520 Conversion | Is it Worth it?

Is it worth the extra money to buy a light weight sprocket? Is it worth the shorter service intervall to change to a light weight chain?
Well, that's up to you. - In this video I'll give you some information to base the decition on.
Link to download the model below
(It's an excel model that you are able download and then complete the data for your perticular bike)
docs.google.co...

[@rafaellastracom6411]

FYI The master link locking plate was put on backwards. You want to ensure the forward motion of the lock would maintain it closed in case of any sort of impact. It´s 20 seconds to change out.

[@speedandengineering]

hehe I thought about this when I put it on. When the link is on the "top side" it travels in the wrong direction for remaining closed during impacts. However, on the "low side", the ground is moving quicker than the chain, so even though the lock is moving backwards, it has a relative velocity forward compared to the ground. Granted, the delta-V is smaller but I figured the probability of impact is higher on the "low side" so I went with that :)

[@rafaellastracom6411]

Good overall analysis. One thing that is often overlooked with these discussions is the difference between steady-state horsepower and dynamic horsepower. Naturally, the engine itself will not be producing any more power but a chain conversion does effect the dynamic horsepower during acceleration. Conversely, on a top speed run, where there is little to no acceleration, the power being put down on the road will be basically identical as the chain has a regenerative effect. That is to say that the links moving forward are linked to the links moving backwards so that their momentum aids in reversal of direction. During acceleration however these conversions do make quite a bit of difference as you are making power transfer during these transient/dynamic states more efficient, i.e. more power makes it to the ground. The effect is more noticeable the higher the actual speed where the reduced drag is more pronounced.

[@speedandengineering]

Thank you! Ye, good point with regards to the speed. My analysis is limited by my pick of 0-100 km/h. Since the speed is exponential in these equations the same calculations will yield more horsepower if you swap it for 0-200 km/h for example. So the performance is very much dependant on the scenario.

[@bikerboy1001]

Nice academic approach! Another factor that comes into play is the reduced driction of a smaller chain which in turn should result into a measurable plus in backwheel horespower.

[@speedandengineering]

Thanks! Yes, you’re right! It’s possible to calculate, but one would have to messsure the differance in torque required to ”rotate a link” and that’s very tricky. Also it highlights that in-case you’re down the rabbit hole chasing performance edges at this level: -then it’s important to keep up with your maintenance and lubricate your chain 😅

[@aaronhalsey2508]

What was the supersprox part number for the rear sprocket in 520? Nice video. I have been looking all over for one that fits a GS.

[@ps360bros]

You installed that master link clip backwards. if you install it the other way there's a lesser chance of it coming off. Just a nit-picky safety thing

[@RobertRheal]

Would you be able to show me how to adapt your spreadsheet in order to have an idea (percentage?) of the energy efficiency gained? What I’m wondering is whether the fuel savings over life of the chain (10,000-20,000km) would pay for the extra costs of the conversion. I know the numbers might already be in front of me and I know the gains are very small but I thought maybe over the life of the chain being slightly more efficient; perhaps some value would be realized. Thank you for doing the math and showing the math to help us decide if these conversions are worthwhile! Edit: I did some uneducated napkin math and I'm suspecting I would perhaps only save myself about 3.36L of fuel over the course of the 1200L of fuel I would expect to burn during the life of the chain

[@TheHitDat]

This isn’t Dyno proven just like changing gears in a car 🤷‍♂️😂