Final Drive Chain.....

R

RobInCov

Junior member
Location
Coventry
Hi All,

My 1980 Jota has the massive O-Ring drive chain as fitted when it left the factory.
It seems a like overkill for the modest (by today's standards) power output.... And it weighs a ton.
What are the thoughts of you more experienced geezers on downsizing when the time for new chain and sprockets arrives?
I did search the tech forum but drew a blank
 
RobinCov said:
Hi All,

My 1980 Jota has the massive O-Ring drive chain as fitted when it left the factory.
It seems a like overkill for the modest (by today's standards) power output.... And it weighs a ton.
What are the thoughts of you more experienced geezers on downsizing when the time for new chain and sprockets arrives?
I did search the tech forum but drew a blank
Click to expand...
A 630?
Paul
 
There are very many posts here about chains. Certainly the agreed consensus is to junk the heavy 630 and replace with 530...along with the sprockets of course.

https://laverdaforum.com/threads/dr...ries-ii-180-1981-model-year.90753/post-289767

If you don't buy sprockets from a Laverda source take care. The front (gearbox) item will probably need machining to create the necessary recess around the splines. For example, B&C Express here in the UK list for Laverda but it won't fit.
 
Definitely make a change for 530 - Keith Nairn supplied my sprockets i think and a VX DID chain - if you are in Coventry you are welcome to our ILOC Midlands meet at the New Inn in Willersey near Broadway first Sunday of the month from 12.15 next one is the 3rd March
 
RobinCov said:
Hi All,

My 1980 Jota has the massive O-Ring drive chain as fitted when it left the factory.
It seems a like overkill for the modest (by today's standards) power output.... And it weighs a ton.
What are the thoughts of you more experienced geezers on downsizing when the time for new chain and sprockets arrives?
I did search the tech forum but drew a blank
Click to expand...
I run a 520 chain on a 1130cc RGS with 90 + BHP at the rear wheel to Italy and back, twice.
Lighter, more economical- what’s not to like!!
 
I'm surprised none of the dealers supply 520 sprockets. there would be a market for them.
My Motodd loves the 520 I fitted a few months back. I find the gear change has improved.
 
Rob said:
There are very many posts here about chains. Certainly the agreed consensus is to junk the heavy 630 and replace with 530...along with the sprockets of course.

https://laverdaforum.com/threads/dr...ries-ii-180-1981-model-year.90753/post-289767

If you don't buy sprockets from a Laverda source take care. The front (gearbox) item will probably need machining to create the necessary recess around the splines. For example, B&C Express here in the UK list for Laverda but it won't fit.
Click to expand...
Don't know why the forum search didn't find that thread, I wouldn't have posted if it did.

Ps thanks for the tip about sprockets.... I've got a little machine shop in my shed so I can handle most things but it is nice to be able to fit stuff straight out of the packet where possible.
 
I mounted the front sprocket in the chuck and then mounted an angle grinder on the tool post to grind 1/8" off the inside face.
Rear sprocket is alloy so that was easy to turn down.
If they were available off the shelf I'd buy them but so far haven't found any available.
Not a hard job to grind them down, just slow
 
Correct Rob, 520 is definitely way easier shifts and also huge reduction in driveline lash. Been on my hotted up Jota for a while now and love it so much have converted my 3C restoration project to 520 as well. That one has both sides of t front sprocket machined to keep the chain central in the cases as the early bikes are quite narrow having been built to take a non 0 ring 530. Rear being alloy easy as😂👍
Tom
 
520 chains are known to have a shorter life than a 530, which doesnt take a lot of working out, and talking of working out if you want to save the amount of weight difference between 520 and 530, eat fewer pies!, in Sept 2022 I rode a marathon on TOG to the Danish 40th (+1) anni rally. she did about 2,700 miles over a five day weekend including visiting my mum in France (now deceased folks at 95.75 years) the O ring chain was not new for the trip, but it was lubed the night before the off (always lube chains the night before, since the solvents evaporate leaving the lubricant just where you want it) I did not lube the chain for the entire trip, sufferring bad knees and general lazinesss/too much eurofizz etc, and on returning it was still fine, aided by a mostly rain free trip.
CLEM
 
Yep, 520 for me too. A qood quality Chain thought, as although our old clunkers don't develop masses of power, they aren't overly short of torque generation.

530 would be the nice n easy option.
 
Eat less pies! That’s a good one coming from you Clem. 😂
However, I guess you will now add, having been sat on the bog for much of the last umpteen months, you’re now only half the man you were. 😉
 
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