Rear Chain Size

[61DuoGlide]

I came over to my parent's house to use their computer to order some parts and left my parts books at home. What is the rear chain size for my 61 duo? I will get a long one and break it to fit, but was wondering if it is a 520, 530, 630, ect.

Am I way off base?

Any suggestions on which chain to run, I don't want this one coming off like the last one.

[kitabel]

It's 530, for the last 90 years.
They don't come off unless something is wrong. If you don't find out what, this one will too.

[61DuoGlide]

I bought a new bike, checked the chain twice, put less than 30 miles on it, and it slung the chain. I'm guessing the master link came apart. This one will be staked after its fitted.


Thanks.....

[JR JOHNSON]

102 links stock
lucky you still have a tranny case in tack

[kitabel]

Again: they don't just come off, something is wrong. A 530 master link is one of the most fool-proof and reliable pieces ever invented. If it came off on a new bike after 30 miles, they would have stopped using chain drive 100 years ago. If you don't figure out what's wrong, expect the new one to come off the same way.

[61DuoGlide]

JR, see my other post for pics of my case. Its in pieces.

Kit: This was probably a 50 year old chain, and it had more than 30 miles on it I'm sure. Maybe somebody took the chain off and did some damage to the master that I didn't spot. Its getting new sprockets, and a tensioner as soon as I get my transmission put back together. so, Again: THANKS

[JR JOHNSON]

ouch,that hurts, but don't buy cheap chain, use diamond,or better.
as your master links,never had one come apart,on my harleys.dirt bikes,differant story. now days the master link is press on ,with the clip to,bullet proof on the diamond chains.....with respect...JR

[Bigincher]

It's also recommended to never re-use the master link retainer clip.

[kitabel]

Biggest reasons for chain failure:
1. bad adjustment (typically too tight, especially on a swing-arm - you have to move the arm to find the tightest spot)
2. run dry (but this takes at least 100 miles)
3. sprockets are mis-aligned (shafts out of parallel, or not in-line), typically bent swing-arm, loose transmission plate, cracked frame, wrong axle spacers
4. master clip installed backward, or bent while installing
5. bad sprocket (hooked teeth, out of round)
#1., 2. & 3. will make the chain very hot before it breaks.
#3. will show extreme wear on only 1 side of the plate.

Reasons why chains do not fail:
1. too much power (150 hp won't do it)
2. wrong brand (even junk will last 1,000 miles if kept wet)

[TimmyV]

Back in the day I used to use Diamond chains...now they are crap IMHO. Tsubaki makes a nice chain & that's what I use now. BTW, my '61 Pan only took 100 links.

[kitabel]

It's also recommended to never re-use the master link retainer clip.

X2. If I'm sure that the clip has not been stretched or bent, I feel safe. If you can see any space at all, even .001" between one end of the clip and the plate, it's going to come off.
Some have a safety strap that helps.
Remember: 530 is not a universal size, where all brands are exactly alike. The standard only covers 3 dimensions (pitch, roller diameter, roller width), but not side-plate thickness, end-play, pin length, etc. Don't try to use another brand master link.
More: http://victorylibrary.com/brit/chain.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[indianut]

Diamond Rear Chains are JUNK! Sad to say, but the RK or Tsubaki O-Ring ($120+) are the only way to go.

[RUBONE]

I started using Tsubaki chains in the '70s when my strokers were destroying Diamond branded products. Two or three heavy launches and the diamonds were toast. No issues with the Tsubaki chains! I have used them ever since, in plain types on some of my old stuff with clearance issues and O-ring on more modern stuff. And i use X-ring R-K on my modern Ducati.
Robbie

[JR JOHNSON]

hi,i've hear that diamond chains are junk,been using diamond for 30 years,never had a prob,but i'm not a hotrod rider,has people complain to diamond about this prob? and if so ,what did they say?the jap chain is a good chain,but i rather buy american made chain...just my opinion.....with respect...JR

[NightShift]

Dear JR,
I think they switched to a bad pre-lube. It used to be that Diamond chains just came oiled and then they started coming covered with a thick grease and thats when they stopped lasting very long. I think they would be OK if you washed them out first.

R'spectfully,