530 to 520 Sprocket Advice

1979 KZ750 B4

Stock is 530 16t/38t, but I would like to convert to 520 17t/34t.

I'm 99% sure the following sprockets will fit:
www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/sprocket/JTF565-17
www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/sprocket/JTR1478-34

I know the teeth on the 520 sprocket are thinner, but is the whole sprocket thinner or just at the teeth? Will I have to add any spacers or something like that?

Thanks!

The 520 chain is narrower than the 530 chain. The "3" in the "530" chain stands for 3/8" width, and the "2" in the "520" chain stands for 2/8" (1/4") width. Here's a link to a chain size chart that might help. Ed

www.dansmc.com/ek_chain_specs.jpg

Let me rephrase...

I know the teeth have to be narrower to fit the 520 chain, but what about the rest (center part) of the sprocket? Same thickness as a 530 one? I'm just wondering if I need to add spacers to keep everything lined up as it was in the stock configuration .

Ah, now I understand the question. As long as both the front and rear new sprockets are the same thickness it shouldn't matter (unless the chain rubs on the frame or tire which is unlikely). They should line up ok since the centerlines of both sprockets will be just a little bit closer by the same amount to the centerline of the bike. Ed

Unless there are some offsets manufactured into the new 520 sprockets, they will line up just like the factory sprockets did. How can they not be lined up? They are both mating up to the same mounting surface that the 530 components mounted to. The "back" side of the chain will be in the exact place that the original 530 was.

Your gearing choices are going to gear your bike way higher than stock. It will be very noticeable pulling away from a stop.

Here is a link that some here maybe interested in, from our Aussie Kawasaki guru....
Although it covers Z1000A1 - A4, Z1000D1 (Z1R), Z1R MkII, Z1000MkII, Z1000H only.
I have done this 520 conversion to my Z1R.
ksrc-au.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=...08&hilit=520#p608008

pbmax wrote: Let me rephrase...

I know the teeth have to be narrower to fit the 520 chain, but what about the rest (center part) of the sprocket? Same thickness as a 530 one? I'm just wondering if I need to add spacers to keep everything lined up as it was in the stock configuration .

usually the sprocket is the same thickness from spline to tooth.
but,
not always.
sometimes the splines are wider than the rest of the sprocket and teeth.
it will be obvious if you see a pic of the sprocket.

if you do not have sufficient sprocket thickness at the splines it can be made up with a custom spacer or washers stacked up.

hth,
leon

So my old KZ1000 came to me with I believe newer stock 630 chain and sprockets. Going to a 530 gains me what? Less parasitic drag and loss of hp due to the rotating mass?

The weight differences between X-ring and O-ring chains will differ some, but as a general comparison -

a 102 link 530 non-oring EK brand chain is approximately 63.75 inches long and weighs about 3.75 pounds.

a 85 link 630 non-oring EK brand chain is approximately 63.75 inches long and weighs about 4.78 pounds.

So the weigh savings is roughly 1 pound for the 530 vs 630 non-oring EK brand chain, and considering that it takes power to put and keep the chain in motion and to stop the chain - every pound counts. Ed

I went with a JT 520 36T rear sprocket. They dont make one for kz750 b4, but the do for a Polaris ATV that matches right up. Model JTR1478.

1/4 mile a 630 to 520 chain swap will show up on a time slip.
Lighter chain also help's with braking.