Chains of pain

[Revvy Kevvy]

In the manual I need a 50 DS DID 102L, in our forum its a 530-102 (link below)

I removed the chain and the distance between the links (the pitch is 5/8) so the starting number I understand is 5.
The width of the chain is 3/8 (6/16 inch, 9.6mm) so I understand from this it is a 30 chain. Add the two together and I have a 530 chain, so far so good. My chain has 51 links which is a bit odd as a 530-102 or a 50 DS DID 102L I understand to have 102 links, did I count them wrong or by link do they mean one link on one side and the other on the other side? double 51 is 102.

What is the difference between a 50 and a 530 chain?, as far as I can see they are the same, 50 is the industrial specification and 530 is the motorcycle designation so I think this questions is answered although correct me if I am wrong.

My chain is missing the orings at the master link, they are in every other link. Does it matter that there are no orings on this link? I found some suitable orings in my collection so I will use them although I guess its not that important as they have not been there for years I guess.

I did the chain length test as described in the manual, my chain is 5'3" long and it compressed one inch so I understand from the test that its allowed 1/4 inch per foot thus a 1 inch compresson is still within the allowed limits for the chain so its good to go.

Last question, did anybody use this blue tool to put the master link back on? I tried pliers and it is not gunna reconnect. I remember it was super difficult to break the chain in the first place and I ended up using two screw drivers to kinda pry it apart but it was far from easy.

I counted the sprockets, 17/37 and every forum seems to think this is best compromise for highway use. I might buy a new chain, do we think the orings are worthwhile or should I go for one without them. I understand the power transmission is better with the non oring but maintenance is a bit higher? I dont think I will go for the X or A type oring, seems a bit overkill so I need to choose with or without Oring...anybody got any strong feelings either way on this??



Link to a discussion in our forum on chains, https://www.xs400.com/threads/what-chain-do-you-use.20629/

 

[CaptChrome]

What is the difference between a 50 and a 530 chain?, as far as I can see they are the same, 50 is the industrial specification and 530 is the motorcycle designation so I think this questions is answered although correct me if I am wrong.

You are correct!

The original chain supplied by Yamaha is a standard, non o-ring chain. O-ring and X-ring chains are wider than the standard chain, so don't be surprised if there is rubbing on hard parts of the frame or on the engine case if you use one, and be ready to switch it out if this happens.

 

[Revvy Kevvy]

Lets close this tread, how did these chains of pain go in the end.
I bought the little tool, the chain was too big for it. Strange as it was the correct size and all that. In the end I found a different tool to get it on. I gave up trying to replace the orings or put a new master linkage in as clearly I dont understand how the number system works as every part I ordered for the chains was not good for it.

In the end I got some chain lube, I used the old master link. I used the old sprocket and its turning and seems ok. I have not ridden on it becuase there is a new chapter with the engine now.

Never put these motorcycles aside for twenty years, or if you do expect them to be really hell to get functioning again. Bit by bit it goes in the right direction.

Here in Northern Sweden I have about 3-4 months before the snows return. I will have 24 hour sunlight and today I had the bike outside to start the engine. It starts but it dont run very well at all.

But, for the moment the chain episode is behind me, as are all the others. Just the engine I rekon...

I will eventually need to replace this chain and so I think I need to do some more research into chains, nothing I bought actually worked. Not the tool not the links, not the sprocket. But solutions were found.