Roller Drive Chain (530 Pitch)

Roller Drive Chain (530 Pitch) for Honda CB350, CL350 / CB360, CL360, CJ360 / CB450, CL450, CB500T / CB500K, CB550K, CB550F / CB750

This heavy-duty 530-pitch solid roller drive chain is a direct replacement for the original equipment chain on Honda CB, CL, CJ, and SL twin and four-cylinder motorcycles from 1965 through 1978. Each chain is cut to your specified link count and ships with a clip-type master link, ready to install.

Why You Need This

The drive chain is one of the first parts that should be replaced when bringing a vintage Honda motorcycle back to riding condition. After decades of sitting, original chains are typically stretched beyond service limits, rusted, or stiff from dried-out lubrication. A worn chain accelerates sprocket wear and is a safety concern — it can skip teeth or break under load.

This chain features solid rollers rather than curled (rolled) rollers found on economy chains. Solid rollers provide more consistent contact with the sprocket teeth and better durability. This is a standard (non O-ring) drive chain at 530 pitch with a clip-type master link — the same design Honda specified for these motorcycles from the factory.

We cut the chain to your specified link count before shipping, so installation is straightforward. If you need a length not listed in the options, contact us for details.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Chain ships dry — must be lubricated before use. Drive Chain Lubricant is available.
• Link count must be even — chains always end on an even number because you count both inner and outer link plates.
• Non-stock sprockets change link count — if your front or rear sprocket has been changed from the factory tooth count, the link counts listed below will not apply. Count your existing chain or wrap the new chain around both sprockets to determine the correct length.
• Replace sprockets with the chain — worn sprocket teeth (thin, pointed, or hooked) will accelerate wear on a new chain. Inspect both front and rear sprockets when replacing the chain.

Model-Specific Notes

• CB350 vs. CL350: The CL350 Scrambler uses a 38-tooth rear sprocket (vs. 36-tooth on the CB350), which adds 2 links to the chain length — 96 links for CL350 vs. 94 links for CB350.
• CJ360: Uses a 33-tooth rear sprocket and requires a 98-link chain — longer than the CB360 and CL360 despite being in the same family.
• CB500T: Shares the 450-family engine but uses a different rear sprocket (33-tooth vs. 35-tooth), requiring a 96-link chain instead of 92.
• CB750 K0: Factory link count varies — count your existing chain or wrap the new chain to determine correct length.

Factory Chain Lengths by Model

Based on factory-spec front (F) and rear (R) sprocket tooth counts:

Installation

1. Remove the old chain: Use a chain breaker tool to press out a pin and remove the old chain. A chain breaker is also needed to cut the new chain if trimming to length at home.
2. Route the new chain: Thread the chain around the front sprocket and rear sprocket. Loosen the rear axle and slide the wheel forward to create slack for installation.
3. Install the master link: Connect the two chain ends with the master link. Place the outer plate and press the retaining clip into position.
4. Orient the master link clip: The retaining clip's open end must face opposite the chain's direction of travel (away from the forward rotation of the top chain run). This prevents the clip from catching and popping off during operation.
5. Adjust chain tension: Slide the rear wheel back using the drive chain adjusters on both sides of the swingarm. Set vertical free play to 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in.) measured at the midpoint of the lower chain run. Both left and right adjusters must be at the same position mark to keep the rear wheel aligned.
6. Torque the rear axle nut to spec and install the cotter pin. Recheck chain tension after tightening.
7. Lubricate before riding: Apply drive chain lubricant to the entire chain. We recommend chain lube over gear oil for better adhesion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I count chain links?

Count the outer link plates only. Start with the master link as zero, then count each outer plate: 2, 4, 6, and so on. The link count is always an even number. The master link is your final outer link when the chain forms a complete loop.

What if I don't know my sprocket sizes?

If your sprockets have been changed from factory spec, the link counts in our table may not apply. Buy a longer chain than you think you need — you can always remove links with a chain breaker, but you cannot add them back. Wrap the chain around both sprockets with the rear wheel pushed fully forward, then mark where to cut.

How often should the drive chain be lubricated?

Honda specifies lubrication and inspection every 500 miles (800 km). Check the chain slack at the same interval. If the chain cannot be adjusted to within the 10–20 mm free play specification, it has stretched beyond its service limit and should be replaced.

Should I replace the sprockets at the same time?

Inspect both sprockets when replacing the chain. Worn sprocket teeth will appear thin, pointed, or hooked rather than flat-topped. Running a new chain on worn sprockets shortens the life of both components. Front sprockets and rear sprockets are available.

Is a clip-type master link safe?

Yes — clip-type master links are the factory-original design for all 530-pitch Honda twins and fours covered by this chain. The key to safe installation is orienting the retaining clip with the open end facing opposite the chain's direction of travel.

You Might Also Need

• Drive Chain Lubricant — white graphite chain lube for all roller and O-ring chains
• Chain Breaker / Press Tool Kit — for cutting chain and pressing master links
• Front Chain Sprocket — replacement front sprocket for CB350 / CB360 / CB450
• Rear Chain Sprocket — replacement rear sprocket for CB350 / CL350 / CB360 / CL360 / CJ360

Last updated: March 2026