520 conversion

Ok I'm sure this has already been talked about but I couldnt find it in the archives.

I already run a 525 currenttly and I am switching to a 520 set up now because parts are readily available. My question is I see chains out there from 6,900 tinsel strength to 12,000 tinsel strength... I have a 78 kz1000 I'm not drag racing or anything but there seems to be a big price jump from 8500 to 11000 so am I crazy only spending the $80 or do I need to spend the $125?

I checked into this too some. Super bikes run 520 (i believe) and they are 180hp or so. I think the only way your going to know if it's safe is call the company. The rivet link is critical, it has to be done right. The chains I was told by someone at one company, are under rated too. I think rk is a really good chain, some were saying the ek chains stretch alot. I doubt you will end up buying anything cheap unless they tell you are not going to die because it will NOT break. Hope you have aluminum wheels or your not getting the full benifit of the weight loss. I've heard of zx10's breaking chains at the rivit link. They were not done right was the deal. Let me know what you find out I hate these o ring chains they are way to stiff. A self oiling rear sprocket would be nice, so would a nice piece of... Once you rivet that link .... My 630 chews the crap out of the sprockets, It's heavy and it's just drama propaganda. Small Japenese, big chain. Do the math. Weight is everything here (the bike) but ultimately, pressure numbers tell us what is or is not going to happen.

I'm planning to change my stock 630 to something smaller. Please let us know where to buy the proper sprockets, spacers if any and chain recommendations.

i have been running 520 chains for several thousand miles.i don't drag race,but i do leave pretty hard sometimes.i drop to third to pass cars sometimes if i want it to really jump out there.the chains don't stretch fast enough for me,because i always set my chains up as short as possible but end up wanting them to stretch a little for tire growth clearance between my tire and underbrace.
i fabricated my front off set sprocket.i bought the rear from www.pmpsprockets.com/home
i have an r1 rear wheel and they would build me one in the tooth count i wanted.
i have never regreted it for one second and will do it ti the rest of my bikes when the time comes.
i replaced my last 520 only because my rear sprocket was worn out.
i can't remember if they we're rk or ek chains but i didn't get too hung up on tensile strength and rivit or clip master links.i use clips you can use whatever gives you that warm gushy feeling.that is my .02.
here is the bike,


leon

I have a 520 conversion on my built MKII and things seem really good with it. Front and rear sprockets can be bought for other motorcycles in 520 size that fit right onto our KZ's. I can't remember exactly which chain I went with but I will find out when I get home. I use Vortex rear sprockets and had a custom offset front sprocket made for about $100. I have spare 520sprockets and a chain listed in the classifieds, btw... :whistle:

I already have the sprockets just sort of dragging my feet on the chain, custom front 19t 10mm offset from krueger junginger for $100 and custom rear 34t from 5thgearsprockets.com for $55 Not really worried about stretch and length between the tires Im already stretched about 18" longer and not drag racing either so I guess the cheaper chain sounds like it will work thanks for all the feed back fellas.

This is the chain I used. If I remember correctly, it was the strongest I could get while still being narrow enough to clear my 180mm tire. It's a RK 520 GXW XW-Ring Chain. I also had to find one available in extra long lengths.

www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/61/196...87197-1&esvid=333836