Front Chain Sprocket | Honda CB500K / CB550 / CB750
The front sprocket carries the engine's power to the chain, and it gives up before the rear does: it is made of harder steel, but it is the smaller of the pair and turns more times for every mile you ride. This is an exact replacement for the factory front drive sprocket on Honda CB500K, CB550K, CB550F, and CB750 K0–K5 motorcycles, made from high quality steel in the factory 530 chain pitch.
Why You Need This
The entire drivetrain on these bikes is a set of continuous wear items, and how well past owners kept up with chain adjustment and lubrication decides how much is left in your front sprocket. When the teeth go thin, pointed, or hooked, the sprocket is done — and a worn sprocket will eat a new chain early.
Pick the factory tooth count to keep stock gearing, or change the count to fit your riding style: fewer teeth on the front gives greater acceleration off the line at the cost of top end, while more teeth gives better top end with reduced acceleration. The front sprocket is the fastest and cheapest place to make that change. And depending on how the teeth have worn, a Honda front sprocket can sometimes be flipped over to buy a little more service life before you replace it.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Fits Models | CB500K0–K2 (1971–1973), CB550K0–K3 (1974–1978), CB550F (1975–1977), CB750 K0–K5 |
| Chain Pitch | 530 |
| Tooth Count Options | 17T, 18T, 19T (select above) |
| Factory Tooth Count | 17T — CB550K / CB550F; CB750: 17T on K0, 18T on K1–K5 |
| Chain Type Required | Standard (non-sealed) 530 roller chain |
| Sold As | Sold Individually |
Note: A new drive chain cut to the proper link count must be installed when changing to a different sprocket size — the chain length changes with the tooth count.
Note: Run a standard or heavy-duty non-sealed 530 chain on these models. O-ring and X-ring chains are too wide at the front sprocket and will dig into the crankcase.
Model-Specific Notes
- CB750: The K0 came with a 17-tooth front sprocket; the K1–K5 came with an 18-tooth. Check what is on your bike and pick the matching option, or step up or down a tooth to re-gear.
- CB350 / CL350 / CB360 / CL360 / CJ360 / CB450 / CL450 / CB500T: Does NOT fit. The twins use the separate CB350 / CB360 / CB450 Front Chain Sprocket.
Installation
Difficulty: Intermediate
When you install a new front sprocket, replace the rear sprocket and fit a new drive chain at the same time — a fresh part running against worn ones wears out early. If you changed tooth counts, count the chain length against the new combination rather than assuming the factory number.
After the wheel is back in, set the drive chain slack to 1–2 cm (3/8–3/4 in.) measured at the midpoint between the sprockets, and keep the chain lubed — chain care is what preserves sprocket life.
Our Sprockets 101 video covers how sprockets wear, how front and rear tooth counts change the final-drive ratio, and how to figure the chain length you need after a swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tooth count is stock for my bike?
The CB550K and CB550F came from the factory with a 17-tooth front sprocket and a 37-tooth rear on a 100-link chain. On the CB750, the K0 used a 17-tooth front and the K1–K5 used an 18-tooth. Go up a tooth for more relaxed highway cruising or down a tooth for stronger acceleration — and plan on a new chain in the matching length either way.
Can I run an O-ring or X-ring chain with this sprocket?
No. On these models a sealed chain is too wide at the front sprocket and will dig into the crankcase. Run a standard or heavy-duty non-sealed 530 roller chain.
Can I convert my CB550 to a 520 chain?
These bikes were built around the 530 chain pitch — the 520 pitch was used only on the CB175 / CB200 and smaller models, so there is no off-the-shelf 520 conversion. Stick with the 530 pitch.
Do I need a new chain when I change tooth counts?
Yes. The link count changes with the sprocket combination, so count your chain against the new setup. Our 530 roller drive chain is cut to your specified link count before shipping.
Does this fit the CB350, CB360, or CB450?
No. The twins use a different front sprocket — see our CB350 / CB360 / CB450 Front Chain Sprocket.
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Last updated: June 2026
