79KZ650 chain suggestions

With the degree of age and overhaul I'm putting into my '79 650, the chain is a mandatory replacement. The factory chain had plenty of oil on it and is not rusted or locked up, however the O-rings are falling off each link. I looked around including Z1 and found a bunch of options for a 530/102 chain. I also want to go with a split connection link and then change it out for a riveted once the bike can make it to a shop on 2 wheels.

1. question... replace with an O-ring stock style or upgrade to an X-ring? I hear the X-ring will last 1.5 - 2x longer than an O-ring chain.

2. question... JT Drive (X), RK racing (X) or BikeMaster (O, and not sure they have a clip connection option)? Not looking for top of the line, just good quality.

I'm leaning on getting the RK chain for $78.50 on Amazon (free shipping) and ordering the split link with several other parts from Z1.

All suggestions are welcome. TY

I think the X ring chain is worth it. I don't know the brand but Z1 only stocks the best stuff. On Amazon or Ebay you may get crap. With Z1, the split link is the one matched to the chain.

The 102 link X-ring at Z1 is $64 which is a great deal IMHO:

www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...tem=BAJTC530X1R102RL

Here's the master link:


www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...g&item=BAJTC530X1RSL

I used a split master link for the last 35 years and have never had a problem.

Can't go wrong with the RK. The JT looks decent too. JT sprockets are high quality. You can't go wrong with those two brands.

Be sure to replace both the front and rear sprockets when you install a new chain. Otherwise, any wear on the sprockets will very quickly kill the chain. Also, use a new countersprocket lock washer. If your countersprocket lock washer is the type with the tab that engages the sprocket, be sure that the new countersprocket, if not a genuine Kawasaki item, has the hole in it for the tab. Drilling such a hole into the countersprocket can be a challenge. Ed

The $64 chain at Z1 is this brand:

530 Chain JT Expert HD 102 link 'X' Ring

Thanks, I was surprised to note the factory chain didn't have a split link connector. I'll most likely keep the split link on the chain since this bike will be going through more maintenance and transformation.

Z1 sells both the RT and JTsprockets chains. I'll get the JT X-link.

I looked at the sprockets and they don't show any significant wear at 10,400 miles, but they were certainly caked with all kinds of grease and grim from sitting. I will put the suggestion on my list and take a closer look at both sprockets.

A 530 chai will NOT work on 630 sprockets, your going to have to get 530 sprockets, Talk to someone at Z1 & they'll get you the right size sprockets for your conversion
Pete

pete greek1 wrote: A 530 chai will NOT work on 630 sprockets, your going to have to get 530 sprockets, Talk to someone at Z1 & they'll get you the right size sprockets for your conversion
Pete

630?

Pete, where are you getting the 630 sprocket specification? My understanding is that the stock '79 650 is a 530/102 chain with a 42T in the back and 16T in the front for sprockets .

LineArtist wrote:

pete greek1 wrote: A 530 chai will NOT work on 630 sprockets, your going to have to get 530 sprockets, Talk to someone at Z1 & they'll get you the right size sprockets for your conversion
Pete

630?

Pete, where are you getting the 630 sprocket specification? My understanding is that the stock '79 650 is a 530/102 chain with a 42T in the back and 16T in the front for sprockets .

Correct. Ed

Lineartist, My mistake, was thinking my 900 & 1000 that i'm converting from 630 to 530, I had a brain fart :ohmy: :laugh:

LineArtist wrote: Thanks, I was surprised to note the factory chain didn't have a split link connector. I'll most likely keep the split link on the chain since this bike will be going through more maintenance and transformation.

Z1 sells both the RT and JTsprockets chains. I'll get the JT X-link.

I looked at the sprockets and they don't show any significant wear at 10,400 miles, but they were certainly caked with all kinds of grease and grim from sitting. I will put the suggestion on my list and take a closer look at both sprockets.

Attachment IMG_2550.jpg not found

Always change chain and sprockets as a set.

I understand the need to replace the chain and sprockets as a set, mainly for safety and longevity of the parts. If my bike was in running condition when I received it, the chain most likely would remain on the bike for several 1000 miles more. It just seems needless to replace the sprockets at this point (in my case only). If i was replacing the chain due to wear or high mileage, indeed the sprockets would also be replaced.

My bike sat somewhere since 2002 and although the chain looks "ok" because it had plenty of oil on it, the O-rings haven't survived the years of neglect. I don't mean to hesitate in replacing parts but there seems to be several factors in determining when and what to replace based on the condition of a bike.