chain noise, possible sprocket alignment issue

Nah unfortunately there is already very slim clearance between the tire and the right side of the swing arm on this model. I'm gonna have to get that spacer from da nederlands or grind down one to size. I will not give up, though reducing the spacer opens another can of worms. The nut is only designed to cover the outer 2-3mm or so of the splines, and can't go on any farther than that. I will have to buy enough splined washers to take up on the outside of the sprocket, whatever new space I open up on the inside.

If the sprocket is held on by a nut you can just shim the sprocket out. You only need +/-2mm. Will these offset jobs fit? shop.pbisprockets.com/product.sc?productId=465

Also, if the sprockets are available you could run a 520 chain no problem. Modern MX bikes 250 smokers/450 and 500 smokers run 520 chain. There's no way that 305 is putting out 60hp.

Kidkawie wrote: If the sprocket is held on by a nut you can just shim the sprocket out. You only need +/-2mm. Will these offset jobs fit? shop.pbisprockets.com/product.sc?productId=465

Also, if the sprockets are available you could run a 520 chain no problem. Modern MX bikes 250 smokers/450 and 500 smokers run 520 chain. There's no way that 305 is putting out 60hp.

You could probably even run a 428, like an FZR400, those had about 50hp (but no torque). I'm not sure if it's narrower than a 520 though, I think that tyey both use 1/4" thick sprockets.

Kidkawie wrote: If the sprocket is held on by a nut you can just shim the sprocket out. You only need +/-2mm. Will these offset jobs fit? shop.pbisprockets.com/product.sc?productId=465

Also, if the sprockets are available you could run a 520 chain no problem. Modern MX bikes 250 smokers/450 and 500 smokers run 520 chain. There's no way that 305 is putting out 60hp.

I cant shim my existing sprocket out (if thats what you mean) because the problem is the sprocket is too far out already. But I can shim the outside of it if I find a way to reduce that spacer. Which I will.

Those offsets are interesting, and might address the problem if they make one that fits (which I'm not sure of yet). But, the smallest offset thy offer is 1/4 inch and I guestimate I need about 2-3 mm. Unfortunately may not be enough room to shim the offset sprocket out giving me an effectively smaller offset, because it would probably ride off the end of the splines then. But its an idea I will definitely be thinking about, thanks.

I think the bike puts out 30-35 hp. It does seem a heavy chain for this bike, but I tried to go as close to stock on the 1982 chain drive version as I could, just to avoid headaches. I figured there would be enough of those anyway. Looks like the 530 sprocket is about 5/16, or 9mm. But even if I changed to narrower sprockets the relationship between front and back would still be the same, wouldnt it?

Looks like you need to move the front sprocket to the left, thats why I gave you the link to the offset sprockets. Google sprocket alignment.

Kidkawie wrote: Looks like you need to move the front sprocket to the left, thats why I gave you the link to the offset sprockets. Google sprocket alignment.

Thats what I started out thinking too. The first thing I did was put a couple thin washers behind the sprocket, but it didnt seem to help and since there is only so much spline to work with (and not being aware of offset sprockets) my brain veered away from that idea as impossible anyway and started thinking well, it veers left because it is too far left, so it needs to go right. But I will go back and explore the other idea again, because you may very well be right.

OK heres what I done did. I put a 1/8" washer in back of the sprocket and put on the nut. There is no room for the lock washer with that 1/8 in there, so i cant ride it like that. I tightened up the chain and it looked straight as an arrow now. But it didnt seem to ride onto that front sprocket any different than before-it still seems like its hanging just for a split second on occasional links. I see little "jumps" in the chain occasionally at the front sprocket when I spin the rear wheel fast. Maybe its just a stubborn link or two.

Its entirely possible I'm worrying about nothing here, and this will all settle in just fine with use. I'm a much better worrier than mechanic, but this seemed like a real good thing to be cautious about. I'm going to put as many thin shims (splined washers) as I can behind the sprocket ( probably only one) and still get the nut lock washer on, and ride the 4-5 miles to the auto garage owned by the KZ rider tomorrow and ask him what he thinks-off the record, since he isn't insured for motorcycle work. If it doesnt alarm him I can ride it the 30 miles on back roads to the closest real bike mechanic.

I've got 11 miles on it so far. KZ guy said he thought the chain looked fine, and I think it does too. It feels weird though, I'm used the belt. Will be keeping the speed down till I get used to it.

Thanks everyone!