How thin a Chain Can I go on my 1996 CBR600FT?

marty_400 · 01-22-2009, 7:47 AM

Hiya All,

Had a chat with a local bike shop, who checked:
1995/96 cbr6 530 Chain as Std
1997/98 cbr6 525 Chain as Std

Can I convert to a 520 chain on my 1996 CBR600FT?

Are there any issues with with this?

Hope you can advise
Cheers
Martin

lanbrown · 01-22-2009, 5:25 PM

People use the 520 chains on 1000cc bikes all of the time. Just buy a brand name quality chain and sprockets.

marty_400 · 01-22-2009, 5:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanbrown

People use the 520 chains on 1000cc bikes all of the time. Just buy a brand name quality chain and sprockets.

Thanks LB,

I thought so, but wanted to check! Am I right in thinking the 520 chain will be substantially thinner than the 530 chain?

If I stick a scottoiler on her as well, will the chain last ok?

I can't really see myself lashing the 600. She'll be my comfy sofa bike - the 400cc will be the one to get the good seeing to!

Hope you can advise!

Cheers
Martin

firebladeking · 01-22-2009, 5:40 PM

you can use a 520 chain, but remember it will wear quicker, so you'll be replacing the chain and sprockets sooner.
IMO you wont even feel the difference, rather put the recommended size chain and replace it less

lanbrown · 01-22-2009, 5:41 PM

The 520 chain is not all that weak. Check the tensile rating between the two.

rokitt51 · 01-22-2009, 5:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanbrown

The 520 chain is not all that weak. Check the tensile rating between the two.

, Ive went to 520 on all my bikes but 2. I have snapped one chain on one of my bikes b4 (RC51), and that had to just be the chain (530 DID). My sister uses 520 on her strip bike and its a ZX12 with built motor runnin laughin gas.

firebladeking · 01-22-2009, 5:56 PM

DID X-ring Chains

the 530 is 4.7mm wider
the plates are 0.4mm thicker
the tensile strength is 7.6KN more.

the 530 is allot stronger and harder wearing than the 520.

the 520 will wear quicker but it will give you 0.5KG weight saving, and slightly quicker acceleration due to less rotating mass

marty_400 · 01-22-2009, 6:29 PM

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys!

I'll stick a scottoiler on as well - so hopefully that will improve the "chain Life" issue.

I'll see the difference in cost between the chains and go from there

Cheers
Martin

lanbrown · 01-22-2009, 11:07 PM

Don't forget the sprockets.

CBR929RE · 01-23-2009, 1:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebladeking

you can use a 520 chain, but remember it will wear quicker, so you'll be replacing the chain and sprockets sooner.
IMO you wont even feel the difference, rather put the recommended size chain and replace it less

as long as you do proper maintenance it should last many thousands of miles. its only a 1996 CBR600, not a ton of power by any means. any of the current good quality (DID, RK, EK) 520 chains will be perfectly fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marty_400

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys!

I'll stick a scottoiler on as well - so hopefully that will improve the "chain Life" issue.

I'll see the difference in cost between the chains and go from there

Cheers
Martin

you don't need a Scottoiler. regular cleaning lubing just like any other chain and you'll be good. Nothing wrong with a Scottoiler if you want to use one.

and 520 is the pitch of the chain not width. it can equate to a slightly thinner chain.

firebladeking · 01-23-2009, 3:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

and 520 is the pitch of the chain not width. it can equate to a slightly thinner chain.

I think you'll find the "5" is the pitch and the "20", "25", or "30" is the thickness.

520/530 Chain Identification - CycleChaos