Drive chain help...

[RonBou]

I am searching the internet for a new drive chain for my 1966 305 Dream. What does the 520 or 525 mean? How do I know what mine is?

Ohio Cycle has a 525 x 96 link but I have counted the links on mine (twice) and come up with 94. Do I need to remove 2?

And... can I expect a master link with a new chain or should I be looking for that also.

Any help would be appreciated. As you can tell my knowledge of these old Hondas is limited.

Thanks....

[cadman]

525 chain is wider than 520 - Try and get o-ring or x-ring chain. I usually buy a bit longer than I need then modify the length as needed, It should come with a master link.

I think 96 is correct for a Dream.

[conbs]

Use the Search function on this site. There has been some discussion. You need to focus on matching the width of your chain with your sprockets.

If your sprockets are worn you could theoretically replace the whole shootin' match and everything will work. I haven't researched 520 width sprockets so I don't know if that is a good option. In my searches it seems like 525 chain and original sprockets are not readily available either so, no matter what it will cost some $$ to get things in order.

Unfortunately, it looks like you will just have to get out your wallet no matter which way you go.

[cadman]

Here is a link for reasonably priced 525 o-ring chain - http://www.mfgsupply.com/motorcycle/cyc ... n525o.html

If you need a front sprocket (16 tooth) I have a new one for $20 - I haven't had much luck finding new rear sprockets.

[Tinman]

RB,
Either of these two companies can hook you up with a rear sprocket. The 525x96 will the correct size of chain you will need. A 520 chain is narrower than a 525 chain and will wear the chain and sprockets excessively and prematurely. And a 528 chain will be too wide and have the same result as the 520 chain.

I'm sure that the front sprocket is a 16T original. Did you check and measure the rear sprocket? The width for a 525 sprocket will be 9/32, 7.3mm or .286, whatever method you measure with, you should be getting those numbers. A magnet should stick to it, if not its aftermarket unless they made it out of steel. The rear sprocket should have a 29 stamped on the side if its original for the amount of teeth it has.

As far as an o-ring or an x-chain, I haven't had experience with either and I'm sure that cadman has the current information, but you need to be concerned with chain clearance whenever you're not going to use a standard chain. Perhaps a few others can help us out there.

Here are the links, unfortunately neither (and nobody else does for that matter) makes a front sprocket for any size of chain you choose, so your stuck with a 525 front sprocket. I know that Davomoto has used sprocket specialties and is satisfied with their product. My understanding is that Rebel Gear is or has been associated to Sprocket Specialties in one form or another. But by a simple call they will be able to answer your questions.

Tinman

http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/
http://rebelgears.com/

[RonBou]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Monday I will order a 525 x 96 chain for the little pain in the butt Dream.

PS conbs ... I did use the (not so great) search function and waded through many of the 117 pages that showed up BUT I got all the info I needed from this post.... and thanks for your help.

[conbs]

I bought a rear sprocket from Nick at Ohio Cycle about 18 months ago. Re-pops. A little spendy, but they are the correct width.

I know the search function is not great, but every time I use it I learn about a lot of stuff I didn't even know I was interested in. This has been a great thread and I have learned a lot from it as well.