Chain only, or chain and sprockets?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by CatHerder, Jan 27, 2017.

  1. CatHerder

    CatHerder New Member

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    Took the wheels off to powdercoat and fit new tires.
    Bike has 14,000 miles.
    Do I just replace the chain, or do both sprockets as well?

    [​IMG]
     
  2. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    It's always best to replace the chain and both sprockets at the same time. You can get pretty good deals on full kits at www.sprocketcenter.com
     
  3. rjgti

    rjgti New Member

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    yup, what dave said ^^^^^^^^^^^
     
  4. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    What rjgti said.
     
  5. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I usually replace the sprockets with the second chain I put on. I try to keep my chain/sprockets well lubricated so they aren't worn too badly. Everybody says replace chain and sprockets together, but I've never done that.

    OTOH if the chain needs replacing at 14,000 miles it would appear that it wasn't very well maintained. If that were so the sprockets could be in not so good shape. Your picture was too blurry to really tell anything about the condition of the sprocket.

    YMMV, literally. lol
     
  6. CatHerder

    CatHerder New Member

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    Agree with doing chain and sprockets at the same time, and I do have a kit from Sprocket Center.
    Just not sure this one is really worn all that much. Sprockets don't appear to be hooked much at all.
    Short history, I'm third owner. The original purchaser bought it in his 60's, and put probably the first 10k or so on it. Guy I bought it from was also in his 60's, but very into boats. Being in Michigan, it didn't get ridden much by him. Very particular about his stuff, and I keep things maintained.
    Chain was well lubed, etc. when I got it, and I stay on top of it.
    Just threw this out to see whether or not you guys thought it worthwhile to swap, or wait till next season.
    Appreciate the replies.
     
  7. MooseMoose

    MooseMoose New Member

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    Any preference for brands? Sprocket centre there offers JT Sunstar and SuperLight, and I don't recall having used any of those brands back in the day.

    I'll be up against a chain soon enough. I'm over 20K, so figured I'd ask now.
     
  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I am a firm believe in new sprockets with new chain. I just don't understand the reasoning behind putting a new chain on a partially worn sprocket. I don't think that sprocket is al that great. Look at how much has been worn off the tip facing the stress of the chain. Now how is that going to look by time you are going to need a new chain the next time. For what they cost, for the number of times most of us will need to change chains and sprockets, I don't think the cash savings are worth the chance of something going awry.

    Many here like the D.I.D. chain as do I . They have served me very well over the couple hundred thousand KM I have put on mine. In Canada, The Sprocket Centre is a good source for chains and sprockets.
     
  9. MooseMoose

    MooseMoose New Member

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    Sorry, I meant specifically sprockets.

    I'm happy with rk and have 75k on did so I am fine there. Probably just did and be done with it. But I don't know sprocket brands.
     
  10. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Personally I'd just make sure they're a steel sprocket, and I get mine from Sprocket Center too.
     
  11. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    With Sprocket Center, on ordering the set, they automatically send you DID steel sprockets, proper size for your bike. The last set I got was their Heavy Duty Gold Premium X ring C/W front and rear sprockets. $229.00 before shipping and taxes. I am sure they are cheaper down in the USA.
     
  12. GigemVFR

    GigemVFR New Member

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  13. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Actually, when I think about it, this time I ordered the wrong chain. The one I ordered was rated for a much bigger bike. It is rated up to 1400cc. But it works fine on the bike. I suppose it I had ordered the correct one which would be a lighter weight chain, it may have been cheaper.
     
  14. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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  15. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    On a side question while talking chain etc. Anyone do a 520 on their VFR? just curious, I thought CR had or has.
     
  16. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    I always ran a 520 on my 6th gen (stock is a 530) without any problems. The 8th gen uses a 525 stock and also wouldn't be a problem converting to a 520, which I just did, BTW.

    Also, FWIW, I ran a Vortex hard-coated aluminum rear when I did my first 520 conversion on the 6th gen. Still looked brand new at 15k miles on the day that half the teeth broke off on a short ride.
     
  17. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Hmm, "looked brand new...half the teeth broke off..." . That really sounds like an oxymoron. Hardly a sign of a good sprocket, IMO anyway.
     
  18. sportcruiser

    sportcruiser New Member

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    Based on the looks of the sprockets, I would expect the chain is in good shape too. Is the chain lost or was it somehow ruined? If not, you may not need to change either chain or sprockets yet. When you do, change them all.
     
  19. DriverDave

    DriverDave New Member

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    What I meant by that is there was literally no signs of wear after 15k miles, but then it failed suddenly, without warning. Basically, it means that aluminum sprockets can and do last a long time, but the big drawback is not knowing when they're gonna unexpectedly die on you. I wasn't really trying say they're a good option, more that the stories of aluminum sprockets having a short life aren't necessarily true.
     
  20. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    No offense, but I don't consider 15,000 miles a long lifespan. Double that is what I consider a long lifespan. If a chain is taken care of and lubed properly and frequently, 25,000 miles is a good lifespan for a chain, and the sprockets should show little to no wear in that time. Which is why I generally go through two chains for a rear sprocket.
     
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