Chain and Sprocket renewal

[bigmac103]

I've got to change my chain and sprockets on my Z1A, can I go from a 35 rear to a 33 rear? straight forward? any special tools required? Any advice always appreciated.

[chrisu]

pretty easy.

if you go for an endless chain you'll need to drop the swingarm. Slightly more aggro but you'll be sure its not going to fall apart.

if a softlink chain then you'll need to peen the rivets over. There is a special tool to do this but I have seen adequate attempts with a bit ingenuity, hammer, punch, mole grips and some packing if you haven't got access tothe tool.

[bigmac103]

Hi Chris,

The chain seems ok and the front sprocket seems like new, it's the rear sprocket that's completely worn. Can I just change the worn sprocket or is it best to just renew the whole lot?

[mick znone]

bigmac, in my experience, once the sprocket is worn, the chain will be stretched as well. in the past i have filled plenty of sprockets down and washed chains out with petrol, in order to make them look mot worthy. the thing is the chain is stretched and worn, best to replace. [ just my opinion, which you didn't ask for].

[bigmac103]

Is there a way of measuring the chain for wear? I think this rear sprocket was not part of the set and just added when I bought the bike. It would be a shame just to discard a serviceable chain.

[Steve Cooke]

As Mick has said it's best to replace as a set, It's tempting to only replace the visibly worn items but they are usually all worn, their is no problem changing from 35T to 33T or 33T to 35T.

[bigmac103]

I think your right guyz, set ordered.

[mick znone]

that's it bigmac, don't be a skinflint especially if its for the hire z1a, you don't want that throwing a chain with a holiday maker on it

[mick znone]

how to measure a chain for wear. hold the chain up and try to bend it side ways, the more worn it is, the more it will bend. you can tell by the rattle on it too. it needs to feel quite solid.

[bigmac103]

Thanks Mick.

[Garn 1]

BigMac, I can understand members recomending a complete set replacement, however, if it is obvious that the front sprocket is not worn (no hooking of teeth and teeth look symmetrical when inspected) then, it is wasteful to change it out.

The same with the chain, there is a know method to check wear, that is to measure from link it link, over say 20 teeth and compare that streched in length with a new one (if no figures are available). I'm sure one of the manuals gives allowable strech measurements. Also while fitted you could measure if the chain is evenly tensions at various points around the chain.

From what I gather this chain set is unknow, except that the rear sprocket is badly worn and the front looks Ok. My guess is the previous owner replaced the chain and the front sprocket only.

The items you would probably need to look at ....buy the 3 nut- locking tabs and check that the sprocket bearing is good. RegardZ

[mick znone]

Garn. you are right about the front sprockt, but wrong about the chain. you will wear a new rear sprocket out quicker with a worn chain as the chain no longer fits correctly between the teeth. also as described in my previous coment, there is a way to test a chain for wear. when the links are worn, they will have excessive side ways play. i may do things by the bike book these days, but believe me i havnt always, ive tried all the tricks. i think bigmac needs the ch/sp kit for one of his hire bikes and therefore its best to play it save.
sure/ you win some, you loose some, but thats the way i like it baby, i dont want to live forever white line fever

[steve bowdler]

New chain and sprocket set then you know where you are and one hell of a lot safer especially if you hire them out always better to be safe side

[bigmac103]

the weakest link on these bikes, exscuse the pun is the electrics. I'm getting this sorted slowly by renewing the loom and switch gear. The engines have all been open and work done. The chains and sprockets, I thought where just down to correct servicing, oiling and generally keeping an eye on them. What really surprised me was just how quickly this rear sprocket went from serviceable to completly knackered. So I've decided to renewal all the chain sets on all the bikes so now I know the status on these drive chains. Thanks for your comments guys just wondering what the next issue will be thrown at me! I'm learning every day:)