Is my drive chain safe ?

[grewth]

I bought a replacement drive chain from David Silver Spares for my CB750F1.
Tagasako RK530H 102 links, with a split link.
Well I actually took notice of the advice on the box (very rare for me), and looked up the specifications on the RK website.
Suitable for bikes upto 40 Bhp apparently.
Should I be worried ?
Apparently the good old F1 puts out about 55 to 60 Bhp at the rear wheel, maybe 50% more than recommended.
Are standard type roller chains weaker than they used to make 'em ?
Or have the chain makers downgraded the chain rating in order to push owners towards more modern, gold plated, X ring chains that they make big profits on ?
I remember that back in the day, nearly everything ran on 530 chain, with the exception of the big Kawasaki maybe.
Never had a chain snap on my GT750 or my old F1, and they were well thrashed.
I did lubricate my chains with EP140 gear oil.
It went everywhere and stunk of sulphur, but I noticed my chain outlasted those lubed with aerosol chain lube.

 

[hinksy]

Can honestly say I have never seen a horse power rating on a chain before , will look more closely from now on . I do know that most chains will show some signs before letting go ( stretching or stiffening up links ) I have fitted an ek gold o-ring 530 to mine . It was a cost thing basically , 530 chain and sprockets were cheaper than the just the 630 boat anchor chain . I had one let go in the 70`s on a GT750 suzuki , luckily it had lost the split link and the chain fell off in first gear at slow speed . I think if you just look after it and keep an eye on it , that you should be right

 

[grewth]

Can honestly say I have never seen a horse power rating on a chain before , will look more closely from now on . I do know that most chains will show some signs before letting go ( stretching or stiffening up links ) I have fitted an ek gold o-ring 530 to mine . It was a cost thing basically , 530 chain and sprockets were cheaper than the just the 630 boat anchor chain . I had one let go in the 70`s on a GT750 suzuki , luckily it had lost the split link and the chain fell off in first gear at slow speed . I think if you just look after it and keep an eye on it , that you should be right

Thanks for that !
I noticed that chains got bigger during the late 1970's to early '80's, but then got smaller again as chain technology improved.
IIRC, a lot of the '70's Japanese bikes had endless drive chains - rivetted on at the factory.
Lots of fun when you had a puncture, but typical of the Japanese " belt and braces" approach.

 

[hinksy]

I actually put the rivet type on , so it is endless . I dont find it much of a hassell to change out the wheel and I`ll just cut it when I replace it