What Chain Do You Use?

[SupsChad]

So I got a 1982 Xs400 Heritage. The current chain and I would assume original one on the bike now is a DID50DS. But I cant seem to find someplace to buy a new one anywhere because its discontinued. I have also tired finding a DID50HDSS but still no luck. I have seen from googling that people say the xs400 uses a 530 chain. But I find that odd cause I purchased a 530 chain (EK) and the pitch is fine cause theirs no forward/backward movement. But the width is a lot wider than the sprocket. So the chain can move a little bit from side to side. I had a 525 and 520 chain around and the width of the chain is to small for the sprocket.

So my question is do you think the 530 chain would be fine on those sprockets as long as the chain isn't hitting anything. Or do I possibly need to buy a new sprocket set. If so what aftermarket sprockets worked for you? I thought of doing this, but I need the bolt holes to line up and the center to be the correct diameter on the rear. And the front sprockets spindles I think you call them look different then a lot of aftermarket front sprockets. P.S. the rear wheel is a drum brake if that makes a difference.

I still do have the original chain. Without really thinking in terms of this future issue, I used a grinder to cut it off. I did find a ebay listing of a DID50HDSS master link set, so I bought that to reconnect the chain if need be. My only concern with this route is that the 2 links that attached to the original master link have shaved down a bit. There isnt a whole lot of metal left on the ends of the 2 links. So my fear would be the pulling forces will rip the chain apart.

 

[CaptChrome]

You need a DID 530-102 Standard Series Chain with Connecting Link (102 links are required for the bike). Amazon and other will have it. I think 530 is the current nomenclature for the ANSI #50 series industrial chain. These chains don't have anything fancy like o-rings or x-rings, so can probably also find long lengths of industrial #50 chain and cut it to length and add a connecting link and be just fine.

I have to think the 530 chain you have should work just fine.

 

[SupsChad]

You need a DID 530-102 Standard Series Chain with Connecting Link (102 links are required for the bike). Amazon and other will have it. I think 530 is the current nomenclature for the ANSI #50 series industrial chain. These chains don't have anything fancy like o-rings or x-rings, so can probably also find long lengths of industrial #50 chain and cut it to length and add a connecting link and be just fine.

I have to think the 530 chain you have should work just fine.

Ok. Now I did already try a EK 530 chain and when I set a portion of it on the rear sprocket, it could shift side to side. No forward or backward movement tho. Im just asking cause it seems this sprocket is between a 525 and 530 width. The original chain has no movement any direction and seats nicely.

To be more clear. The pitch of the original and EK 530 chain where the same. But when I measured the width of the sprocket and chain. The original sprocket measures between 5/16'' and 3/8'' on the width. So the 530 chain wasn't enormous on the original sprocket, just enough that without any tension and simply laying the chain against it, I could shift it side to side.

 

[spectra]

You want to get new sprockets along with the new chain. I would not re use the sprockets.

 

[SupsChad]

You want to get new sprockets along with the new chain. I would not re use the sprockets.

I would agree with you. But the original sprockets look pretty good. The bike only has 5000 miles. I know it'll cause more wear on the chain and sprockets. But honestly if they get me through the season, im fine with getting a proper set in the winter. Im more worried if the 530 chain side play is an issue. Cause even though sprockets and chains wear together, im fairly certain the sprocket is only really going to wear in terms of pitch, not width. So knowing that, a DID50 and a 530 chain are the same in pitch, but a 50 is a tad bit thinner.