Misc. Info on Chains for Conversions

[theMelvster6]

Found this webpage containing helpful information on Chains and Sprockets

Also...I do have a question? Does EBR machine the idler sprocket down to get it fit in the narrower 520 chain?? The idler sprocket sold through EBR for 520 chains is from Fenner Drives with a 50ANSI number on it. #50ANSI is a direct crossover for 530 sprocket...which has wider rollers than the 520 chain. Maybe I'll just have to call them, because a 530 chain has 3/8" (.375") roller width and 530 Sprockets are .343" wide to fit in the chain without binding. A 520 chain has 1/4" (.250) roller width and 520 sprockets are .227" to fit in the chain. I'm curious because this could open up more options for idler Sprockets that are readily available. At most a little machine work to narrow a Idler sprocket to fit a 520 chain would be necessary, since 530 and 520 chain have the same pitch and roller diameter, the difference is the widths of the rollers.

 

[theMelvster6]

I took a look at the idler from EBR I have...Sure enough, it's a milled down Fenner Drives p/n CS5002. You can see where about 1/16" was milled off of each side to make it work with 520 chains.

 

[jetlee]

I was going to add that I had the same question and called EBR to ask. They said the same thing you did, they start with a 530 sprocket and mill it down to accommodate 520 chains.

 

[Matteson]

What about using a 525 chain? For longevity they are superior for street performance.

 

[jetlee]

What about using a 525 chain?

You would need a 525 or smaller sprocket; a 520 would work but a 530 would not.

For longevity they are superior for street performance.

By that logic, the 530 is the better of the three since it's even stronger. However, all three have the same load rating since the rating is derived from the pitch and roller diameter, not the roller width (the only difference between the three).

The rating that should be taken into consideration is Tensile Strength. A good 520 chain can have higher tensile strength than a budget 530 chain.

In reality, a good 520 chain is more than adequate when properly maintained.

 

[jetlee]

A stock XB9R has a working load, or chain pull, of around 1000-1100lbs. Compare that to Ultimate Tensile Strength of chains and select accordingly.
http://www.diamondchain.com/diamond-technical-corner.php

RK's weakest 520 chain is rated at 8,500lbs tensile strength, which is plenty more than Diamond's recommended 6x factor.
http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/rk_chain_specs_gb520_525_530xso.html

Hell, Diamond has a 520 chain rated at 9,300 and a 530 rated at 6,600. That just shows that bigger isn't always better, there's more to a chains strength than just size.
http://www.diamondchain.com/power-sports-chain.php#.VKWfJSvF_QQ


A 530 and 525 also weigh more than a 520. Why add the weight when the lightest of the three could actually be the strongest and most reliable?

 

[theMelvster6]

520, 525, 530 all have the same 5/8" pitch and .400" roller diameter the difference is the width of the roller. 520 is 1/4", 525 is 5/16", and 530 is 3/8". Alot of race bikes run a 520 chain to save weight and they are putting a substantial amount more torque and HP than our XB's are. I bought an EX 520 MVXZ X-ring chain with a rated tensile strength of 9,000 lbs.

 

[Matteson]

You guys are Buell lovers, why the chain? Gearing? Less stress on the bearings? What gives?

 

[theMelvster6]

Gearing for SCTA...I'm trying to set up my bike for top speed run at El Mirage and Bonneville. I flat out run out of gear...I've been like 136mph on my xb9 and it was bouncing off the rev limiter. I need taller final drive to make an attempt at the mph record. It's mildly built xb9 motor now...should be close to 100 hp with a good tune.

 

[Matteson]

Oh, nice.[up]

 

[jetlee]

You guys are Buell lovers, why the chain? Gearing? Less stress on the bearings? What gives?

HD forced the use of belts on Buell. This is very evident by the use of chains since EB left HD.

I'm sick of paying $150+ every time I break a belt, which is oddly an annual event for me. I would also like the ability to change my ratio since my XB is used primarily for commuting.

 

[mrlogix]

sorry, bookmark. Carry on.