Snapped Chain Melodrama…

[Artyman]

…..

[mr_diver]

Both those old sprockets look well used.

I wouldn't be putting a new chain on those... 2-3 k and you'd be changing the whole set.

At least you know now you've got a new set on there and you shouldn't have chain related issues for a while.

[Artyman]

To be honest, changing the chain and sprockets is one of the first things I should have done when I got the bike, but hindsight is a wonderful things, isn’t it…

I fitted an oiler a few weeks ago. At least now with new the chain, sprockets and an oiler, I can rest a bit easier about the final drive.

One thing that’s come out of this is that when I was riding the bike around town, she never felt happy doing around 30 to 40. I was always hopping between 2nd and 3rd because whatever gear I was in it seemed either too much or not enough.

Now I know why…!

I’m looking forwards to riding her as she was meant to be.

[Gert]

For the next time that you replace sprockets or if you could exchange your new unused rear sprocket, for one with a different tooth count, I recommend that you first have a look at the gear ratio site  https://www.gearingcommander.com
Enter the necessary info wrt your ride, plus the sprocket combination of your choosing. You are able to view result as stock / current / custom sprocket combinations. A handy tool for projected gear ratio, if you understand how to use the site.

[Rixington43]

Daft question perhaps but were you aiming for OEM standard gearing?
Is OEM not 17T front rather than 16T?

Not that it matters, just thought I'd mention it if stock and a factory 'accurate' speedo were part of your requirement for the change.

* I must admit I found the rubber damped front sprocket worth the extra few quid on noise and I did risk a JT chain as the package deal was too good. I agree on over speccing though so opted for the Z3 over the X1R. I guess I keep my fingers crossed.

[pichulec]

I always use rubber damped JT on the front, they are good quality.

[Artyman]

Well…..

Buttoned everything up, checked chain tension, and went out for a ride.

It’s a different bike…! Totally different.

Truth be told, I wasn’t 100% happy with her before and I even contemplated PX’ing her for a 650 Strom because although she was fine eating the miles on motorways, when it comes to towns, cities, A and B roads, she just never felt ‘right’ in whatever gear I was in. It was either too many revs or not enough. And now I know why.

I did about 150 miles today on a mixture of roads up in the highlands and she was great. Tootling along at 30 or 40 or 50 was just great, and my thoughts of PX’ing her have now gone. going to stick with her for the foreseeable because the way she is now, she’s just right.

As I said earlier, I’m glad all this crap is happening now rather than later in the year. I’m still confounded why someone would fit one extra tooth on both sprockets. It doesn’t make much sense, especially on a 1000. Anyway, shit happens and it’s all good now.

[porter]

The oe gearing is 17t front,  41t rear. The worn sockets you've shown are 17-42 so oe front one tooth up aftermarket rear. Your new sprockets are 16- 41 so down one on the front and oe size rear so you've lowered the overall gearing.
I've  tried the 16t front and a 43 rear but I like the standard gearing the best.

[Youngman]

Don't forget to whack the washer on the drive sprocket 

[Artyman]

Now he tells me….