Chain Pitch

[Mick Milakovic]

What's the difference between a 520 chain and 530?

Mick

[Mike Rosso]

Same pitch 5/8" (distance between rollers) but the 530 rollers are wider;

[Mick Milakovic]

Thanks Mike!

Mick

[Mick Milakovic]

Another question, what is size "50" chain?  I've been running this chain on my harescrambler with what I believe is a 520 sprocket, no problems and both are in good condition.  I'd like to get a different size sprocket and the price difference between a 520 and 530 sprocket is significant.

Mick

[brian kirby]

50 is a 530.

Brian

[Mike Rosso]

quote:Originally posted by brian kirby

50 is a 530.

Brian

Found this on the subject and the difference is application with a 530 chain being more for high horsepower and high speed but chains are so good now that I wouldn't worry about putting a #50 chain on any 50 HP (coincidence maybe:D) or less dirt bike.


Internet talk on 50 vs 530:

#50 and #530 is dimensionally identical
 And in Standard Chains,,the Tensile Strength is the same or "equivalent"
 
The Differences arise from fact that
 #50 is "Industrial Chain"
 #530 is "Hi-Speed" Chain
 
The different apps include things like clearances,hardening/metal treatment,types of master links,lubrication provisions,and so on.
 
Is it actually INTERCHANGEABLE??
 That's an old controversy.
 I've seen a BUNCH of it used to replace #520,525,and 530 Motorcycle chain,,,,usually in MODEST power applications.
 Never have seen any detrimental effect.
 
On Bigger Bikes,,,I'd say 40hp or more,,or Road bikes that run several hours at a stretch,,I wouldnt use it
 
There are so many Upgraded 530's on the market now at reasonable prices,,,,while Industrial Chain has risen substantially in price & closed the "Price Gap" almost totally in Standard Grade Chain,,
 I'd stick with actual Hi Speed Chain.
 
If I had to replace a 530 with 50,,,
 if it was name-brand decent quality 50,,I wouldnt blink an eye.
 But I WOULD keep an eye on it
 
***Years ago when 750-4 Hondas 1st appeared,,,they were Chain Killers.
 Diamond Brand was about only "Upgrade" available,,,and it did show an improvement in durability.
 
Diamond also had a Nickel Plated Industrial #50,,,
 which sure seemed to outlast their Motorcycle #530.
 Which arguably made it probably "Best" chain of the day,,,,however "wrong" it Officially was.
 Go figure...

[brian kirby]

I agree 100%. I would not use a 50 chain now, but it is dimensionally the same as a 530.

Brian

[skiracer]

I am always surprised to see 530 chains on the 175 Pentons, and Hercules.  I would think the 520 would take less power to move the wheels....


1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Hercules 250 GS
1982 Suzuki PE 175
2002 KTM 200 EXC
1976 Penton 175 GS

[Mike Rosso]

quote:Originally posted by skiracer

I am always surprised to see 530 chains on the 175 Pentons, and Hercules.  I would think the 520 would take less power to move the wheels....


1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Hercules 250 GS
1982 Suzuki PE 175
2002 KTM 200 EXC
1976 Penton 175 GS

Ah but those were the days before high quality chains and for sure the days before good quality O-RING chains. A 530 was as heavy duty as you could get back in the day without losing too much power in a heavy chain.

[Daniel P. McEntee]

It was common back in the day, and maybe it still is, to run a 520 sproket set, and use 530 chain, the theory being that the extra space allowed mud and crud to be flung out as you rode along. I don't get to ride near as much as a lot of you guys do so I'll never wear a chain out, but from what I have seen, to say that today's chain is superior is an understatement! If the guides and tensioners allow the extra width, put on one of the new o-rings chains, add a spring loaded tensioner, and fugetaboutit! Even a regular chain should last a long, long time with some care and cleaning. I think we have learned to use a spring loaded tensioner, and allow more slack than we used to, so the chain doesn't bind at full suspension travel. That is what used to kill a lot of chains prematurely, I think.
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[OUCWBOY]

quote:Originally posted by skiracer

I am always surprised to see 530 chains on the 175 Pentons, and Hercules.  I would think the 520 would take less power to move the wheels....

The same thing I think when I see a 4.00 rear tire on a 100cc or 125cc.


1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Hercules 250 GS
1982 Suzuki PE 175
2002 KTM 200 EXC
1976 Penton 175 GS

Donny Smith
Paragould, AR