The KEDO Chain Theory

 


TEXT POOL ———————-

If only, if only, SR chain….

One shaft, one hub, but three chains: All SR models and all XT500s share an identical transmission output shaft and an identical rear wheel hub. Nevertheless, Yamaha opted for a 520-pitch chain on the XT and a 530- or 428-pitch chain—depending on the model year—on the SR.

But let’s be honest: does an SR really need a 530 chain, like the ones used on 100PS motorcycles? And would you really want to ride with a 428 moped chain? The solution is simple: since the transmission output shaft and rear wheel hub are identical, in principle any XT500 sprocket and chainring can be used with the corresponding 520 chain, provided the chain alignment is correct. 

Back to the overview:

  • SR500 1978–’90: Final drive ratio 16:42, 530-series chain pitch with a chain length of 102 links and a 16.5-mm sprocket bushing
  • SR500 (1991 and later): Final drive ratio 20:55 Z, 428-tooth chain pitch with a chain length of 130 links and an 18.5-mm sprocket bushing
  • XT500 (all models): Gear ratio 16:42 Z, 520-tooth chain pitch with a chain length of 100 links and an 18.5 mm sprocket bushing

To securely fasten the respective sprocket with the sprocket nut (which is identical on all SR and XT models) without any play, the spacer sleeves behind the sprocket differ depending on the type of chain used. Since a 520 or 428 sprocket is 2 mm narrower than a 530 sprocket, a wider spacer is needed to achieve the required overall dimension. 

  • The 530 chain requires a bushing that is 16.5 mm wide (see item 91042)
  • The 520 and 428 chains require a bushing that is 18.5 mm wide (27520)

Don't worry: once the pinion has been removed, the bushing can be pulled off the shaft by hand. When installing the bushing, proceed with due care due to the sealing lip of the shaft seal (10140) and the O-ring on the transmission output shaft (10196), and ensure it is well-lubricated.

There is therefore no reason not to use a 520 chain on the SR500, regardless of the model year, as long as the points mentioned above are taken into account. A nice side effect: since the 520 chain pitch offers a much wider variety of sprockets and chainwheels in terms of tooth count and material, this results in significantly more options for varying the gear ratio both visually and technically. Please note that changing the gear ratio not only affects the top speed or the engine’s torque but can also result in changes in noise and exhaust emissions.

Add:

Dimensions:

Description DivisionWidth 
Sprocket width
Roller-
diameter
  
428 12,7 mm 7,85 mm 8,51 mm  
520 15,875 mm 6,25 mm 10,16 mm  
525]15,875 mm 7,85 mm 10,16 mm  
530]15,875 mm 9,4 mm 10,16 mm  

 

Add: Information on racing sprockets, racing pinions, locks, the special case of endless chains with a safety bonus, and swing arm bearings. Rubber coating.

Image requirements:

Bushings, O-rings, chain ends (520, 530), and color comparison. Chain locks, chain lock tool

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

Drive chains for the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT -

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This is about the drive chains on the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT - 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

  • PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This section covers the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

PLACEHOLDER TEXT This article is about the drive chains of the SR500 and XT500 PLACEHOLDER TEXT – 

We were at the Scrambler Fever in Poland last weekend and it was really good again! 2 days of rattling through the woods with about 70 other enduro enthusiasts. Due to the extreme drought, many forest roads were a sandy hell. Everyone cursed about it, many crashed but everyone had a big grin on their face afterwards. More about this event soon....

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