Chain and sprockets

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rossguzzi
Posts: 466
Joined: 23 Jan 2019 14:21
Location: Perth W/Australia

Chain and sprockets

Post by rossguzzi »

Time for some new ones for my Sport.
What chain is standard ? I see front sprockets at Mdina listed as 520 and 530. Im not sure what to get.
Cheers.
3potjohn
Posts: 1414
Joined: 02 Jun 2007 13:58
Location: Devon

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by 3potjohn »

I use 520 x ring . Bit of overkill I expect. 530 will fit just but only a “normal” chain ( ie not o or x ring) It’s tge engine sprocket/crankcase clearance that is the issue.
Std is 96 links.
rossguzzi
Posts: 466
Joined: 23 Jan 2019 14:21
Location: Perth W/Australia

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by rossguzzi »

Is 520 the stock size ? Im not after x or o ring.
Steve Brown
Posts: 1613
Joined: 12 Nov 2007 23:44
Location: Leicestershire

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by Steve Brown »

No, standard size is 530. This is also called 50 by some makers and 5/8x3/8" on old money.
520 is the same pitch but narrower so won't fit over standard sprockets. The advantages with 520 include being lighter, narrower so it's easier to fit O or X ring chains and the breaking strain spec is usually higher too.
All donations to the rest home for old Camels, Leicestershire.
MickeyMoto
Posts: 2683
Joined: 22 Nov 2008 17:41
Location: Even further oop North

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by MickeyMoto »

The Morini is not exactly blessed with ponies, not exactly an Italian Stallion.

520 size and a good quality chain. No O or X or the latest thing for me.
morini_tom
Posts: 1062
Joined: 05 May 2006 13:47
Location: Northampton

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by morini_tom »

The darts used 520 chains as standard.

On my earlier 350s I have moved to 520 chains, as said above, stronger, lighter and narrower. For our bikes no downside in my opinion.

You can also get an off the shelf rear sprocket cheaply and widely available (JTR18 from MuZ 660 scorpion) in 520 width that fits the 5 bolt sprocket carrier of the sport.

Front sprocket is unique to Morini but Mdina stock all types.

I’ve been using DID 520 ERVT x ring chains as a reasonable compromise between weight, friction and longevity. No problems, even on the 501 dart which has quite a long chain and more power than most other aircooled Morini.
norbert
Posts: 896
Joined: 15 May 2007 15:15
Location: Lübeck/Germany

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by norbert »

I agrege, the 520 DID chains are my prefered ones as well also for 501
funsize
Posts: 116
Joined: 12 Jul 2021 18:11
Location: Rotherham England

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by funsize »

I converted to 520 a couple of years ago, just looks right, lighter, more modern set up. I had no problem getting the correct front but couldn’t get the 38 rear, eventually sourcing a 39 from Spain. Bit peppier acceleration but I wonder if the 38 is easier to find now?
norbert
Posts: 896
Joined: 15 May 2007 15:15
Location: Lübeck/Germany

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by norbert »

I use the 39 teeth with 501 motor
rossguzzi
Posts: 466
Joined: 23 Jan 2019 14:21
Location: Perth W/Australia

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by rossguzzi »

funsize wrote: 03 Aug 2025 17:37 I converted to 520 a couple of years ago, just looks right, lighter, more modern set up. I had no problem getting the correct front but couldn’t get the 38 rear, eventually sourcing a 39 from Spain. Bit peppier acceleration but I wonder if the 38 is easier to find now?
This could be a good option to give a bit more mid range ommph !
Mdina stock 38, but I dont see 39. Where in Spain did you get your 39 ?
norbert
Posts: 896
Joined: 15 May 2007 15:15
Location: Lübeck/Germany

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by norbert »

From Dieter Hoffmann/ Germany.
He also could obbtain me a 520, 39 teeth for a 6hole for spoke Stada wheel :wink:
morini_tom
Posts: 1062
Joined: 05 May 2006 13:47
Location: Northampton

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by morini_tom »

Mdina stock 38, but I dont see 39. Where in Spain did you get your 39 ?
The JT sprockets one I mentioned is available in a 39 tooth for the 5 bolt pattern. It’s what I’m running on my 350 sport with 110/90/18 Avon roadrider on the rear the ratio suits my riding style well.

If you search on eBay “muz 660 jtr18 39” you’ll find plenty of options.

I hadn’t found a 520 option for the 6 bolt hub so Norbert’s information about Dieter supplying them is most helpful
norbert
Posts: 896
Joined: 15 May 2007 15:15
Location: Lübeck/Germany

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by norbert »

This 6 hole hubs needs to drill the holes 1 mm wider if I remember it well.
funsize
Posts: 116
Joined: 12 Jul 2021 18:11
Location: Rotherham England

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by funsize »

rossguzzi wrote: 03 Aug 2025 23:59
funsize wrote: 03 Aug 2025 17:37 I converted to 520 a couple of years ago, just looks right, lighter, more modern set up. I had no problem getting the correct front but couldn’t get the 38 rear, eventually sourcing a 39 from Spain. Bit peppier acceleration but I wonder if the 38 is easier to find now?
This could be a good option to give a bit more mid range ommph !
Mdina stock 38, but I dont see 39. Where in Spain did you get your 39 ?
Errr, can’t remember now but I will certainly try to dig out the paperwork, I’ll have it somewhere! Conversely, if the 38 is easily obtainable for a 1980 MK5 would someone point me, like to have both if possible 😊
rossguzzi
Posts: 466
Joined: 23 Jan 2019 14:21
Location: Perth W/Australia

Re: Chain and sprockets

Post by rossguzzi »

norbert wrote: 05 Aug 2025 00:42 This 6 hole hubs needs to drill the holes 1 mm wider if I remember it well.
Can you explain this a little more please ? Not sure what you mean.
Cheers.
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