Z1A endless chain?

[MrDavo]

I’ve seen this asked in old posts, but wanted an up to date answer.

While I’m building my Z1A, if I’m going to use an endless chain, then now is the time, before I even buy the bushes for the swinging arm. What is available? I have a new standard rear sprocket, I didn’t get a gearbox sprocket with the bike.

I don’t want a split link, I know people run them without problems, and I have somewhere got a chain riveter that I used successfully when I built a CB750. However, if I can actually buy an endless chain, I need to get it now.

[ADRIAN H]

Not much choice out there if you're going to keep to 630 chain.

Note these are both from Germany - as UK does not seem to stock them (found this when trying to buy a chain last year) ?

https://www.biketeile-service.de/en/tra ... sv092.html

https://www.biketeile-service.de/Kawasa ... oring.html

[MrDavo]

Thanks for the links Adrian, that will save me a lot of searching and checking.

Both chains are listed for the Z1B on, is there any difference with a Z1A chain?

[z2.john]

Z1B chain is wider due to the O-rings. If you fit this you will need the Z1B front sprocket and the spacer for the rear sprocket

[Philippe]

Hi Mr Davo

have a look here
https://z-fever.de/shop/de/?cat=c151_So ... s-151.html
I order there frequently, André understands English
GrtZ
Philippe

[MrDavo]

Thanks for the link, I’ll see if he can supply an original size chain. If possible I don’t know that I want to use an Oring chain, as well as the spacers, Dave Marsden’s book details a bunch of bolts that has to change lengths on the Z1b to avoid rubbing the chain.

That said, as I don’t have any of these bolts yet, I could do the job properly.

[ADRIAN H]

Z1B chain is wider due to the O-rings. If you fit this you will need the Z1B front sprocket and the spacer for the rear sprocket

+ 1

[z2.john]

Z1B chain is wider due to the O-rings. If you fit this you will need the Z1B front sprocket and the spacer for the rear sprocket

+ 1

There are also other considerations with brackets and bolt lengths if using O-ring as attached

[MrDavo]

Thanks for the pdf files, good info there.

All the chain options I’ve found, endless or linked, involve an O ring chain. As the motor has only just gone in, it looks like a good time to order a Z1B sprocket, source the spacer for the rear sprocket, and using my bench grinder, shave 4mm off the bottom engine plate captive nut and its bolt. Anything else I need to know?

I’m fitting the chain oiler because I can, do people still put oil in them?

[taylor88]

Hi Mrdavo
In my mind are you rebuilding an original Z1A? If so why put a Z1B chain on It? Especially as you are fitting the chain oiler. To me it seems a bit strange to fit an o ring chain with a chain oiler
Just my opinion, I hope the rebuild is going well!
Gtb

[MrDavo]

My main problem is finding the original chain. Every one I’ve see so far has ‘O Ring’ on the box, even when listed for the Z1 or Z1A. If you can point me at an original one, I’ll use it.

[z2.john]

I’m fitting the chain oiler because I can, do people still put oil in them?

If you fit the tank with no oil, make sure you do not fit the oil pump drive pin on the gearbox output shaft (assuming you are fitting the oil pump for show)

[Philippe]

Hi MrDavo

ask Willem from Classic Kawasaki Parts. Look at this :Ketting Tsubaki HSL 630; 92 schakels Z1 met klinkschakel en clipschakel géén O ring ketting
€ 25,00
His shop is situated in Holland but he understands English so give it a go!
GrtZ
Philippe

[MrDavo]

Thanks Philippe - I thought 'O no, it says 'O Ring' so I used Google translate from Dutch to English:

Chain Tsubaki HSL 630; 92 links Z1 with rivet link and clip link, no O ring chain

yes that's the one I need, and I can rivet the chain on the bench, before I buy a gearbox sprocket and sort out some bushes for the swinging arm. Result!

Sorry to be a pain but please can you give me a link to the shop?, I tried Google but couldn't find it.

[ADRIAN H]

Thanks Philippe - I thought 'O no, it says 'O Ring' so I used Google translate from Dutch to English:

Chain Tsubaki HSL 630; 92 links Z1 with rivet link and clip link, no O ring chain

yes that's the one I need, and I can rivet the chain on the bench, before I buy a gearbox sprocket and sort out some bushes for the swinging arm. Result!

Sorry to be a pain but please can you give me a link to the shop?, I tried Google but couldn't find it.

Good luck,

Link - https://www.classickawaparts.nl/