D.I.D. and Vortex ???

[havcar]

So it's about that time for sprocket and chain replacement and I was thinking of a D.I.D./Vortex set-up. I've done some forum searching and can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for.

If anyone has used one or both of these for a decent amount of time I would like to know what your thoughts are on performance, longevity, maintainence and so on.

I'm looking for something performance oriented but most of my riding is on the street with some track, so longevity and frequency of maintainence( chain adjustment, lube, etc. ) are important. If you've had a good experience with other manufactorers I am open to suggestions.

I was considering a move to a 525 chain and staying with steel sprockets unless somebody has someting current to say about 520, 530, or aluminium.
In fact I am not entirely sure that Vortex even does a steel sprocket.

Thanks in advance!

[02 VFR Rider]

stat w/ 530 chain and try 2 up on rear - steel lasts - alum will not

[Scubalong]

DID X-ring, Vortex is good if you can affort it. Some like Aluminum.
I like steel cause I need them to last :)
As 02VFR said (Vsteel lasts - alum will not)

[dualcert]

Vortex are great if you have a track bike, the half life of an aluminum sprocket is just that...Less than half of a steel one.

[scoe]

I just bought steel sprockets and "smartchain" from Sidewinder (Krause Racing). Very expensive but they guarantee both for life. Haven't bolted the stuff on yet due to the crap weather here this fall, so I can't give any feedback on actual performance.

[soundmaster31]

Say "NO" to aluminum. Unless you like to change your sprockets every year.


The one on the right is my old aluminum sprocket. Before you ask, no, the chain tension was not too tight. The one on the left is a new steel sprocket. Both are from Sprocket Specialists.

[NorcalBoy]

I don't know what the deal was with the sprockets in the last post..... If you really want to go for it, get the vortex f5 rear sprocket and the did erv3 520 chain...you can source a jt front sprocket from motostrano and the chain from kyle racing. I have that setup, just not installed.....

I have the vortex 530 f5, and an ek mvxz chain, on my machine right now and it has over 1100 miles on it and it hasn't even been touched...honda chain lube after every ride, and only had to adjust the chain once....for me, it was lose all the weight you can, i'm happy with that decision. You could break down all of the the adverse effects of a heavy drive system on an already sacked suspension.....but i won't go there.

[Echo3Niner]

Best price I've found: D.I.D. 530VM Chain & Steel Sprocket Kit - HONDA VFR 800F 02-09 - Sprocket Center

[havcar]

Originally Posted by scoe

I just bought steel sprockets and "smartchain" from Sidewinder (Krause Racing). Very expensive but they guarantee both for life. Haven't bolted the stuff on yet due to the crap weather here this fall, so I can't give any feedback on actual performance.

Yeah I know what you mean. We here in Colorado just finshed up our 4th snowiest Oct. in 120 years of record keeping on top of an unusually wet summer. Not a banner year for riding.

I've been doing some research on your recomendations and am very interested in what I see. I hate the idea of spending double the amount of money on these parts but if Krause is going to warranty them for life than by my math I should be saving myself the time and money for roughly five more of these chain and sprocket replacements. I especially like the idea of their titanium sprockets, only slightly heavier than aluminium and something like 5x stronger than steel with a life replacement. One question I have is how do you maintain a self lubing chain. Logic tells me that at some point that chain has to run out of whatever liquid the links are loaded with. I did not find an answer for this on their website and I'm wondering if the info you got with the parts would clarify this. Some type of routine maintainence maybe?

I've always been a little shy with aluminium sprockets but like Norcal, I think that the advantages to the drive system may be worth it. This titanium thing however, may just be the answer to both longevity and weight. $180 is a lot for a rear sprocket but I'm leaning that way pending some further research. Anyone know much about titanium sprockets??? It's a first for me.

[scoe]

Originally Posted by havcar

Yeah I know what you mean. We here in Colorado just finshed up our 4th snowiest Oct. in 120 years of record keeping on top of an unusually wet summer. Not a banner year for riding.

I've been doing some research on your recomendations and am very interested in what I see. I hate the idea of spending double the amount of money on these parts but if Krause is going to warranty them for life than by my math I should be saving myself the time and money for roughly five more of these chain and sprocket replacements. I especially like the idea of their titanium sprockets, only slightly heavier than aluminium and something like 5x stronger than steel with a life replacement. One question I have is how do you maintain a self lubing chain. Logic tells me that at some point that chain has to run out of whatever liquid the links are loaded with. I did not find an answer for this on their website and I'm wondering if the info you got with the parts would clarify this. Some type of routine maintainence maybe?

I've always been a little shy with aluminium sprockets but like Norcal, I think that the advantages to the drive system may be worth it. This titanium thing however, may just be the answer to both longevity and weight. $180 is a lot for a rear sprocket but I'm leaning that way pending some further research. Anyone know much about titanium sprockets??? It's a first for me.

Krause sells a special synthetic lubricant that was supposedly developed for use by the military for their artillery in the Gulf War. Its made so nothing sticks to it - dirt, sand, etc. which would be a serious problem in the desert in Iraq. Its the same stuff they have inside their Smart Chain. I bought a couple of cans of the stuff at the same time I got the chain. They claim it won't spatter off and mess up your bike like most of the store bought stuff does and it won't melt like the chain wax does. Once again, I haven't actually tried it yet, but in theory it sounds great.

[soundmaster31]

Originally Posted by NorcalBoy

I don't know what the deal was with the sprockets in the last post.....

The point is that aluminum sprockets will not last for nearly as many miles as steel.

Originally Posted by havcar

I've always been a little shy with aluminium sprockets but like Norcal, I think that the advantages to the drive system may be worth it.

If you're simply changing from steel to aluminum I doubt you'd ever know the difference unless you are running track times. I never noticed a difference but I'm not running around a track. If you went down to a 520 set you might notice it then. Between the smaller chain and aluminum sprocket you'll eliminate a lot of rotational mass and conserve some energy. How much of a difference? Beats me. Do some before and after lap times and share. But like most of the people on this forum, we are limited by our personal abilities and not the bike's abilities.

[havcar]

Originally Posted by soundmaster31

The point is that aluminum sprockets will not last for nearly as many miles as steel.



If you're simply changing from steel to aluminum I doubt you'd ever know the difference unless you are running track times. I never noticed a difference but I'm not running around a track. If you went down to a 520 set you might notice it then. Between the smaller chain and aluminum sprocket you'll eliminate a lot of rotational mass and conserve some energy. How much of a difference? Beats me. Do some before and after lap times and share. But like most of the people on this forum, we are limited by our personal abilities and not the bike's abilities.

I hear ya, longevity is the sole reason I've never put aluminium on my bikes. But there are no doubt some advantages, that's why I'm sort of hoping that this best of both worlds titanium solution is possible.