Sprockets and Chain

indr · February 3rd, 2011, 06:20 PM

I'm looking to update my sprockets and chain. They're not completely worn out but I'm planning a 6,000km (12,000km maybe) trip and thought I'd upgrade what I can afford to instead of running into problems later.

The bike currently has ~17,500km.

1) JT, AFAM, Sunstar are all good manufacturers? Any personal/forum favourite here?

2) EK is good for chains? Any other recommendations?

3) If it doesn't specifically say "O-RING" in the name or description of the chain, it's not an o-ring chain right?

4) And just to make sure, I'm looking for a 106 link chain?

5) I read some posts/articles steering people away from aluminum and sticking with steel sprockets. Agree/disagree?

6) The stock chain doesn't have a master link right? So, the only way to remove it is to cut it off with a Dremel or use a chain tool like these: http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superst...20Rivet%20Tool ? Is there a cheaper way to remove the chain?

7) When buying a new chain, do they all come with a spare master link (is that what it's called?)? Or is it purchased separately? Also, if it's separate, do I have to compensate the excess number of links by shortening the chain?

indr · February 3rd, 2011, 06:38 PM

8) What is the usual time for a chain and sprocket change? Can't seem to find it in the manual.

Alex · February 3rd, 2011, 10:51 PM

1 - Any of them will be fine.
2 - EK is OK, DID is better
3 - Sort of. There are tweaks on o-rings that are called x-rings, z-rings, maybe more. All of them are types of o-ring chains. An o-ring chain has lubrication that is sealed/stored within the links for the usable life of the chain.
4 - Yes
5 - Agree. Steel on any streetbike. The minor weight savings won't matter a whit unless the bike is racing identical bikes for tenths, and the steel will last many times longer.
6 - A mechanic friend I know uses a bolt cutter to remove chains. YMMV.
7 - I would think the chain comes with at least one master link. No, you don't need to get a 105 link chain + a master link. Get the 106, and make sure a master link comes with it. If not they can be ordered separately.
8 - Varies entirely based on riding environment and chain maintenance habits. Some will last 50k miles, some will last < 10k miles.

JMcDonald · February 4th, 2011, 08:27 AM

From what I've read when researching Al sprockets, it seems a well-lubed one will last about 80% as long really, as opposed to a small fraction. As this is mostly on supersports bikes with "several" to "many" times the power of ours, I wouldn't be surprised to see an Al sprocket last for quite a while on a Ninjette.

Alex · February 4th, 2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMcDonald

From what I've read when researching Al sprockets, it seems a well-lubed one will last about 80% as long really, as opposed to a small fraction. A

It depends on use. I've seen it where steel sprockets outlast aluminum by multiples of 3 or more. It's probably related to the power of the bike as well, our machines are very easy on the drivetrain (thx to our quite moderate peak torque). There are hybrids available with lighter metal internally, but steel at the sprocket teeth themselves, to get some of the weight advantages.

JMcDonald · February 4th, 2011, 11:47 AM

Ah gotcha gotcha. My only personal concern is if I ever further upgrade my gearing, the only option for me is aluminum :P . But, I'd definitely go steel if I could, just to have one less "what if."

indr · February 5th, 2011, 10:51 AM

Appreciate the replies.

indr · February 6th, 2011, 03:00 PM

Can I get some input on whether this sprocket looks worn and if it's good for another 10,000 km.

sharky nrk · February 6th, 2011, 04:51 PM

I would be interested to see what a hard anodized sprocket wears like on the 250R, like has been previously mentioned the relatively low torque output on these bikes and proper maintenance should have them lasting a very long time.

February 3rd, 2011, 06:20 PM	#1
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	Sprockets and Chain I'm looking to update my sprockets and chain. They're not completely worn out but I'm planning a 6,000km (12,000km maybe) trip and thought I'd upgrade what I can afford to instead of running into problems later. The bike currently has ~17,500km. 1) JT, AFAM, Sunstar are all good manufacturers? Any personal/forum favourite here? 2) EK is good for chains? Any other recommendations? 3) If it doesn't specifically say "O-RING" in the name or description of the chain, it's not an o-ring chain right? 4) And just to make sure, I'm looking for a 106 link chain? 5) I read some posts/articles steering people away from aluminum and sticking with steel sprockets. Agree/disagree? 6) The stock chain doesn't have a master link right? So, the only way to remove it is to cut it off with a Dremel or use a chain tool like these: http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superst...20Rivet%20Tool ? Is there a cheaper way to remove the chain? 7) When buying a new chain, do they all come with a spare master link (is that what it's called?)? Or is it purchased separately? Also, if it's separate, do I have to compensate the excess number of links by shortening the chain?

February 3rd, 2011, 10:51 PM	#3
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	1 - Any of them will be fine. 2 - EK is OK, DID is better 3 - Sort of. There are tweaks on o-rings that are called x-rings, z-rings, maybe more. All of them are types of o-ring chains. An o-ring chain has lubrication that is sealed/stored within the links for the usable life of the chain. 4 - Yes 5 - Agree. Steel on any streetbike. The minor weight savings won't matter a whit unless the bike is racing identical bikes for tenths, and the steel will last many times longer. 6 - A mechanic friend I know uses a bolt cutter to remove chains. YMMV. 7 - I would think the chain comes with at least one master link. No, you don't need to get a 105 link chain + a master link. Get the 106, and make sure a master link comes with it. If not they can be ordered separately. 8 - Varies entirely based on riding environment and chain maintenance habits. Some will last 50k miles, some will last < 10k miles. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

February 4th, 2011, 08:27 AM	#4
JMcDonald ninjette.org sage Name: J Location: Oklahoma Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Posts: 771	From what I've read when researching Al sprockets, it seems a well-lubed one will last about 80% as long really, as opposed to a small fraction. As this is mostly on supersports bikes with "several" to "many" times the power of ours, I wouldn't be surprised to see an Al sprocket last for quite a while on a Ninjette. __________________________________________________ Factory Pro Jet Kit, K&N R-0990 Pod Filter, Sportisi VR Black Exhaust, BRT TIS Ignition, White Paint, and 16/41 Sprockets. Soon: Maybe a 37T Rear Sprocket if I get things running like I'd hoped.

February 4th, 2011, 11:47 AM	#6
JMcDonald ninjette.org sage Name: J Location: Oklahoma Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Posts: 771	Ah gotcha gotcha. My only personal concern is if I ever further upgrade my gearing, the only option for me is aluminum :P . But, I'd definitely go steel if I could, just to have one less "what if." __________________________________________________ Factory Pro Jet Kit, K&N R-0990 Pod Filter, Sportisi VR Black Exhaust, BRT TIS Ignition, White Paint, and 16/41 Sprockets. Soon: Maybe a 37T Rear Sprocket if I get things running like I'd hoped.

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February 3rd, 2011, 06:38 PM	#2
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	8) What is the usual time for a chain and sprocket change? Can't seem to find it in the manual.

February 5th, 2011, 10:51 AM	#7
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	Appreciate the replies.

February 6th, 2011, 03:00 PM	#8
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	Can I get some input on whether this sprocket looks worn and if it's good for another 10,000 km.

February 6th, 2011, 04:51 PM	#9
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	I would be interested to see what a hard anodized sprocket wears like on the 250R, like has been previously mentioned the relatively low torque output on these bikes and proper maintenance should have them lasting a very long time.