Chain issue

walty87 · March 20th, 2013, 08:39 PM

So after 12k miles it seems like my chain is done. It has tension in certain spots when I'm rotating the wheel (off the ground). Some parts on the chain it's really loose, and then when I rotate the wheel 1/4 of a turn the chain is super tight. I'm assuming my chain is doneskies.

That being said I'm in the market for a new chain. I think i've read that i might as well just get new sprockets as well?

I'm super lazy does anyone mind telling me what size sprockets and chain a 12' ninja 250 would take?

Thanks

msebastian · March 20th, 2013, 08:47 PM

Stock sprockets are 14/45 and make sure you get a OEM or D.I.D. chain. If you want to get a little more out of the bike (especially first gear) you can go with a 15T front and your choice of rear sprockets. I went with a 15/42 set up on my bike. I have yet to ride it with this set up. Check this for any further questions and diagrams.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10273

menikmati · March 20th, 2013, 09:55 PM

Chain needs to be 520 pitch with 106 links. Stock gearing is 14T front 45T rear and will run you about $45 for a set of JT sprockets.

walty87 · March 20th, 2013, 11:21 PM

15t front sprocket would increase top speed or no?

menikmati · March 20th, 2013, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walty87

15t front sprocket would increase top speed or no?

Lowers revs at any given gear, makes 1st more useful. Top speed, doubt it.

msebastian · March 21st, 2013, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walty87

15t front sprocket would increase top speed or no?

Play around with this until you achieve the gearing you are happy with: http://www.gearingcommander.com/

Bones85 · March 21st, 2013, 10:53 AM

Check out these:

RK 520 XSO RX-Ring Chain 106 Links 520XSO106

JT Sprockets JTR486.45 45T Steel Rear Sprocket

JT Sprockets JTF516.15 15T Steel Front Sprocket

JT Sprockets JTF569.14 14T Steel Front Sprocket

menikmati · March 21st, 2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

Check out these:

RK 520 XSO RX-Ring Chain 106 Links 520XSO106

JT Sprockets JTR486.45 45T Steel Rear Sprocket

JT Sprockets JTF516.15 15T Steel Front Sprocket

JT Sprockets JTF569.14 14T Steel Front Sprocket

These are the exact same chain/sprockets that I use.

Bones85 · March 21st, 2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menikmati

These are the exact same chain/sprockets that I use.

How do you like them so far and how long do you think the chain will last? My chain and sprockets are all stock but I was thinking of buying those when mine wear out.

menikmati · March 21st, 2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

How do you like them so far and how long do you think the chain will last? My chain and sprockets are all stock but I was thinking of buying those when mine wear out.

No problems, I've had my set for the last 8k miles and my chain/sprockets look fine. I lube my chain every 400 miles and clean it when it gets really gritty/grimey but that's only every 4k miles or so. Not sure how long I can expect them to last, probably 25k+ or more at this rate for the chain.

Vintage Smoke · March 26th, 2013, 06:16 AM

All chains (and even belts) will always have tight and loose spots....even a brand new chain. Sometimes it is almost unnoticeable and sometimes it is very obvious. When adjusting a chain it is always best to find the tightest spot and adjust it there . If you adjust it at the loosest spot it will be too tight when it rolls around to the tightest spot.

From the way you describe just how big the difference is between the tight and loose spots it does sound like the chain is worn. There are better ways to gauge this though. Generally a chain is worn if:
- You run out of adjustment. Removing a link is NOT an acceptable way to get more adjustment out of the chain. This doesn't apply to asll bikes since every bike will have a different amount of travel in the adjusters.
- On the rear sprocket, at about the 3 o'clock position, if you can pull the chain off of the sprocket far enough to see light the chain is getting worn. If you can see enough light to pass something that is the same diameter as one of the pins on the chain through it is done.
- Look at the shape of the teeth on the sprockets. Teeth on a new sprocket will bow out and look almost like this: (). If they look like this )( they are worn. If the teeth are hook shaped it is REALLY worn and probably should have been replaced a long time ago. Here are some pics of worn sprockets:

- Worn compared to new:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...QEwAw&dur=7766

This one is even better:http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...AwBw&iact=ricl

You should ALWAYS change chain and sprockets as a set. A worn chain will quickly wear out new sprockets and vice versa.

March 20th, 2013, 08:39 PM	#1
walty87 ninjette.org guru Name: andrew Location: oakdale california Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250 Posts: 296	Chain issue So after 12k miles it seems like my chain is done. It has tension in certain spots when I'm rotating the wheel (off the ground). Some parts on the chain it's really loose, and then when I rotate the wheel 1/4 of a turn the chain is super tight. I'm assuming my chain is doneskies. That being said I'm in the market for a new chain. I think i've read that i might as well just get new sprockets as well? I'm super lazy does anyone mind telling me what size sprockets and chain a 12' ninja 250 would take? Thanks

March 20th, 2013, 09:55 PM	#3
menikmati crash 250, get supersport Name: Richard Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.	Chain needs to be 520 pitch with 106 links. Stock gearing is 14T front 45T rear and will run you about $45 for a set of JT sprockets. __________________________________________________

March 21st, 2013, 10:53 AM	#7
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Check out these: RK 520 XSO RX-Ring Chain 106 Links 520XSO106 JT Sprockets JTR486.45 45T Steel Rear Sprocket JT Sprockets JTF516.15 15T Steel Front Sprocket JT Sprockets JTF569.14 14T Steel Front Sprocket
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

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March 20th, 2013, 08:47 PM	#2
msebastian ninjette.org guru Name: Michael Location: Dayton, Ohio Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 262	Stock sprockets are 14/45 and make sure you get a OEM or D.I.D. chain. If you want to get a little more out of the bike (especially first gear) you can go with a 15T front and your choice of rear sprockets. I went with a 15/42 set up on my bike. I have yet to ride it with this set up. Check this for any further questions and diagrams. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10273

March 20th, 2013, 11:21 PM	#4
walty87 ninjette.org guru Name: andrew Location: oakdale california Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250 Posts: 296	15t front sprocket would increase top speed or no?

March 26th, 2013, 06:16 AM	#11
Vintage Smoke The 2 Stroke Ninja!! Name: Nick Location: Sussex, NJ Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R, 1977 RD400, 72&73 RD350 75 RD200 Posts: 79	All chains (and even belts) will always have tight and loose spots....even a brand new chain. Sometimes it is almost unnoticeable and sometimes it is very obvious. When adjusting a chain it is always best to find the tightest spot and adjust it there . If you adjust it at the loosest spot it will be too tight when it rolls around to the tightest spot. From the way you describe just how big the difference is between the tight and loose spots it does sound like the chain is worn. There are better ways to gauge this though. Generally a chain is worn if: - You run out of adjustment. Removing a link is NOT an acceptable way to get more adjustment out of the chain. This doesn't apply to asll bikes since every bike will have a different amount of travel in the adjusters. - On the rear sprocket, at about the 3 o'clock position, if you can pull the chain off of the sprocket far enough to see light the chain is getting worn. If you can see enough light to pass something that is the same diameter as one of the pins on the chain through it is done. - Look at the shape of the teeth on the sprockets. Teeth on a new sprocket will bow out and look almost like this: (). If they look like this )( they are worn. If the teeth are hook shaped it is REALLY worn and probably should have been replaced a long time ago. Here are some pics of worn sprockets: - Worn compared to new: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...QEwAw&dur=7766 This one is even better:http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...AwBw&iact=ricl You should ALWAYS change chain and sprockets as a set. A worn chain will quickly wear out new sprockets and vice versa.