New chain. Do I really need sprockets?

[CaMo]

So I know my chain is poked. Has tight spots in it and is time for a new one.

Taking a look at the rear sprocket it seems to be in pretty good cond. No noticeable bending of teeth or anything. The front, I am yet to check (its behind covers etc)

So my question is..... If the front sprocket is sweet do I really need to change them? I think its best they are all done at once, but financially I'm a bit poor :(

Cheers :)

[Shaun]

So I know my chain is poked. Has tight spots in it and is time for a new one.

Taking a look at the rear sprocket it seems to be in pretty good cond. No noticeable bending of teeth or anything. The front, I am yet to check (its behind covers etc)

So my question is..... If the front sprocket is sweet do I really need to change them? I think its best they are all done at once, but financially I'm a bit poor :(

Cheers :)


If you inspect BOTH sprockets, and they are both OK, there is NO need to change your sprockets as well, but make sure you inspect them carefully!

[vifferman]

Ideally, you should replace them as a set, as worn sprockets will wear out a new chain, but if the sprocket teeth aren't hooked, you should be OK. It's fairly easy to tell - the teeth should be symmetrical, and when you put a good chain on the sprocket, it should sit snugly on it without any discernible freeplay back'n'forth.

[MSTRS]

If your chain is truly rooted, it did not get that way without affecting the sprockets. If money is tight, why not put on a standard chain with new sprockets, and in a couple of months get yourself a new HD/O-ring chain...the near new sprockets will be fine.

[CaMo]

Cheers fellas, guess I will see what it will cost me and go from there

[The Pastor]

iirc sprockets arnt expensive?

[Robert Taylor]

Cheers fellas, guess I will see what it will cost me and go from there

A quick visual check is often not conclusive. As the chain wears ( pin and roller wear ) it rides up higher on the sprocket teeth and slowly scollops out the forward edges. Very often ( not always ) if you put a new chain on even slightly worn sprockets it will compromise the life of the chain. Have a very experienced motorcycle engineer look closely at the sprockets to advise. Removing and thoroughly degreasing them will enable a much better look.
Chains and sprockets vary enormously in price and frankly there is a lot of low life rubbish on the market. Dont go for the cheapest options, it will be false economy.

[sunhuntin]

iirc sprockets arnt expensive?

its more the cost of labour. thankfully, it doesnt need doing all that often.

[xwhatsit]

Get a $40 DID standard chain and use it until it's poked... then replace sprockets and put a fancy O-ring chain on all in one hit.

Save the expensive O-ring chain for when you have fresh sprockets.

[Icemaestro]

40? I was quoted 85 for a heavy duty 520 chain from cycletreads...without labour too!