I’ve read the posting to here to get more torque, just drop a tooth in the front. Going from 16 to 15 in the front give us faster take off and pops the front up easier. Need to clear one thing up for myself. I’ve found front sprockets in 16 and 15 teeth for the front available for the 525 and 520 chains. Stock is 525, right? So I should order a front sprocket in 15 teeth for the 525 chain, right? Just checking. What brand and any tips on where to order?

 

Yes, 525 is correct. I think you chain might even say 525 right on it, mine does anyway.

Speaking of chains, I just bought a very used and abused 91 Katana 600 for my wife and other family and freinds to learn on and it has a 530 chain on it. 530's come on the 1000's since they make so much power they need a stronger chain. The Katana is was less powerful then my 05 600RR but has a stronger chain from the factroy. Weird?

Oh yea I bought the Katana for $400 and it runs. It does need new tires and brakes but if it goes down who cares.

 

I guess I'm ignorant on chains... I thought the 525 and 520, or 530 was the size (length) of the chains. Good deal on the Katana. I never looked at the marks/writing on my chain, I'll have to look. I am ordering the new sprocket and wanted to make sure I was getting the right one. Here's a question, if 525 is a weaker/lesser chain, why is the 520 an upgrade for our 600's?

 

A 520 chain will weigh less then a 525. That means less rotating mass and less unsprung wieght. I think unsprung is the correct term. From what I understand a 520 will work OK but it will have a shorter life span meaning you will more then likely have to replace it earlier. How early who knows?

 

The 520 chain will weigh less, and so will the 520 sprockets. Even if you stay stock as far as number of teeth on your sprockets, you'll notice a difference because the chain and sprockets will weigh less, so there's more power available to pull the wheel and not the chain and sprockets themselves. I went -1 tooth on my front sprocket (Vortex) and stayed at 525 just to see how I liked it. I gotta say it was a great modification, cost was cheap and the install was easy. Next season I will probably go with 520 chain and sprockets, I'll keep with the -1 tooth in the front. You'll notice a lot more bite off the line and you'll feel the extra acceleration when snappin the throttle. I recommend going -1 tooth with your current 525 setup. Only cost is the sprocket, otherwise you will need new chain and new sprockets. If you don't like the -1 on the front, just put the stock sprocket back in and yer done. I went this route, found I loved the sprocket and am now confident with the 520 setup. Have fun!

 

Ok... so the only difference in the 525 and 520, or 530 is actual weight? So wouldn't I be better off going with the 15T 520 for my front? How bad will my speed be off after switching to a 15T front?

 

well just to let you know... i went -1 in front and +3 in rear. let me tell you WOW what a difference. i went to lebanon (drag strip) and i was beating 05 gsxr 1000s. i beat 2 of them... i beat ALL the 600s and i was .4 behind the busa. when i crossed the finish line (first time ever on drag strip so it was slow) my spedo said 157... and the tag they gave me was 117. and it was 11.1 sec. just to give you an idea. oh and about the front wheel... its hardly on the ground now lol. i dont have to clutch or anything. i just hit the throttle (1/3 - 2/3) and my front wheel comes up. if i give it full throttle ill flip over... and i almost did once...(shivers). hope that helps.

 

^ bump. thanks, this was a helpful thread-- would still like to hear what and where ppl recommend to get the parts.

 

i just got mine from a local motorcyle dealer. (the one who gave me the best deal)

 

Our site sponsors should be able to beat the hell outta any stealership deal. And just so ya know, here's the deal with the chain numbers. On a 530 chain the:

5 = 5/8" from pin center to pin center
30 = 30/80" (3/8") width sprocket

A 525 is also 5/8" pin to pin and 25/80" (5/16") sprocket width and a 520 would be the same center distance and 1/4" sprocket width.

The best part is every frikkin part on the bike is metric except the chain -- gotta love it