FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

First off, what is a 520 conversion?

A 520 conversion simply mean converting your current chain, which on the FZR600 is a 530, to a lighter weight chain/sprockets. On a 600cc bike, this is really no issue, but larger 1000cc bikes should go with a 530 or better chain due to their greater torque. The different chain sizes refer to the pitch and inner width (roller) dimensions. When you reduce the weight of the chain or the width, you are also reducing the thickness of the sprockets and thereby also reducing their weight.

Here is a quick reference for Chain size dimensions -

Chain Size :: Pitch :: Inner Width (roller)
520 :: 5/8" :: 1/4"
525 :: 5/8" :: 5/16"
530 :: 5/8" :: 3/8"

Along with the lighter chain many choose to also change their gearing by changing the sprocket tooth count on both the front and rear sprockets since the new chain requires sprockets designed to work with the smaller chain size. Sprockets will be labeled with the chain size (520, 525, 530, ...)

A stock FZR600 comes with a 15/45 or 15 teeth on the front sprocket and 45 on the rear sprocket. This comes to be a 3.00 ratio, which gives the FZR600 a top speed of roughly 144.70 mph.

The most common change on the FZR600 is a 14/47 which gives you a 3.36 ratio. This allows a quicker take-off, but a reduced top-speed of roughly 129 mph. See the graph below for other sizes and top speeds.

Several companies offer kits that will save you money, but be cautious, not all companies supply you with the same quality chain. Here is a link with descriptions of the various chains, manufactured by RK, a leader in high quality chains.(http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/street_rk_chain.html)

In these 520 conversion kits, you will usually get a steel alloy front sprocket and an aluminum rear sprocket. Some say the aluminum sprockets last 3000 miles or more, while others will tell you that they wear out quickly. I can only imagine that maintenance, proper installation and style of riding varies greatly among those who have commented.

The biggest issues surrounding wear are: insufficient chain lubrication, improper chain tension and misalignment between the sprockets.

A note about front sprocket changes: Reducing the front sprocket tooth count by one roughly equals a reduction of 2-3 teeth on the rear sprocket. However; reducing the front sprocket also bends the chain further which may prematurely wear the chain out. So, go with a larger rear sprocket like a 49 tooth. While this may seem large, it is a common size and you can run a 14, 15 or even 16 tooth front sprocket for different applications. Keep all 3 sizes in your tool box. Use the 14 for a Track Day on a short, tight course, a 15 for a Track Day with longer straights and the 16 for street use for better gas mileage. Plus, replacing the front sprocket is much easier than replacing the rear.

Got it. Anything else?

darrin

Some say the aluminum sprockets last 3000 miles or more, while others will tell you that they wear out quickly.

Wait what?

Did you mean 30,000?

3000 miles is nothing, I'd hate to be changing sprockets with every other oil change.

I've been thinking of getting myself a 520 kit, but if I can only expect 3000 miles from a rear sprocket I've definetly got my mind made up on the matter.

I put 2000 miles on my vortex AL 520 rear sprocket on my 88 1k with it still looking practically new!

and the 520 had no issues on my 1k...but I did buy the NICE DID gold x-ring that they warrentee for 20k miles

If they can warrantee a 520 kit on a 1000 cc bike, i'm betting that is indeed a typo at 3000

I don't know about a specific warranty for the rear aluminum sprockets.

However; the RK chains that come with a lot of them have a 20,000 mile warranty.

moochems wrote:

Some say the aluminum sprockets last 3000 miles or more, while others will tell you that they wear out quickly.

Wait what?

Did you mean 30,000?

3000 miles is nothing, I'd hate to be changing sprockets with every other oil change.

I've been thinking of getting myself a 520 kit, but if I can only expect 3000 miles from a rear sprocket I've definetly got my mind made up on the matter.

Depends on how you keep up with maintaining proper chain tension.

i have seen some standard #530 DID chains on a few FZR600's , WOW ! that chain looked like a #520 , they really cut the size down even on a #530 DID chain , don't know about the weight . I do know that the side plates are stamped DID & Japan , got to be strong .....

I would say.......or more.

Just read this and I was wondering what would be the best rear sprocket for a 520 conversion leaving the front stock?

_LM_ wrote:Just read this and I was wondering what would be the best rear sprocket for a 520 conversion leaving the front stock?

i would say maybe a 15-49 or even 15-47 you will notice a differnce

But can I leave the sprockets stock?
I'm just asking because I'd like a gold chain but if I can improve something while at it's cool!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Ac ... .m20.l1116
is this the type of chain im lookin for for my 520 sprockets? and is there anywhere else that has better deals these things are krazy 100 for a gold chain .. like im going to the jewelry store .. LOL2

_LM_ wrote:Just read this and I was wondering what would be the best rear sprocket for a 520 conversion leaving the front stock?

_LM_ wrote:But can I leave the sprockets stock? I'm just asking because I'd like a gold chain but if I can improve something while at it's cool!

You can stick with the stock tooth count, which is 15 front and 45 rear. But, since the stock sprockets fit a 530 chain, you have to replace both sprockets and the chain to go with the 520 set-up.

Not sure that I answered your question.

darrin

You answered right on.
That means I have to replace both of them...