Lifan LF200GY-5: 428 Chain Size Sprockets and 520 conversion

[Andi]

Hey Folks,

for your convenience I put together a Sprocket Cross Reference using the info I found on JT Sprockets web site and comparing it to the stock set up, as found on my Lifan LF200GY-5. As all the dimensions are given it will allow everybody to at least double check and compare to the set up on their bike(s).

Note: Please remember that the chain pitch on a 428 Chain is 0.5 inches (1/2") and on a 520 chain is 0.625 inches (5/8"). That means for every tooth you will gain 1/8" in circumference, at 17 teeth the added circumference would be 2 1/8" making the front sprocket diameter too large to fit under the cover.

Example:
428 Chain 17 teeth x 1/2" = 8.5" circ.
520 Chain 13 teeth x 5/8" = 8.125" circ. (should allow extra for the heavier chain). With the change in front teeth the rear sprocket will have to be adjusted as well, as indicated in some options below.

Furthermore I added the various Honda Models w/year, any of these sprockets can be found on, so you may even ask your local dealer for these sprockets based on Model and the desired number of teeth (if you don't want to purchase online).

JT Sprocket - http://www.jtsprockets.com/

428 Chain Size - Original set up for Lifan LF200GY-5:
Front & rear combo as found on 1974-1978 Honda XL125; 1978-1979 CM185/T; 1979-1983 Honda XL185/S; 1980-1982 CM200T Twinstar etc.

Front -17 Teeth x 428 Chain Size.

Front Sprocket available in: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 teeth
Stock Set-Up P/N: JTF259.17


Rear – 46 Teeth x 428 Chain Size.

Rear Sprocket available in: 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 56 teeth.
Stock Set-Up P/N: JTR269.46

Final Ratio = 2.7058




520 Chain Size - Complete Conversion Reference:

Front only, as found on 1981-2003 Honda XR200/R; 1983-1984Honda XL200/R; 1986-1987 Honda TLR200 Reflex.

Front sprocket available in: 12, 13, 14 teeth.


Rear only, as found on 1977 Honda XL175/K4; 1974-1976 Honda CB200/T; 1976-1979 Honda CB200.

Rear sprocket available in: 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 teeth.

Stock Ratio Set-Up: Front Sprocket P/N JTF328.13 – Rear Sprocket P/N JTR279.35 = Ratio 35/13 = 2.6923
Highway Ratio Set-Up: Front Sprocket P/N JTF328.13 – Rear Sprocket P/N JTR279.33 = Ratio 33/13 = 2.5384
Even More?? Highway Ratio Set-Up: Front Sprocket P/N JTF328.13 – Rear Sprocket P/N JTR279.32 = Ratio 32/13 = 2.4615
Off Road Set-Up: Front Sprocket P/N JTF328.13 – Rear Sprocket P/N JTR279.38 = Ratio 38/13 = 2.9231 (equivalent to a 50/17 set up that some of the Chinese Dual Purpose come with, top speed will be quite limited though).

Well you get the picture.

I hope this helps, enjoy.

Andi

P.S. If anybody would like this summary as a PDF file, eMail me at johannesmell@yahoo.com and I will eMail the attachment to you.

[red2003]

Nice. This should be added to the cross reference section in addition to the chain info that's there already. Good work!!

[allfunmotorsport]

good post. thanks

[TheOtherRide]

Hey I just found this at http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1342594

Motorcycle chain

(thing) by eav (3.4 mon)

Chain size is in inches, the three digit number used to discribe the chain size is based on the "rule of eights". The first digit is for chain pitch. This is the distance between the pins. The second and third digits combine for roller width, with a decimal point inserted between the second and third digits.

For example, a 420 chain has a pitch of 4/8" = 1/2" (12.70mm) and a roller width of 2.0/8" = 1/4" (6.35mm).

A 525 chain (the size my bike uses) has a pitch of 5/8" (15.88mm) and a roller width of 2.5/8" (7.94mm).

A 530 chain has a pitch of 5/8" (15.88mm) and a roller width of 3.0/8" (9.52mm).

There are a number of chain sizes in use, and chain manufacturers may have slightly different specs for roller diameter, sprocket width, etc. But a 525 chain from one manufacturer will have the same pitch as a 520, 525, 530, or 532 chain from another and run smoothly on any 525 sprocket from any manufacturer.

[fatboy250]

I will simply add the link to this thread, since Andi has given such a full and thorough treatment of the subject.

Thanks for all the research. It's this kind of contribution from members that make this site great and make china bike riding fun!!

Jason

[ejcycles]

Hey Guys

I have some bad news here....The countershaft Sprockets here will NOT work on any of the 200cc Chinese engines.

[justinkr58]

so ejcycles, this 520 wont work on my bike .
if i got all new front / rear sprockets that bolted up and a 520 chain?
why?

[ejcycles]

Hi justinkr58

Because the front sprockets listed will not fit on the countershaft.

[Andi]

Bruce,

Please explain.

The mounting dimensions of the 428 Sprocket and the 520 Sprocket are identical. What am I missing?

Andi

[liverchip]

Is the thickness of the sprocket different and not allowing it to be installed?

[RD]

I finally got to test the off-road ratio that I selected of 3.2 (11F/35R). I was impressed! The little 200cc motor pulled my 200 lbs. up just about what ever I pointed it at. I could have used a tad more gear, say a 3.4 but in keeping the rear sprocket the same (35R) the compromise on the highway (presently at 2.5=14F/35R) would not be acceptable.

I wanted a slightly higher gear ratio for highway use (less engine speed vs. road speed) and a slightly lower ratio for off-road climbing with more torque (more engine speed vs. ground speed).

My LiFan 200cc, Model LF200 GY-5 came with a stock chain/sprocket ratio of 2.7 (46 rear x 17 front, 46/17= 2.7). I wanted to be able to change ratios quickly with a front sprocket change only. This can be accomplished in about 10 minutes without removing the rear wheel/sprocket and with the same length chain using only the axel slot sadjustment.

I had to move from a 428 chain to a 520 chain to find the right sprocket combo. There is plenty of clearance with a slight modification to the front sprocket cover to accommodate the larger (14) front sprocket. A bit of grinding to the cover (not engine case) and it works fine. This grinding, removal of a thin wall about 1/2 inch by 1 inch) is not visible when the cover is in place.

Here’s the set up:

Rear sprocket:
JTR279.35 (35 tooth)

Front sprockets:
Off-Road – JTF1324.11 (11 tooth)
On-highway – JTF1324.14 (14 tooth)

Off-road I now have a 3.2 ratio (35/11), a gear reduction of about 18% vs. the 2.7 stock ratio. On-highway, I now have a 2.5 ratio (35/14), a gear increase of about 8% vs. the 2.7 stock ratio. And best of all, a 10 min. change over from off-road to on-highway...four bolts, and back on (or off) the road.

As for chain length, I can easily accommodate the change with rear axel adjustment only.

On-highway alternative: For those of you who want an even higher ratio, JT sprockets has rear sprockets (JTR279) for the LiFan in the following teeth selections: 33,35,36,37. The highest ratio would be JTF1324.14 (14 teeth) and JTFR279.33 (33 teeth) for a ratio of 2.4, a 13% higher ratio than stock. I have not tried this ratio so I don’t know if it would pull much speed.

Here’s where you can find the parts:

Chain: Find 520 HD chain on eBay. Buy about 110 links. I paid about $36. One source is http://stores.ebay.com/Parts-Store

Sprockets: JT Sprockets was my source. They were kind enough to help me find front and rear sprockets to fit the LiFan with no modificaitons. http://www.jtsprockets.com/. For the front sprockets I paid $10 each and for the rear I paid $27.

Good luck.

Rick

[liverchip]

Wow nice job there Rick!

[fatboy250]

Fantastic RD....Hopefully this clears up the issue of fitment options for everyone. I will likely wait until I've worn my stockers out before going the 520 route, but it's good to know that I have all the information ahead of time.

Jason

[ejcycles]

Yep....those front sprockets will fit but they are too thin as far as I'm concerned and will wobble too much.
Remember I took 5 hrs to get the ones correct that I know work correctly on these bikes without any extra front sprocket wobble. I dis-assembled the bike to figure all of this out too.

[Andi]

I guess that's what Bruce was talking about.

I checked by the Honda sprocket comparison, listed here on China Rider and then searched for a 520 with the same mounting dimensions. I did take the cover off to check the dimensions, but never took the front sprocket off, just eyed it over using a tape measure. I guess my eye isn't as good anymore (40 seems to be the magic age after all, arms are to short now 8O ).

Well at least "RD" confirmed the rear sprocket P/N. I will have to take the front sprocket off sometime and check the measurements with a caliper,.

Before ordering the parts I would suggest :idea: for everybody to double check the dimensions of their sprocket and comparing it to the dimensions on the diagrams I posted (more thourough then me :oops: )

To update the info on my thread :wink: , following is the diagram of the sprocket "RD" is using on his LF200GY-5 (which should be the same as mine) and the related info:

520 Chain Size - Front Sprocket Conversion Reference (P/N JTF1324 from www.jtsprockets.com ):

Front only, as found on 1986-1988 Honda TRX200 SX Fourtrax; 1990-1991 Honda TRX200 Fourtrax; 1991-1997 Honda TRX200 D Fourtrax Type II.

Front sprocket available in: 11, 12, 13, 14 teeth. :mrgreen: