My bike has the stock 525 chain and sprockets on it but, because I've heard so much about Road Atlanta's epic back-straight, I'm thinking about throwing on a smaller 520 sprocket I have lying around. Using a 525 chain and a 520 spocket wouldn't be a big deal just for a couple of days, would it? I don't plan on keeping it that way.
I wouldn't do it and never heard of anyone doing it. Don't know what the reprocussions might be. What kind of bike is this and how many links are on the chain? I have extra.
It's a Honda Hawk. I have no idea how many links the current chain has. Do you mean you have an extra 520 chain? Thanks, but it wouldn't work 'cuz the front sprocket is a stock 525.
I wouldn't do it. At the very least it will chew up that chain, at the worst you will throw the chain at the worst possible moment (probably down the back straight).
The pitch is different...it won't work. On that note, someone will now reply that it does work, but you really have to force it.
Brad, I'm pretty sure that the pitch is the same between the two sizes. Both are a 5/8 in. pitch. (Thats what the "5" means). I think the only difference is the width of the chain. I haven't measured the two to compare so I can't be 100% sure. You might have to force it... What I have seen before is guys running 530 chain on 520 sprockets with no problems. Again, with this set-up the pitch is the same, the width is different. tom
Just lay a 520 chain out, and a 525 chain side by side on the pavement, and measure the lengths of the most links you can.... if they look the same length at 110 links, chances are they are the same length, and it's just the width that is different.... and if that's the case, they you should be ok to run it like that....
I've run 520 sprockets on 525 and 530 chains with no problems. The only one you can't use is 532 that comes on some Yamahas. Also if you need taller gearing you can run a 17t front sprocket on the Hawk if you trim the teeth down a bit to clear the shift shaft.
I had a 520 front sproket on a stock 525 chain on my street Hawk. I am not sure if I can guarantee the reliability, but I didn't have any problems riding on hwys. I was also broke, and would probably do a full 520 conversion if I can go back. .02 Alex
You are correct that the difference between a 520 and 525 is the width. I have machined down 525s and 530s to 520 on the lathe with no problem. My concern running the 520 sproket would be chain slap causing wear.
chain sizes info Chain size was originally based on the "Rule of Eighths". The rule is that 8 is the denominator of the three digit chain size, and dimensions are in inches. The first digit is for chain pitch. This is the distance between the pins. (i.e. 5/8 for a 520 chain, 4/8 for a 420 chain) The second and third digits combine for roller width, but a decimal point is inserted between the second and third digits. For example, a 420 chain has a pitch of 4/8" = 1/2" (12.70mm) and a roller width of 2.0/8" = 1/4" (6.35mm). A 520 chain has a pitch of 5/8" (15.88mm) and a roller width of 2.0/8" = 1/4" (6.35mm) A 525 chain has a pitch of 5/8" (15.88mm) and a roller width of 2.5/8" (7.94mm). A 530 chain has a pitch of 5/8" (15.88mm) and a roller width of 3.0/8" (9.52mm). These are nominal dimensions, and chain manufacturers often have slightly different specs for roller diameter, sprocket width, etc. But a 525 chain from one manufacturer will have the same pitch as a 520, 525, 530, or 532 chain from another and run smoothly on 525 sprockets from another. A 525 chain may run on 520 sprockets, but a 520 chain is too narrow to run on 525 sprockets. hope it helps..
AHA! Maybe I tried to temporarily fit a 520 on the 525 sprocket and it bound up because of width instead of the pitch! Either way I should have forced it!!
