Chain and Sprockets

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Backroader
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Chain and Sprockets

#1 Post by Backroader » Mon Dec 10, 2012 1:39 am

Need to replace chain and sprockets on an 1983 RZ350.

Where is the best place to buy? What kind of price?

I see a number of 14T fronts on eBay. I would rather stay with stock gearing.
1967 Honda CD125A
1978 Yamaha XS650SE
1983 RZ350
2010 HD Heritage Softail Classic
2011 BMW R1200GS

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aaronmvrider
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#2 Post by aaronmvrider » Mon Dec 10, 2012 1:59 am

520 chain... any kind will do ... the more you spend the better the chain will be ??? 106 links...

i am also looking for a chain.... for a bigger powered engine...

any recommendations....
1 x 4mm stroker rz 375cc 1983
1 x 7mm stroker rz 443cc 1984 (under construction)
1 x rz 500
1 x mv agusta 1000

silverstrom
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#3 Post by silverstrom » Mon Dec 10, 2012 2:59 am

Use an o-ring chain as a minimum and an x-ring is even better. Stay away from any chain that isn't sealed if it's for a street bike and you want long life. If it's a track/race bike you'll want a non-o-ring chain for reduced friction and more power. Yes, it really matters. As for manufacturers, DID 520VM X-ring (maybe $150 or so) is a good place to start, or RK, Renthal, etc.

Stock gearing is 17/40 on the early bikes (17/39 on 86+). use 16/41 if you want a 1983 hooligan machine. This will help to make sense of it all http://www.gearingcommander.com/

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aaronmvrider
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#4 Post by aaronmvrider » Mon Dec 10, 2012 3:47 am

i am considering renthal r3 works ....or.... DID ert2 ???

i am going for 18/39 or 18/40.... so it doesnt flip me off

sprockets.... looking for gold sprocket... vortex ???? do they make one ????
1 x 4mm stroker rz 375cc 1983
1 x 7mm stroker rz 443cc 1984 (under construction)
1 x rz 500
1 x mv agusta 1000

Backroader
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#5 Post by Backroader » Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:43 am

Kindly PM me if anyone has a ordered place to purchase chain and sprockets.
I am going to check out Northwest Vintage Cycle, any more places?
1967 Honda CD125A
1978 Yamaha XS650SE
1983 RZ350
2010 HD Heritage Softail Classic
2011 BMW R1200GS

silverstrom
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#6 Post by silverstrom » Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:34 pm

Any dealer can get them for you from Parts Canada or Motovan. You can also check the the Motovan and Parts Canada website yourself.

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JonW
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#7 Post by JonW » Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:39 pm

Does an 18 front fit the RZ? Sounds like a winner for Aaron if it does.
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

silverstrom
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#8 Post by silverstrom » Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:42 pm

Only 1 bigger than stock, so I can't see it being a problem if the rear is close to stock.

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JonW
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#9 Post by JonW » Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:53 pm

I was just thinking about the space in the front, for some reason I didnt consider 18 when I built my LC (RZ cases) and Im not sure why...
80 XT500 Supermoto!
81 RD350LC Resto
82 RD421LC Hybrid
82 RD350LC decapitation project
82 RD250LC JDM '251LC' YPVS
83 RZ350 Resto
84 RZ500 Resto
85 RZ350 F1 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Resto
86 RZ350 F2 Hybrid

Like Watches? www.PloProf.com & www.DeskDivers.com

Backroader
Posts: 73
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Location: Winnipeg
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#10 Post by Backroader » Mon Dec 10, 2012 8:06 pm

silverstrom wrote:Any dealer can get them for you from Parts Canada or Motovan. You can also check the the Motovan and Parts Canada website yourself.
Will I need a stock number? I found the chain on the Northwest Vintage site, but no sprockets (with out a stock number up cross reference to) ?
1967 Honda CD125A
1978 Yamaha XS650SE
1983 RZ350
2010 HD Heritage Softail Classic
2011 BMW R1200GS

silverstrom
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#11 Post by silverstrom » Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:57 am

Just tell your dealer you need sprockets for an RZ350. Tell him the sizes you want (17/40, etc) and he'll do the rest. The bolt pattern is common for many Yamahas so getting sprockets is easy. After that it all depends on your budget. Fronts are usually less than $20 and the rears $30-$40.

Sunstar sprockets will work just fine.

Do a search for RZ350 sprockets on eBay and have a look before going to your dealer. Then you'll know what to look for.

DID "Made in Japan" is my choice for chains.

Backroader
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#12 Post by Backroader » Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:23 am

silverstrom wrote:Just tell your dealer you need sprockets for an RZ350. Tell him the sizes you want (17/40, etc) and he'll do the rest. The bolt pattern is common for many Yamahas so getting sprockets is easy. After that it all depends on your budget. Fronts are usually less than $20 and the rears $30-$40.

Sunstar sprockets will work just fine.

Do a search for RZ350 sprockets on eBay and have a look before going to your dealer. Then you'll know what to look for.

DID "Made in Japan" is my choice for chains.
Thanks... I was on the right path... just looking to save a buck where I can. The chains seem to be about $150.00 ( a little higher than I expected) though sprockets are well within the range.

I see the fender I was going to buy out of Thailand has surfaced on Ebay... the price went up another $40.00. to $339.00...Ouch, $400.00 delivered to Canada.

Thanks to a fellow member of the forum, a used fender is on the way, I should make out OK.

much appreciated for the support!
Cheers and Merry Christmas (even if it a little early)
1967 Honda CD125A
1978 Yamaha XS650SE
1983 RZ350
2010 HD Heritage Softail Classic
2011 BMW R1200GS

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pushstartrearset
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#13 Post by pushstartrearset » Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:38 am

silverstrom wrote:
DID "Made in Japan" is my choice for chains.
Agreed. Hands down. No stretch on the big Z1000!

I also run the D.I.D. non 0-ring chain if i can find it on the strokers...gotta to clean and oil the less protected (from environment) NON O-ring chains frequently to keep them tip-top.
1984 RZ350L (U.S.) Old Toomeys, oil injected!, Y-boot K&N. loctite throttle cable holder on left carb!! , 410 mains, Dynojet needles 2.0 clip, #20 pilot @ 1.5 turn a.s., 240/512 p.v.

JeffCooper
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Re: Chain and Sprockets

#14 Post by JeffCooper » Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:29 pm

Found a deal on a DID 520 X-Ring Chain (in gold anodized)- 106 links. I think I good there. I've got about 1hr of time on the RZ, but I never felt the urge to change sprocket size over two RD400's or any other road bike. Should I just stick with 17/40? I'll ride a bit on Sunday's and maybe throw the bike in the SVT Lightning and go to the drags with it. I'm 61 though, so no knee dragging for me. :smt014
Jeff Cooper
Palm Harbor, FL
1984 RZ350

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kpke
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Re: Chain and Sprockets

#15 Post by kpke » Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:31 am

A 16T on the front will produce more smiles on your rides. :smt001

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