Need a new chain . . .

[JPSmee]

Hey folks, I'm back after a bit of a posting hiatus. I've been taking every opportunity to take the good Lady for a ride, and it's time for a replacement chain.

I see several types and several variations on number of links on the cb750partsdepot site, and am not remotely sure what I need.

Anyone able to help point me in the right direction?

The Lady is a '81 Custom (DOHC)

[TOOLS1]

You need a 630 O-Ring chain. I am not sure about the number of links though. However most come longer then, you will need, and can be broken to length.
TOOLS

[JPSmee]

Any special tools needed to shorten it?

[JPSmee]

Are you sure I need 630? I keep seeing 530 on the CB750 sites (still can't find the number of links I will need . . . more is better I guess).

[sgtslag]

Check again...  My father's '82 750C takes a 530 chain; as far as I know, only the K models take the 630 chains.  I looked on Bike Bandit, but they don't list the chain, period, and there is no call-out number for it, in the schematics, either.

O-ring is best, X-ring is better, supposedly.  Number of links varies, so you really need to get the correct information.  Check your Clymer's, Haynes, or the FSM, for the exact size, and number of links.  Some folks use master links, others use a rivet to secure their chains.  Mine was an unbroken, OEM, 92(?) link, 630.  I had the shop replace it, as I had trouble pinning down the exact number of links, and I didn't want to spend the money on a riveter, and breaker (could not find an exact match, so even they had to cut a longer chain, then rivet it together).  No complaints on my new chain, but I had pro's do it for me.  YMMV.  Cheers!

[TOOLS1]

I thought all the DOHC bikes used an endless 630 chain. I used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to quickly remove the chain from my 81 K. You will need a chain breaker to shorten a chain. Harbor Freight has them cheap. I do not like the rivet on master links. I always use the clip on ones. I like to be able to remove the chain with taking off the counter-shaft sprocket, and swingarm.
TOOLS  

[shinyribs]

My chain is a 530 and it is stamped on the side of the links.Yours may be marked,too.Mine is a "Factory Spec" chain i got off ebay from a company called forward motorsports.They have good prices but only a 30 day warranty.I got a gold o-ring chain for $67 shipped.I dont know how that compares to other places.It stretched a bunch in the first 2-250 miles,but since then has not needed tightening in over 2,000 miles.But it did spit out one o ring.That is all the expereince i can share on chains.Good luck

[Re-run]

You just need a chain breaker and IF you get a rivet chain, a rivet tool. You CAN use a hammer and peen the edges of the rivet, make sure you support the other side of the chain though.
As for length, I got an RK chain when I did my 530 conversion. It was a 112 link and I took a few off.

[rich]

A couple of sites have the 81 750C in their parts by make and model look ups.
 Z1 shows it as a 530 106 link:
http://www.z1enterprises.com/530-Chain--RK-106-link-X-Ring-379.aspx
And so does Old Bike Barn (Not a recommended vendor but you can search for the chain at other places)
http://www.oldbikebarn.com/RK-530x106-X-Ring-Chain?sc=12&category=52481

This is assuming you've got the standard size sprockets. 18 front and 43 rear. JT Sprockets also shows the chain as a 530-106: http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/model/4839

You'll be fine with an X-ring or O-ring chain (the X looks to run about $100, while the standard is only $30 and the O is $75. The RK brand, linked above, has a standard clip-type master link, which is fine for general duty. If you're going to spring for an X or O ring, get new sprockets too as the old, worn, sprockets will wear your new chain faster than  new ones. If you can't afford the sprockets right now you might want to just go with a standard chain (no sense wearing out a high-dollar chain prematurely).
 

[shinyribs]

Is 18-43 the stock sprocket size for all CB's?.I ask because my bike runs 5,ooo rpm at 70 mph and it seems too high for me.Mine are 18-48 and i thought that was stock for my '76 ss.My bike ended up with 109 links.I think the high engine speeds are costing me fuel mileage because if I cruise the highways or just absolutely flog it on the back roads i get the same mpg regardless.

[Piute]

RICH,
You'll be fine with an X-ring or O-ring chain (the X looks to run about $100, while the standard is only $30 and the O is $75. The RK brand, linked above, has a standard clip-type master link, which is fine for general duty. If you're going to spring for an X or O ring, get new sprockets too as the old, worn, sprockets will wear your new chain faster than  new ones. If you can't afford the sprockets right now you might want to just go with a standard chain (no sense wearing out a high-dollar chain prematurely).

  Piute ,
 Good advise is what I plan,due to the fact am changing the gearing,but needed to check stock 1st

[sgtslag]

There is some variation in models, for sprocket teeth.  Some are geared higher/lower, for better highway/town driving.  The lower the gear ratio, but better the low-end response; the higher the gear ratio, the better the mileage/lower RPM's at highway speeds, but poorer town response.  You can vary the gear ratio, some, but don't go too far afield.  Cheers!

[JPSmee]

Do you guys think that this would work?

Link

[shinyribs]

That is a heck of a price on a gold chain,but it is not an o-ring chain.Did you count your links to be sure you have a 106 count on your chain now? Also,I suppose you have figured out that you do have a 530 chain.Not having o-rings is not a huge killer.You will need to replace it sooner,but thats about it.

[JPSmee]

Well, I did some more looking, and I found the following in the manual:

Drive Chain: RK50MO or DID50V, 106 links

[TOOLS1]

Great price, but like Shiny says "it's not O-ring" If, you are not a hardcore rider that is on the bike all the time, then go, for it. But if your like me, and live on the bike, go, for an O-ring.
TOOLS

[shinyribs]

What Tools said,or if you are like me-too lazy to maintain your chain properly-get an o ring. Are you definitely wanting a gold chain?

[JPSmee]

Is there something better about them?

Here's an 'O' ring chain I found:

Link

Good for my needs?

[shinyribs]

Yeah,they're purdy! If you go with just a standard (not gold) o-ring,you should be able to pick up an EK brand chain,which is a great chain i understand,for about the same price. A non-gold EK 530 o-ring goes for right at $60 around me. There is a guy at the local flea market that sells them for $30 from time to time. Apparently they're holding us up on these chain prices.

[TOOLS1]

I wish I could get a couple of those $30.00 chains.
TOOLS