A lot of the following information is anecdotal, the more actual info the better I feel it could be true or crap so tell your story to add some data. I need to make a decision between the standard 520 chain on my Atlas which can damage the apparently soft countershaft and change to the 530 chain, having thicker sprockets spreads the load on the apparently soft shaft producing less damage. The plus for the 520 is less inertia and sweeter gear changes. Another odd bit of news is the thin retaining plate I now have with my standard 520 has 3/ 10mm bolts holding it on and someone who has done the 530 conversion has a similar plate but it has only 2/ 10mm retaining bolts. Why this change in retaining plates? Is there a general history of damaged countershafts, or is this model specific? I remember also reports of loose front sprockets and tight ones that need relieving to fit. Is this the real reason for this damage instead of sprocket thickness? Are shafts actually being damaged over time and if so all models or not? So what's the answer, 520 or 530?
Final Drive Chain
- Thread starter Vince
- Start date
Vince,
Both the shafts and sprockets hold up at least as well or badly as on other bikes. There's nothing special about them, neither the 500 or 600 versions.
Months/years of neglect and general mechanical ignorance is what destroys them! The shaft splines don't wear out in a matter of days or weeks. Too tight, too loose or worn chains, poor alignment, knackered cush drive rubbers, etc, etc. all contribute to an overall reduction in longevity. The biggest problem is once the shaft is worn, there's no going back, the shaft needs to be repaired or replaced.
The difference between the 530 and 520 sprockets in regard to wear is negligible. The bike will out-live you (and me), how old do you want to become?
piet
Both the shafts and sprockets hold up at least as well or badly as on other bikes. There's nothing special about them, neither the 500 or 600 versions.
Months/years of neglect and general mechanical ignorance is what destroys them! The shaft splines don't wear out in a matter of days or weeks. Too tight, too loose or worn chains, poor alignment, knackered cush drive rubbers, etc, etc. all contribute to an overall reduction in longevity. The biggest problem is once the shaft is worn, there's no going back, the shaft needs to be repaired or replaced.
The difference between the 530 and 520 sprockets in regard to wear is negligible. The bike will out-live you (and me), how old do you want to become?
piet
Gotta ask whoever fitted it! Certainly not stock. Really doesn't matter how many bolts hold the retaining plate, main thing is that they stay in place.
I've given you a hint on where you might find a replacement sprocket, I'll get back to you once I know more.
Personally, I'd go fo the 520, life's too short to let yourself be annoyed by a snatchy drivetrain.
piet
motoddrob
Hero member
- Location
- S/W Australia
Well Vince I'd guess you'd fit a sprocket the correct width to match the slot for the retaining plate to fit in. If 520 is standard and you fit a 530 sprocket the slot would be 1/8" out of alignment and vice versa though going from 530 to 520 a shim would solve that.
Is the 520 standard fitment to the Atlas? Smaller chain the better IMO
Is the 520 standard fitment to the Atlas? Smaller chain the better IMO
Same output shaft dimensions as the 500 afaIk. Slot allows a bit more wobble with the 520 sprocket. No big deal if chain alignment and tension is kept to specs.
piet