 may be oem for some other Kawasaki model.

Imo, 530 is not "better."

Is the 530 an o-ring or x-ring?

Would compare with Z1E 630 pricing before deciding.

Z1E has both o-ring and x-ring in 630 and 530.

Good Fortune!

langbein wrote:

...Am replacing a 30 year old chain on a KZ1000 CSR M1
Currently 630 chain, front sprocket 15, rear 39, ratio 2.60
Mechanic is suggesting chain 530, front 17, rear 46, ratio 2.70
BUT all the calculators that I have found from reading many posts here suggest chain 530, front 18, rear 47 to maintain 2.61 ratio.
IF I go with adjusted ratio as suggested by my mechanic
what can I expect?
He is saying that the Xring DID chain is superior to the oring chain and that with weight reduction I can expect 5hp increase.
Also says that ratio change will give me more top end speed and more revs per gear...
...looking for a few other opinions prior to going with his suggestion. Love my ride and am looking to keep it as original as possible while making it smoother and running well....

He is saying that the Xring DID chain is superior to the oring chain and that with weight reduction I can expect 5hp increase.

Xring DID chain is superior to the oring chain -- Marginally superior, but either is superlative choice.

can expect 5hp increase -- ludicrous.

Also says that ratio change will give me more top end speed and more revs per gear --

Acceleration would be slightly affected, but maximum top speed likely won't change.

Taller gearing may reduce rpm at any given road speed, at the expense of slower acceleration.
Whereas, lower gearing will usually improve acceleration, at the expense of a busier feeling higher rpm at any given road speed.

I've tried both larger and smaller counter shaft sprockets, and imo (personal preference), stock gearing is best overall to retain stock performance. Neither produced a significant difference in attainable top speed, or noticeable difference in gas mileage (mpg).

Good Fortune!

530 chain is Xring and it is OEM to a newer slightly bigger Kawi.

Thanks for all the replies, I suspected that all of the mechanics ideas were too good to be true.

Enjoy the weekend - at least in Ontario it looks great!

The 630 chain was used on the bike bore bikes 20+ years ago because they were much more sturdy and could hold up to the tourqe and pull. The 530 520 525 chains technology has become much strong and reliable than years past. So doing a conversion to these is not that hard nor uncommon. You can buy a conversion front sprocket from most dealers for that specific model. The rear sprocket has to be for the suzuki hub. The suzuki rear tire is probably a smaller and wider diameter tire so your gearing will definatly change. I have a 190/50/17 on the rear with a 530 (Stock was 110/90/18 on 630) sprockets were originally 15f 35r and was running around 4500rpm at 60mph now i have it 18f/34r and much lower rpm a highway speed. Before you go buying a new chain look to see what combinations are available for you model first ie. I have all 530 stuff and had to have my rear sprockt made (about $65.00 not to bad) because they didnt have it in the size i wanted. But they were easily found for the 525 for my bike. So do your research before you just buy stuff... This web site helped me a ton. www.gearingcommander.com/
Pull up your stock bike see what the ratios were then in the current line put in your new tire and wheel size as well as your desired sprocket raio (dont forget to change the chain pitch to your new chain size .0625 for 530 0.750 for 630 and switch to mph + inch for us) You get charts and graphs and easy to play with til you get your desired result!
Good Luck

www.5thgearsprockets.com/ this is the guy I ordered my rear sprocket from.

This web site helped me a ton. www.gearingcommander.com/


Thanks - I entered my stock/current setup in and then what the mechanic is proposing. Looked at the graphs - no significant changes either way.

Think I'll make the conversion as it is a really good price and I hate being without my ride - he has the parts I need and I should be back on the road Monday.

Thanks again to everyone for their "imo's"

And thanks, I did check Z1E and with shipping and exchange I was looking at $197 just for the 630 chain.

Since I needed to replace the sprockets anyway, the conversion (getting a deal on the 530 chain from a friend) did turn out to be a better price.

It is a great site however and I have bookmarked it for future reference.