Weighing my options.

[olewahrhorse]

I acquired a 78 XS650 with title years ago. It runs but is very ratty...I took a job in Germany, and I saw the Elephant Rally on Youtube.

Always one for adventure and challenge, I shipped the XS650 with me. It runs. I tore it down to start my version of a high pipe scrambler in hopes to ride it to the rally. Before tear down, I converted to Renthal Bars, removed battery box, and built a custom box for a lithium battery. I picked up TX750 rims in 19" front and 18" rear. I am considering going with a 520 chain and sprockets. Looking at tires, I am figuring an aspect ratio of 1.05% over stock rear tire. I am looking for opinions on sprocket sizes. Adding the extra meat of the tires added two pounds of rear mass. So now to lose weight, I'll cut back on beer....

 

[jetmechmarty]

520 chain will wear out twice as fast as 530. If you're OK with that..... OTOH, I just learned my chain has over nine years on it! IMHO, a 17/36 combo is fine to 50 MPH (I think that's what I had once upon a time.)
Stay off beer, bread, and sugar. Your bike will get faster.

 

[olewahrhorse]

Thanks for the thought Jetmechmarty. I will take your advise into consideration. Maybe my money and time would be better spent on other gear?

 

[grizld1]

They're not cheap, but 520 X-ring chains will last a long, long time. I like EK (Enumi Kogyo), but there's nothing wrong with RK ( Regina Kogyo). Both are much stronger than unsealed 530 and will last much longer. Don't think I'd want to run an unsealed 520, though. You can sometimes save a few bucks by buying a "generic" length like a 120 link and cutting it to size.

 

[olewahrhorse]

They're not cheap, but 520 X-ring chains will last a long, long time. I like EK (Enumi Kogyo), but there's nothing wrong with RK ( Regina Kogyo). Both are much stronger than unsealed 530 and will last much longer. Don't think I'd want to run an unsealed 520, though. You can sometimes save a few bucks by buying a "generic" length a like 120 link and cutting it to size.

Where did you source your sprockets from?

 

[grizld1]

https://www.650central.com.

 

[jetmechmarty]

https://www.650central.com.

In fact, it was MMM who explained to me why the 530 chain was better for my purposes than the 520.

 

[grizld1]

How many of the old Zundapp flat twins are still showing up for that rally, hoss? Don't deprive yourself of too much brew; the tires add extra unsprung weight, which is what impacts suspension compliance most, and your weight sits over the springs. Enjoy!

 

[grizld1]

Marty, we know about your purposes: to pay as little as possible for a chain and have it last till you're too old to ride anymore! Both are worthy goals to be sure, but not shared by all.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Marty, we know about your purposes: to pay as little as possible for a chain and have it last till you're too old to ride anymore! Both are worthy goals to be sure, but not shared by all.

I can't argue that.... too much. I called MMM and told him I want an o'ring chain and sprockets. I didn't ask how much. I figure MMM won't send me junk and he won't overcharge me. There's trust in the relationship. http://650central.com

I do understand the chain is unsprung weight, at least in part.

 

[arcticXS]

On my 55

520 chain will wear out twice as fast as 530. If you're OK with that..... OTOH, I just learned my chain has over nine years on it! IMHO, a 17/36 combo is fine to 50 MPH (I think that's what I had once upon a time.)
Stay off beer, bread, and sugar. Your bike will get faster.

On my 55 rwhp Ducati 600/680, a 520 o-ring/ x-ring chain normally lasted 10-12000 miles (16-19000 km) Even the M900/900 SS , with 70-80 hp run #520 chain.
I do realise that the XS may be tougher on the chain, due to the unusually small rear sprocket though.
(Which is another good reason to install a high ratio primary gear set)