replacing chain... sprockets?

alex.s · August 25th, 2011, 10:06 PM

i'm going to replace the chain on my fzr... its rusted and in generally bad condition. what's the rule on replacing sprockets? i've heard you should replace both at the same time... why? is it just so shops can make an extra buck? or because people don't know what sprocket wear looks like? i've seen videos from people like theduck where they replaced a chain but didn't even mention replacing sprockets... was it assumed? the sprockets look to be in ok condition... they're still squared up top so that means they're ok right?

what about master links? do clip type links really come off? i've heard some horror stories about them but i'm not exactly confident the people who put the links on really knew what they were doing... what do you need to put on a rivet type link? a standard rivet gun or is it a special tool?

ninja250 · August 25th, 2011, 10:23 PM

Replace the whole shebang.

The teeth wear and the chain stretches. They seat with eachother.
Doesn't matter if you can see it. I think I heard it can make whining noise too or louder chain while driving. (to use new chain con old sprockets)

When I did chains on my GSXR's I always built a chain with no master link.
It's really easy if you have the two chain tools.

I'm about to be doing this on the 'Jette.

I suppose if you only have a new chain and no sprockets it's better than old chain and old sprockets. Rusty chains are bad news, you can put a hole in your crank case. I have seen this happen on dirtbikes. Nobody cares to maintain their stuff. Lol they plug the hole with napkins and JB weld and keep riding for the rest of the day with half a crank case full of oil.

LUBE THOSE CHAINS AND CHANGE OUT THE RUSTY ONES.
Chain max $100 Crankcase max $2000
Sprockets to go with is cheap insurance!

I'll get pics of my chain breaker and maker tomorrow.

actionace · August 26th, 2011, 01:22 AM

Don't use the clip-on because they do come off! Happened to me once on the freeway and never again will I trust that style of master link.

Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive chain breaker that you can also use to rivet the chain.
http://youtu.be/3gSuYTz2msE

dubojr1 · August 26th, 2011, 07:39 AM

Here's what the SM has to say. It shows you what to look for and what to measure to determine when and what to replace. It also clearly states that the sprockets should be replaced when your replacing your chain.

CThunder-blue · August 26th, 2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by actionace

Don't use the clip-on because they do come off! Happened to me once on the freeway and never again will I trust that style of master link.

Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive chain breaker that you can also use to rivet the chain.
http://youtu.be/3gSuYTz2msE

Curious what kind of chain you had come off on you? I just installed a DID chain and to install the master link, you have to press on the new plate and then put a clip over it. When the plate gets pressed on, it deforms itself (on purpose).

Gulf1 · August 29th, 2011, 11:01 AM

IMO, replace it all. These days there is an abundance of companies producing chains and sprockets of all levels of quality, materials and prices. Shop around and it really shouldn't cost too much. Plus it gives you the chance to upgrade in quality and change gearing if you want.
As far as masterlinks, i broke my clip-type trying to install it! I spent $12 on a screw type. It went on in about 90 seconds and ISN'T coming apart. I'll never use any other type.

Nemesis · August 29th, 2011, 11:13 AM

Screw type master-links?

Pics/Links?

I just installed a clip-type masterlink and I really hope it doesn't come off. I'm gonna have to safety wire it just to make sure.

KJohnson21 · August 29th, 2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250

I always built a chain with no master link.

How do you join the ends together?

CThunder-blue · August 29th, 2011, 11:42 AM

Where do you guys get safety wire from? local moto shop?

Nemesis · August 29th, 2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Where do you guys get safety wire from? local moto shop?

Yes. Though I hear you can find some at your local hardware store. From my experience they're either too thin or thick.

I buy mine from CycleGear.

alex.s · August 29th, 2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Yes. Though I hear you can find some at your local hardware store. From my experience they're either too thin or thick.

I buy mine from CycleGear.

lowes has a good selection of wire thicknesses. i think i bought some 24awg that seemed about right

CThunder-blue · August 29th, 2011, 12:58 PM

Thanks, I'll swing by cycle gear this weekend.

HKr1 · August 29th, 2011, 01:36 PM

In general, most time a chain is worn... the sprockets are too. Thats why they say replace as a set. If a bike has been sitting, and the chain is rusty. Theres like no miles on the sprockets, I would only do the chain.
Like a new chain, doing gearing changes. Iam not replacing the chain cause Iam swapping spockets.
Personally, I havent swapped a chain & sprockets together since the 80's

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Where do you guys get safety wire from? local moto shop?

Summit Racing has nice prices, .032 works nice

Nemesis · August 29th, 2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

lowes has a good selection of wire thicknesses. i think i bought some 24awg that seemed about right

That's too thick.

Damn you for tricking me into saying that!!! LMAO!

Fly'in Ninja · August 29th, 2011, 04:50 PM

Yup, replace all three (front, rear sprockets and chain).

Also, now's a good time if you want to change sprocket SIZE.

Gulf1 · August 29th, 2011, 04:55 PM

You should also go to a 520 pitch

alex.s · August 29th, 2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gulf1

You should also go to a 520 pitch

why?

August 25th, 2011, 10:06 PM	#1
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	replacing chain... sprockets? i'm going to replace the chain on my fzr... its rusted and in generally bad condition. what's the rule on replacing sprockets? i've heard you should replace both at the same time... why? is it just so shops can make an extra buck? or because people don't know what sprocket wear looks like? i've seen videos from people like theduck where they replaced a chain but didn't even mention replacing sprockets... was it assumed? the sprockets look to be in ok condition... they're still squared up top so that means they're ok right? what about master links? do clip type links really come off? i've heard some horror stories about them but i'm not exactly confident the people who put the links on really knew what they were doing... what do you need to put on a rivet type link? a standard rivet gun or is it a special tool? __________________________________________________

August 25th, 2011, 10:23 PM	#2
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	Replace the whole shebang. The teeth wear and the chain stretches. They seat with eachother. Doesn't matter if you can see it. I think I heard it can make whining noise too or louder chain while driving. (to use new chain con old sprockets) When I did chains on my GSXR's I always built a chain with no master link. It's really easy if you have the two chain tools. I'm about to be doing this on the 'Jette. I suppose if you only have a new chain and no sprockets it's better than old chain and old sprockets. Rusty chains are bad news, you can put a hole in your crank case. I have seen this happen on dirtbikes. Nobody cares to maintain their stuff. Lol they plug the hole with napkins and JB weld and keep riding for the rest of the day with half a crank case full of oil. LUBE THOSE CHAINS AND CHANGE OUT THE RUSTY ONES. Chain max $100 Crankcase max $2000 Sprockets to go with is cheap insurance! I'll get pics of my chain breaker and maker tomorrow. __________________________________________________ <Yeah, it's a 250. LMFAO! Weaksauce

August 26th, 2011, 07:39 AM	#4
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	Here's what the SM has to say. It shows you what to look for and what to measure to determine when and what to replace. It also clearly states that the sprockets should be replaced when your replacing your chain. __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

August 29th, 2011, 11:01 AM	#6
Gulf1 ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 80	IMO, replace it all. These days there is an abundance of companies producing chains and sprockets of all levels of quality, materials and prices. Shop around and it really shouldn't cost too much. Plus it gives you the chance to upgrade in quality and change gearing if you want. As far as masterlinks, i broke my clip-type trying to install it! I spent $12 on a screw type. It went on in about 90 seconds and ISN'T coming apart. I'll never use any other type. __________________________________________________ It's all about the information.

August 29th, 2011, 11:42 AM	#9
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Where do you guys get safety wire from? local moto shop? __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

August 26th, 2011, 01:22 AM	#3
actionace MotoGP Junkie Name: Ace Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 40	Don't use the clip-on because they do come off! Happened to me once on the freeway and never again will I trust that style of master link. Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive chain breaker that you can also use to rivet the chain. http://youtu.be/3gSuYTz2msE

August 29th, 2011, 11:13 AM	#7
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	Screw type master-links? Pics/Links? I just installed a clip-type masterlink and I really hope it doesn't come off. I'm gonna have to safety wire it just to make sure.

August 29th, 2011, 12:58 PM	#12
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Thanks, I'll swing by cycle gear this weekend. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

August 29th, 2011, 04:50 PM	#15
Fly'in Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Al Location: Bay Area Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): C-250R-ST Posts: 287	Yup, replace all three (front, rear sprockets and chain). Also, now's a good time if you want to change sprocket SIZE.

August 29th, 2011, 04:55 PM	#16
Gulf1 ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 80	You should also go to a 520 pitch __________________________________________________ It's all about the information.

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