I'm doing a 520 conversion using a 15t counter sprocket and 50t rear using a D.I.D. EVR3 chain (520/120). Those of you who've done this did you leave your new chain the same length as the stock original or did/can you leave it, say, a link longer? I haven't looked in my manual yet to see the length of the stock chain but the new chain I have is 120 links.

Thanks,

Kevin

I am also ready to do this mod (when I get home in a cupl months). From what I have read, your '05 and below (dunno bout '06) stock link count is 116 and you wouuld be safe with 118 links. Just double check before you cut too much! I found this little formula for link count on another board. Havent done yet, so use at your own risk.

On the chain you will more than likely only use 118 of the 120 links(its always an even number).

Chain length can be pre-calculated by:
Taking the difference in the number of teeth being changed and dividing by 2.
It is suggested to always add one to the result.
(Round up or down to the nearest even link, if you have a remainder such as .5)

Example(Stock R6 gearing 16/48 going to 15/50):
16 + 48 = 64
15 + 50 = 65
65 - 64 = 1 divide by 2 = .5 = 1(Rounded to nearest even number), but remember to add even number of links, so go with 2
Which gives you 116 Links + 2 = 118 Links

Hope this helps!

Going to 118 links will be fine. You will be all the way out on the adjuster when the chain starts to stretch though. Switching from the 48t to 50t is a big difference in size. When you hold the two sprockets up to each other you'll see how much bigger the 50t is.

Going to 118 links will be fine. You will be all the way out on the adjuster when the chain starts to stretch though. Switching from the 48t to 50t is a big difference in size. When you hold the two sprockets up to each other you'll see how much bigger the 50t is.

I can tell by looking at the rear 50t how much larger the diameter is. It looks like a dirt bike sprocket. I can't wait to feel the weight difference. If 118 links stretches it to it's limits am I better off going 117 or 116? One or two links seems like a lot of chain though. I guess I'm trying to avoid the chain streching to loose before it is worn out. You could cut another link out later but won't that throw off the groove the teeth wore into the chain?

I am also ready to do this mod (when I get home in a cupl months). From what I have read, your '05 and below (dunno bout '06) stock link count is 116 and you wouuld be safe with 118 links. Just double check before you cut too much! I found this little formula for link count on another board. Havent done yet, so use at your own risk.

On the chain you will more than likely only use 118 of the 120 links(its always an even number).

Chain length can be pre-calculated by:
Taking the difference in the number of teeth being changed and dividing by 2.
It is suggested to always add one to the result.
(Round up or down to the nearest even link, if you have a remainder such as .5)

Example(Stock R6 gearing 16/48 going to 15/50):
16 + 48 = 64
15 + 50 = 65
65 - 64 = 1 divide by 2 = .5 = 1(Rounded to nearest even number), but remember to add even number of links, so go with 2
Which gives you 116 Links + 2 = 118 Links

Hope this helps!

Definitely helpful. Chains are a bit expensive to learn by trial and error. Thanks.

Using that calculation for estimating the legnth of your chain doesn't seem right. Adding 1 tooth to the rear is going to effect the length of the chain more drastically than adding or removing 1 tooth to the front sprocket.

I run a 116 link setup. You buy the chain as a 120 link (which is the standard) then cut it to length. When you count links you'll always have an even number because a true link consists of an inner and outer link.

The up side to sticking with the 118 is it gives a slightly longer wheelbase which gives more stability. And if you go with the 118 for now and cut a link out later it won't mess anything up as far as the meshing of the gears. The only thing is you'll need to buy a second master link which is like $5.

Excuse me if my question sounds stupid, but why can't you install the sprockets, then try the new chain and cut it to your needs?

Excuse me if my question sounds stupid, but why can't you install the sprockets, then try the new chain and cut it to your needs?

Not stupid. I think you probably can as I've had another person on a different forum say that was their method. I may be making it more compliated than it acutally needs to be. But, when it comes to cutting an expensive EVR3 chain and cutting a chain for the first time for me, I figured I'd ask around a bit and see if there was something to it I'm not aware of.

There isn't any problem with dry fitting everything to get an idea as to what the different lengths of chain will do to your bike. What will then come in to play is your knowledge and experience in knowing how much a chain will stretch and how much usable length you'll need in your adjuster.

Using that calculation for estimating the legnth of your chain doesn't seem right. Adding 1 tooth to the rear is going to effect the length of the chain more drastically than adding or removing 1 tooth to the front sprocket.

I run a 116 link setup. You buy the chain as a 120 link (which is the standard) then cut it to length. When you count links you'll always have an even number because a true link consists of an inner and outer link.

The up side to sticking with the 118 is it gives a slightly longer wheelbase which gives more stability. And if you go with the 118 for now and cut a link out later it won't mess anything up as far as the meshing of the gears. The only thing is you'll need to buy a second master link which is like $5.

That is good news. I think sticking with 118 is a good way to go then. Like you say, master links are cheap and I have a couple on hand. Thanks for the info.

So Fiero, are you saying 116 link chain would be fine for 15/50? I have been running 15/49 520 and decided to go to 50 in the rear, should be here any day. Currently my chain is 116 links. I would prefer not to add another master link.

You shoud be fine with a 116 link chain. Going to the 50t from the 49t isn't that big of a change. As long as you had some room to adjust your wheel forward, you should be able to to shorten it enough to get the extra slack.

Also be mindful of stretch in your chain. If the chain has some wear on it, it will wear the teeth of the new sprocket very quickly to match those of the chain.

Right on, thanks!!! There is some room to move forward, probably slightly less than about 1/2 inch.

Fiero, fits like glove. I was worried I wouldnt have enough slack to give me the 1.4 - 1.8 inches needed, but it's there!!!