Mind some CHAIN Questions?

Hi everyone, I can pull the rear chain away from the rear sprocket from the rear, time to replace.

My 850 has a 20 tooth front sprocket, stock rear.

Without my installing the centerstand at this time and hand counting, anyone remember(with a 20 front), how many link chain to order?

Also, recommendations on what brand chain, Reynelds, RK, DID, Diamond? And from whom here in the SW USA.

Appreciate any and all comments as always!

98, don't get a heavy duty chain,to wide,
:idea: :idea: I remember 98 may be to short if your primary adjustment is towards the front with a 20 tooth spocket :!: :!:

When your chain was new it was 5/8 pin to pin so .625 X say I.E. 20 links would be 12 1/2 inches. So if you have the chain off the bike and you lay 20 links along a straight edge flat as well, you can use a good scale to see how much longer your chain is from new, and this figure would tell you how good or bad the chain is. See specks by chain maker. This is better than using the sprocket because it will have also worn some. Normally you get at least two chains to one set of sprockets before replacement is needed. If it's gone bad get yourself a 520 set of sprockets and X-Ring chain. They last at least twice as long or more.

Hello Highdesert
Looking in my 850 Norton Parts List Book...It calls for 98 links for the 19-tooth sprocket and 99 for a 21-tooth sprocket. 750's were equipped with the 19- tooth normally for the North American market. This manual covers both 850 and 750 models up to engine no. 212278.
When buying chain you normally buy it in 100-110 -120-link increments. Find your master link and put a dash of bright paint on it spin it around 1 rev and count your total. Look closely at your 20-tooth sprocket and look for signs of hooking caused by excessive ware. If you put a new chain on a worn out sprocket they tend to not last. If all looks normal then put a new 530 chain on by attaching the new chain to the old chain using the master link and pulling it around until the old chain is out and the new chain is on. adjust your chain tension using 2 heavy people sitting on the bike off the stands. the chain should not be tight... and away you go. Recheck tension after 100 miles or so and re-adjust.
If you do have a worn out sprocket then consider going to a 520 O-ring set-up. The initial cost is greater but it will last longer with less maintenance intervals.
Regards,
CNN