72’ Final drive chain. DID?

Coolhands

Coolhands

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Good morning!

I’d like to maintain my chain as on my modern bikes if possible.

I have 19 tooth countershaft sprocket.
Looking at a DID 530. I’m sure Soricket center can cut one down to 99 links and if not I have a breaker.

Anyone used that chain?
 
X- and O-Ring 530 chains won't work on a Commando - they are too wide. I convert to 520 and use DID X-Ring chains. I've never found a half-link to make them an odd number of links - just use 98 links for a 19T.

I highly recommend the 520 X-Ring chain conversion.
 
Coolhands said:
Looking at a DID 530. I’m sure Soricket center can cut one down to 99 links and if not I have a breaker.
Click to expand...

You cannot cut a chain down to 99 links (unless it already has a half-link attached).

For a chain to have 99 links (or other odd number links) then a half link needs to be riveted into the chain (unless two joining links are used).

Engine & Transmission :: Chain/Sprockets :: Rear Std Chain :: 530 Chain :: 530 Renold Classic Motorcycle Chain Half Link - 136SR 5/8" x 3/8"

530 Renold Classic Motorcycle Chain Half Link - 136SR 5/8" x 3/8". Double cranked link to fit Renold standard 530 standard roller final drive rear chain. Allows you to make up odd number lengths of chain. Made in England by Renold Chain
www.feked.com www.feked.com
72’ Final drive chain. DID?


72’ Final drive chain. DID?
 
Last edited:
marshg246 said:
X- and O-Ring 530 chains won't work on a Commando - they are too wide. I convert to 520 and use DID X-Ring chains. I've never found a half-link to make them an odd number of links - just use 98 links for a 19T.

I highly recommend the 520 X-Ring chain conversion.
Click to expand...
I see CNW has a conversion. $$$$!

Maybe I’ll just stay oily!
 
I have cut stock sprockets down in width using carbide cutter. Cheaper if you have or have a friend with a lathe!
 
I will be running the DID 530 on my '74 rebuild only because I have limited funds and want to put $ into other areas. Stocking up on PJ-1 now...

But my point here is the 19t sprocket. I will run a 20t, but no sprocket gives you the jump off the traffic light like a 19t. I was shocked (as was the Corvette) with the acceleration and torque. Love that Commando!
 
"traffic light" ? With all due respect for other uses of a good Commando, traffic light drag racing simply doesn't use
the terrific handling and punch using a 21t in 2nd or 3rd gear in the twisties.
 
lazyeye6 said:
"traffic light" ? With all due respect for other uses of a good Commando, traffic light drag racing simply doesn't use
the terrific handling and punch using a 21t in 2nd or 3rd gear in the twisties.
Click to expand...
Yes, but it was fun when I was 20. In 1972 there were very few production motorcycles on the road as quick as a combat with 19T original front sprocket.
 
Absolutely agree…but sadly that was in our 20s…as lazyeye6 says, 21T is also fun.
to OP : RGM n AN do 520 size g/box sprockets…so it’s machine shop to reduce the rear drum sprocket…
I have 520 DID and it’s grand.
 
If you are worried about the strength of 520. Try US Tsubachi ( spelling ?) chain it's strength is at least 1/3 stronger then D.I.D. Ran stock Harley primary chain on a hot rod Sporty, chain lasted maybe 2 months, UST still in there.
 
TBW said:
Absolutely agree…but sadly that was in our 20s…as lazyeye6 says, 21T is also fun.
to OP : RGM n AN do 520 size g/box sprockets…so it’s machine shop to reduce the rear drum sprocket…
I have 520 DID and it’s grand.
Click to expand...
RGM has the rear drum - AN the front sprocket. No machine shop needed.
 
Just get a chain off Jayson the chainman, cheap and will give long life, just do the maintenance as part of normal service by taking it off, soaking in kero give it a good clean and free up any tight spots then a good soaking in hot GB oil, by doing this I get well over 60k miles out of my chains and keep up the chain lube between service.
 
I once had a CB750 Honda that as I recall had a 12 tooth countershaft sprocket. Chain life was terrible along with rear tire life. I cheaped out and used industrial chain at half the price of Diamond chain for Harley's, which fit. One day I hit second gear hard and the chain snapped. Somehow it flipped around and got me in the back and the helmet. I hitch hiked to the Harley shop for a new chain only to have them lecture me, a young punk, on how lucky I was that it didn't kill me. I have for many years used an industrial chain-and-cable lube to good effect. works better than PJ-1 and less expensive. No good for trips as it comes in 16 oz. aerosol only. I tried an open-gear grease used on mining equipment that hardens and doesn't attract dirt. I was extremely messy until hard. I only used it once. Now I use it on truck leaf springs; improves the ride.
 
ashman said:
Just get a chain off Jayson the chainman, cheap and will give long life, just do the maintenance as part of normal service by taking it off, soaking in kero give it a good clean and free up any tight spots then a good soaking in hot GB oil, by doing this I get well over 60k miles out of my chains and keep up the chain lube between service.
Click to expand...
I agree Ash
As far as I understand it's only the iwis chain that has the chrome moly big pins and it's the same width as standard chain
I now have iwis on all my bikes
 
Thanks for all the replies. I’m going to go with chainman per all the recommendations, keep the oiler, and follow and the good cleaning suggestions.
 
I have the IWIS from Chainman. Nice guy to deal with. On average, how long/far do you go before removal and clean/resoak in oil. I have about 1,000 miles on mine, with regular sprays of chain lube. Was thinking of giving it a spray clean and re-lube at this stage, rather than remove and clean/oil.
 
Mart UK said:
I have the IWIS from Chainman. Nice guy to deal with. On average, how long/far do you go before removal and clean/resoak in oil. I have about 1,000 miles on mine, with regular sprays of chain lube. Was thinking of giving it a spray clean and re-lube at this stage, rather than remove and clean/oil.
Click to expand...
Depends on the miles I do mine every service or every 6 months when it was a everyday rider, but now my Norton is semi retired as my Triumph Thruxton has taken over everyday duties, so my service on the Norton is every 12 months, but my Thruxton gets the same treatment but it has a O ring chain, and when I just use chain lube always do it after a ride when its needed so the chain is warm from the ride and conditions also play a part.

Ashley
 

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