530 ---> 520 sprocket conversion

[Diddums]

Quick quesion.

To eliminate the obvious stuff, I'll be replacing both sprockets and the chain. I'll be keeping the tooth count stock, and I'll be using decent kit (DID chain, Renthal sprockets).

My only questions are regarding the spline count and thickness, how can I tell which of the dozens of 520 pitch, 15 tooth front sprockets will fit?

And is this is a straight swap, or do I need spacers or anything?

The bike is a 1990 ZZR600.

Cheers

[Fizzer Thou]

Why are you downsizing the chain size?
What do you feel would be the benefits?

A friend did the conversion on his 1995 R6 and within a few thousand miles it was stretched out of any further adjustment.Different if he was using the bike as a tracker,but on the road no difference was detected.
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Always have a 'Plan B'

[stinkwheel]

This was my first thought too.

Why? If my (optimistically) 11bhp enfield bullet can mamage to get about the place on a 530 chain and sprockets, I think it'll make the sum total of next to no difference to a ZZR.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

Google suggests some people do this hoping to direct more powah! to the back wheel due to the marginally lower rotating mass. The initial cost may be marginally lower too but offset by more rapid chain wear. All fine if you like (or you’re Marc Marquez) but the OP’s uncertainty over “which will fit?” would seem to render the whole enterprise unwise. I doubt you’d need spacers in any case.

[Pete.]

Anyone (who is not a world-class competitor where tiny margins do make meaningful differences) that thinks that is deluding themselves.
Do they also fit new tyres then take a belt sander to them to remove all that heavy rubber?

You're certainly not going to notice any difference on a lardy underpowered ZZR600 from 35 years ago.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Diddums]

Cheers for the responses all!

To be honest I'm just messing around. I'm not expecting any additional power or scalpel handling, but if the chain and sprockets need changing, I may as well give it a shot.

Given that this bike is 100% just a messing around and learning excercise (I've not even done a single mile on it yet) I've not got anything to lose.

[stinkwheel]

[Ste]

[Diddums]

Thanks, you all make some great points. I'll stick with the 530.

On to my favourite part, ordering stuff.

[Ste]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

[Diddums]

Yeah that was my thinking. Granted I have zero evidence or actual science behind it, but the logic of it being less rotational mass certainly makes sense.

I guess this could just be one of those things that are placebos and repeated by people who think it might actually work, no idea though.

That being said, it could certainly make an interesting study to do at some point (hint hint)!

[andys675]

what you need is a JT sprockets catalog or you'll probably get the info on the website

look at the centre's of the front and rear and make some notes of the spline on the front sprocket and then the size of the centre hole, stud spacing and diameter on the back sprocket and then compare it to other sprockets in the catalog, if you do find a 525 sprocket with the a same centre etc then you have to match the number of teeth and you're there

I did it on my FZS600, front sprocket matched a street triple/bandit 600 and the rear matched a KTM and XL750, so now run a 525 gold ZVMX chain, JT part numbers front 520 and rear 300
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