520 chain VS 530 chain on a KZ1000?

Funny you should ask! I just installed ANOTHER sprocket and chain combination last night. I went with the 520ZZZ chain in chrome and got bigger sprockets on both the front and rear. I had an 18t 520 offset made for the front and bought a vortex 41 tooth for the rear. That ratio works out well with the 17" rim.

So, now I have an extra 520 conversion set up that I don't need I wonder if anyone here needs one.... :whistle:

I also got the word last night that my painted parts will be shipping in a day or 2 - finally! It's been a long time but the parts look amazing and he took off a pretty good chunk of cash for the delay. I'll get some pics posted soon.

oh yes,please post the pics when you get your paint back 79mk11.i can't wait to see your bike finished.
i now have over 2000 miles on my conversion and no hiccups at all.i am very pleased with it.

531blackbanshee wrote:

ahsa,i'm sure you are ready to get it all suited up.what is your color combo going to be?

Wow, just saw this post for the first time today - sorry about that! I went with a 2-tone blue/black with silver graphics. The pics of the paint look great - can't wait to get the parts back. :woohoo:

Here's some technical info on the chains:

ZZZ Series The Pinnacle Of Chain Technology. EK's famous ZZZ high tensile chain now available in 520!
• Ultra Strong: The ZZZ chain features a revolutionary new side plate profile that more effectively distributes the load onto the side plate. This innovative design gives the 520ZZZ chain an incredible 9,400lb. tensile strength without increasing weight (3.97 lbs. per 100 links).
• Lightweight: Lightening holes in the side plates reduce the chain’s overall weight by 3%, without compromising tensile strength. These holes also extend the service life by dissipating heat and helping reduce dirt and mud build-up.
• Zero Stretch: EK’s proprietary Zero Stretch Technology (ZST) virtually eliminates initial chain stretch.
• Great for any modified bike with extra horsepower.

The standard 630 EK chain has 11,000 lb Tensile Strength. Pretty close considering the advantages of the 520. Most other 630 chains have even less tensile strength. I did a lot of drag racing (with slick and wheelie bar) using a Tsubaki 630 QR Chain. This chain was put through hell and never game me a problem. It was also taken on several long road trips (over 1000 miles) with no issues. The tensile strength on that chain is only 10,000 lbs. Based on that personal experience, the 520ZZZ sure looks good.

I wonder what the stock KZ chain strength was?? I'm guessing even less than 10,000 back in the 70's. Now where do we find that information?

wow what?you have pictures of the paint but we haven't seen it yet?tsk tsk.now go in the house and don't touch your tools until you post the paint pictures! haha

OK, OK, I was hoping to wait until the parts were on the bike, but here's one of the pics the painter sent me. Now can I work on the bike tonight??

ew,nice paint there 79mk11!
yes get back out in the shop and brandish some tools!
thats a good boy,(pats him on head)!when will you see your paint?

I should have it early next week!!

ok so we should be seeing some pictures by,uhm wednesday? alright i'll back up off ya,haha.keep us posted,this thing is gonna rock! :evil:

Yeah! I'm dying to see that paint on the bike, too!

And very interesting technical "scoop" on the ZZZ chain stuff...so now, what exactly do you have left over for 'spares'???
-KR

Bad Kaw wrote:

...so now, what exactly do you have left over for 'spares'???
-KR

I've got a complete 520 conversion kit including a front sprocket (520, 15 tooth, 1/2" offset) plus a blue vortex rear sprocket (36 teeth) and a 126 link RK 520GXW silver chain. Send me a PM if anyone is interested.

@ 79MKII... I friggin hate you!

Everyone is wondering why OMR is saying this.... Well I'll tell you why...

Cause his bike is sooooooooooooooooooooo friggin BEAUTIFUL! Damn it that looks so fine...


No on to my reply... Problem is the 15 tooth 520 sprocket, most probably won't allow for chain clearance on most swing arm pivot tubes... As I previously mentioned, I had a 15 tooth 530 from Kosman and the damn thing was too small, the chain would beat the crap out of the pivot tube without a doubt.

Mark, which swing arm are you using with your 520 setup?

OMR