Author Topic: 520 chain conversion for 1200 (Read 7683 times)

Nitro · « **on:** May 19, 2007, 08:18:24 PM »

Is a conversion chain set with Vortex sprockets and an RK 520GXW chain a good thing to do to a 1200 Bandit? There's a "kit" on you know where for $139. I don't need one for a while. I just wanted to know.

Also, I'm curious about something. Years ago, it was customary to reverse the sprockets and chain to extend the life/wear. Is that still the way to go?

Daytona · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2007, 10:42:30 AM »

Not worth it with a riveted chain! Rear cogg not reversable, front is! But after all that work WHY???

Daytona · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2007, 10:46:20 AM »

Oh and NO on the 520 conversion. expect half the life you got out of the steel sprocket and well cared 4 1/3rd less on the chain. .50 sec less in the 1/4 mile?

Bob Holland · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2007, 02:45:48 PM »

Quote from: "Daytona"

Oh and NO on the 520 conversion. expect half the life you got out of the steel sprocket and well cared 4 1/3rd less on the chain. .50 sec less in the 1/4 mile?

I have a 520 conversion kit that came with my bike when I bought it. It doesn't work with my extended swingarm, but with the stock swingarm it fits, and I have ran the bike a couple of times with it on there, but the fear of it breaking has always been in my mind when running it. I did not have any drop in ET or MPH in the 1/4, may be even a little quicker, but not enough to say for sure. The lighter chain and sprockets would take less energy to get them moving.
The yield strength on the chain is suppose to be higher than the stock chain, but would probabley not last as long because of the smaller contact area of the chain and sprockets.
Just my thoughts, as I didn't leave it on long enough to see.

okbandit · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2007, 11:04:27 PM »

I am running one of those sets with 15-47 gearing. Just started recently so I can't speak to longevity. I have a few friends that run them on liter sportbikes and I have not seen or heard of a failure. If you are into the super long life or constant hard launches, go for the the 530. I figure 7k miles is acceptable life for me the way I ride and I am a weight fanatic. I would really think about the recommended 14-47 gearing though. My bike will power wheelie in second at around 45mph and I would expect that lower gearing would make it unmanageable.

Nitro · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2007, 11:08:09 PM »

Thanks for the info. I will probably stick with steel sprockets and 530 when the time comes.

Mongo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2007, 04:13:48 PM »

Quote from: "okbandit"

I am running one of those sets with 15-47 gearing. Just started recently so I can't speak to longevity. I have a few friends that run them on liter sportbikes and I have not seen or heard of a failure. If you are into the super long life or constant hard launches, go for the the 530. I figure 7k miles is acceptable life for me the way I ride and I am a weight fanatic. I would really think about the recommended 14-47 gearing though. My bike will power wheelie in second at around 45mph and I would expect that lower gearing would make it unmanageable.

I too am running one of those sets but I went for the 14-47 nothing unmanageable about it! POWER ON!!!

GETFURIOUS · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2007, 06:17:32 PM »

Quote from: "Nitro_Fluffy"

Is a conversion chain set with Vortex sprockets and an RK 520GXW chain a good thing to do to a 1200 Bandit? There's a "kit" on you know where for $139. I don't need one for a while. I just wanted to know.

Also, I'm curious about something. Years ago, it was customary to reverse the sprockets and chain to extend the life/wear. Is that still the way to go?

I JUST CHANGED MY CHAIN AND SPROCKETS.....

I WENT WITH THE FACTORY NUMBER OF TEETH ON THE FRONT AND THE REAR SPROCKETS.....15/45.....

I USED THE TSUBAKI 530 O-RING CHAIN AND J-T FRONT AND REAR SPROCKETS.....

I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PREMATURE WEAR AND TENSIL STRENGTH FROM THE 520 CONVERSION KIT.....

I REALLY LIKE THE BULK AND HEAVY GAUGE STEEL THAT THIS SET-UP IS MADE FROM.....

I GOT THE WHOLE THING FROM MY LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER FOR $149.47 OUT THE DOOR.....

I GOT 20,000 OUT OF MY PREVIOUS CHAIN.....

I HAVE GOOD POWER AND GOOD TORQUE WITH THIS SET-UP.....

SO, I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE PRODUCTS THAT I SELECTED.....

smooth operator · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2007, 06:30:26 AM »

I put on a Tsubaki Sigma the last time. I'm getting alot of milage,hardly ever have to adjust it so must not be much stretch. All the links still move freely(no tight spots). When its time for the next one ,I'll get another of the same.
For track duties, I have a bigger aluminum sprocket with a RK non o-ring race chain. Its lighter,cheaper w/o going down to the 530 in size. Dan

Nitro · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2007, 10:03:41 PM »

One more question. Where can I get the best price for a good 530 O-Ring chain and some steel sprockets?