I see that the singles had 530 chains but the twins only 520 so I'm guessing that width is limited. Has anyone done it?
Is it possible to fit an o-ring chain to an A Twin?
- Thread starter billirwinnz
- Start date
The chain will most likely hit the swing arm, that's why they used the narrower chain on the twins. Most "O" ring chains are wider than standard so a 520 O ring chain will be as wide as a normal 530. Cheaper to replace it periodically than go to a more expensive type anyway.
I put a 520 O ring on mine. Not a big issue for width. I have had rings made from SAE 8620 steel and case hardened .020 deep with a 2.500 bore in 18, 19, 21, and 22T. I can then take an original counter shaft sprocket and re ring the splined hub. Both my A twin and the TTR (and my post war bikes) have been done this way. There are some of these sprockets with a documented 20,000 miles on them. I think I could even put a big fat 530 O ring in there and not touch anything.
Thanks Greg and Robert.
I used to adjust the 530 standard chain on my Prince every 200 miles and replace it at 4000. I converted to 520 o-ring and have only had to adjust it twice - at 10,000 and 20,000 - so I'm sold on o-ring. For racing obviously there's less drag on a standard chain and mileage is a non-issue.
I used to adjust the 530 standard chain on my Prince every 200 miles and replace it at 4000. I converted to 520 o-ring and have only had to adjust it twice - at 10,000 and 20,000 - so I'm sold on o-ring. For racing obviously there's less drag on a standard chain and mileage is a non-issue.
Not really an answer to your question "can I fit an "O" ring chain to an "A" twin" but if you are planning on doing a lot of miles an alternative might be to fit an automatic chain oiler, e.g. Scottoiler.
I use a Scottoiler V system with ordinary engine oil on all my motorcycles. It is actuated by vacuum from the inlet tract and I get 10,000-20,000 miles from a chain on a "B" twin. There are various other auto oiler systems, some electrically operated and some semi-auto and much cheaper, e.g. the Loobman costs £23.00 inc P & P.
One of these systems is likely to be cheaper than new sprockets and an "O" ring chain and easier to fit.
Examples here: https://motoridersuniverse.com/news/1253536-automatic-chain-oilers.html
I use a Scottoiler V system with ordinary engine oil on all my motorcycles. It is actuated by vacuum from the inlet tract and I get 10,000-20,000 miles from a chain on a "B" twin. There are various other auto oiler systems, some electrically operated and some semi-auto and much cheaper, e.g. the Loobman costs £23.00 inc P & P.
One of these systems is likely to be cheaper than new sprockets and an "O" ring chain and easier to fit.
Examples here: https://motoridersuniverse.com/news/1253536-automatic-chain-oilers.html
Or make the ring up from Toolox 44 at 45HRc just normally workable on a lathe, is it available on the other side of the pond?
My bike came with a chain oiler from new. They called it a crankcase breather. 
Oil consumption is a gallon every 1600 miles and I think most of it is through the breathers.
Oil consumption is a gallon every 1600 miles and I think most of it is through the breathers.
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Bill, It might sound a bit bizarre, but have you tried putting the bike on the rear stand and fitting an old worn-out length of 530 chain to establish what/where clearance issues you might have? Some rag or maybe rubber wedged to one side - and then the other - against the sprockets will move the chain over each way while you rotate the rear wheel by hand....
Peter B
Peter B
Vincent,
Yes, Toolox 44 is available in the UK and I guess other places too...
http://www.carrs-tool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/toolox44_AW.pdf
Peter B
Yes, Toolox 44 is available in the UK and I guess other places too...
http://www.carrs-tool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/toolox44_AW.pdf
Peter B