I wanted to share my experience with installing a 520 conversion on a 08’ZX6r.
I purchased my bike new and have put over 10,000 miles on it. Not yet ready to buy another bike so going with some basic mods not to spend a lot on it. So my first change was a 520 conversion consisting of a Vortex front sprocket 15’ rear sprocket 45’ and EK chain.
The notorious -1 front +2 rear.
The local shops will do this for you around $100 if you have your own gear and less if you buy from them. That’s not bad if you just want some one to do it for you but I’m a bit picky and since it’s cold out and the bike is sitting mostly, I wanted to do it myself! So this is the first for me. Let me say that there is a wealth of information on the web to pick and choose from others mishaps and success. And let me emphasize that investing in your service manual is a must, not an option if you plan to do any work yourself. Amazing how people will start projects and then ask, “Does anyone know the torque for this bolt?” Back to my project. The only scare from all the chatter on the web regarding this project was how everyone was having trouble breaking the front sprocket nut.
I will attempt to post some pictures along the way. When I get my notes together, I will just post as I go. Hope this helps someone.
“I also recently completed my 15,000 mile valve inspection and will post that next.”
Out to the local AutoZone, the biggest breaker bar they carried was only 24’
That was free with a $24 refundable deposit and a Dura last 27mm 6pt socket, $8.
Got home, had a cold beer, braced myself … heard a slight crack and thought that was my back but the nut was loose! Technically it should only be torque to 86ft. lbs. so it should break with a good firm push.
I used a jack handle wrapped in a towel between the rear spokes and swing arm.
Be sure to make sure the rear brake line is not in the way.
After you remove the from sprocket cover, flatten the bend in the lock washer before breaking the nut loose.
With kickstand down, bike in 1st. I was able to use a 24in’ breaker bar, ½ 27mm 6pt. socket to break the front sprocket nut.
Do not remove the nut yet.
Loosen left and right side rear wheel spacers, remove cotter pin and loosen rear wheel lock nut to give slack in chain.
Find the master link. I used a dremel to grind the top of the rivet before using a chain breaker tool. $15.00 at Harbor Freight.
Grinding the top of the rivet just makes it a bit easier to push out the pin.
Once the link is broken, carefully guide the chain off over the sprockets.
Remove nut, washer and sprocket. Install new sprocket, washer and nut.
(to be continued)

 

I will attempt to post the 2nd half within the next couple of days!

 

the 08 already had the 520. am i wrong??

 

You are correct! The 08' 6R is 520 from the factory. Basically, I did a -1/+2 conversion and used a new EK chain.

 

Ive heard the -1/+2 conversion is really what these 07/08 zx6r's need. im still running stock myself. how do you like it?