Chain and Sprockets

[fr8dog]

Saturday I installed new chain and sprockets from The Sprocket Center. I compared the old sprocket to new. There wasn't a whole lot of difference. I'm sure there was, but to the naked eye the teeth looked identical.

So my question is - Do you change them together every time, or sometimes do you just replace the chain?

 

[micah2074]

I always change both. Just so I feel better about it. 

[fddriver2]

 ^^^^ This.   I consider the chain and sprockets a "consumable". Just like oil & filter and brake pads.

I got about 13,000 miles out of the original chain and sprockets. I'm at 27,000 miles now and the chain still looks pretty good.  However. If I were to have a trip of any distance come up. I would get new before I left.

[blindjoebeck]

Put me in the "replace chain and sprockets together" camp. I replace the OEM chain and sprockets somewhere around 16-22k miles with good quality stuff that lasts 24-28k miles. Sometimes the drive sprocket looks a bit hooked.  I'm consistent but not obsessive about cleaning (kerosine) and lubing (90 wt gear oil).

525 chains don't last as long as 530 chains; I'm okay with that.

-- Joe

[micah2074]

Just an FYI, I usually run DID chains. The last time I got an EK, It seems to be holding up better than the DID.

[fr8dog]

I purchased the "lightweight" sprockets and DID chain from Sprocket Center. Couldn't tell a difference in weight. I had about 23000 miles on them. I probably got a solid 20000 good miles out of it. After 20k I had to adjust more often and more of the chain was tightening.

I used a few different ways to clean. Now after washing the bike I use WD-40, a soft nylon brush and rag. I then spray chain wax on it.

[koth442]

I only replace the chain unless the rear sprocket is showing aggressive signs of wear. I got ~40,000 miles out of the OEM sprockets on my Daytona 675 which included numerous trackdays. I only ever replaced chains. I ended up loosing the sprockets when a roller broke off of my chain, exposing the steel pin which damaged the sprocket. 

Now, if I were racing at a top level, then yes, I'd replace them in pairs.

Geometrically "new" sprockets will all be the same shape. 525, 520, etc are all chain / sprocket standards that make them cross compatible between brands. The difference in brand is the material and manufacturing process. So if you're OEM sprockets looked identical to the Sprocket Specialist sprockets, they weren't worn and could have been used for many more miles. Might be a good idea to keep them on the shelf somewhere in case of emergency. 

[Luma46]

If there isn't  much wear on sprockets and chain length is well within adjustment range,  I don't see any reason to change chain/sprockets early as a some kind of preventative maintenance. Well maintained chain should last at least 50k kms.

[betoney]

16 minutes ago, Luma46 said:

Well maintained chain should last at least 50k kms.

That will depend entirely on how you ride, just like tire wear.  Puttering around town or constant speed highway cruising will have dramatically different mileage than someone who rides high speed or aggressive sport riding.

I maintain my chain regularly and it was sloppy and in need of frequent adjustment and replaced at 18k miles.

[fr8dog]

I'll see how this new setup wears. If the sprockets look good, then I'll replace just the chain.