Time For A New Chain, and sprockets Options

[Trenchdigger]

I have 13000 miles on the chain and sprockets. I was told that is about the life-expectancy, though with proper care they do last longer. In my case, the chain is starting to kink a bit. (I try to clean and lube about once a week, but it usually ends up being twice a month.)


Anyway, I'll probably need to replace the chain come springtime. Anyone have recommendations?



I was also thinking of going up a tooth on the rear sprocket; I do like the current gearing, but wish for more oomph on occasion. The pro should be slightly better acceleration, with the con being decreased fuel economy. Anything else I should consider?

[Fasterdammit]

I have a Stealth sprocket on my Monster, and I love it. It's a steel chainring mounted on an aluminum carrier; best of both worlds - the longevity of steel, without the weight of a full-steel sprocket. I think I put a DiD VM chain on this time, too.



One tooth up on the rear will change your shift timing a little bit - as compared to the speed you're traveling, so you'll notice a slight difference in that respect. But you'll get a little more pep, in exchange for a little less top end. But honestly, how often are you riding the redline in top gear? I think +1 in the back is a nice trade off on the street. I tried +2 at one point and felt like I was tap-dancing on the shifter everywhere. Hated it. I don't think I kept that sprocket for more than 500 miles ...

[Trenchdigger]

you'll get a little more pep, in exchange for a little less top end. But honestly, how often are you riding the redline in top gear?

Um ... When are you NOT redlining in top gear?

LOL. Actually, I rarely take her over an indicated 80mph on the interstates; more than that is just too uncomfortable with the wind buffeting. So I won't even notice the loss in top-end. I will notice the increased revs though; even now I'm often trying to click one up into seventh gear.

[Trenchdigger]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but the stock sprocket sizes are 15t/42t.

I found a kit: Stealth and DID

I like the price too. And I like some of the reviews I've read (and teams those brands sponsor.)

Any other suggestions or comments?

[Fasterdammit]

I bought my last batch of stuff from Chris Kelley's California Cycleworks, but you should check w/ Steve @ ECS and see what he can do for you, too.

Otherwise, I'm not sure what the rear sprocket is for your bike. Stock on mine was like 38 I think. I definitely wouldn't put a 14t front sprocket on, though. The transition is too steep for my tastes ...

[osj]

On both my SS and Multi I went one down in front (14) and one up in back (I think 43, don't remember what stock was) Yes I lost alot of top end, But rarely do I ever go over 100mph anyway. But I gotta tell ya, for the type of riding I like to do this change was amazing.

I love the small, tight, twisty roads and I spent alot of time in my youth on 2 strokes so I love those short power band types bikes. Shifting is fun! Plus the Multi pulls those nice long power wheelies in second or third gear that are very addicting! It takes some time to get use to it, but I wouldnt have it any other way.

I have yet to get more than 12k out of a chain on both Ducati's. Ive been anal about cleaning a lubing, and other times I would let it go 1,000 miles before any attention. It didnt seem to matter. Even though the sprockets were okay at some of those chain replacements Ive always done the sprockets with chain.

[Trenchdigger]

I too have fun shifting ... Just banged around on a G650GS and I was up and down the first four gears at anything under 50mph. It was a blast. hehe.

I'll take better care of my next chain ... every 500 miles or so I'll be sure to clean and lube it up. My current chain has only been lubed about every 2000 miles. Ooops. Ignorance on my part.

But I still have 13000 miles on it, so that aint bad!

[MonsterSteve]

I would suggest going at least 2 up in the back, you will not notice one tooth, I can do the work for you too if you want to drive up when it gets warmer.

[Trenchdigger]

Two up, eh? Any specific reasons? Will one up be not enough, and two just right? Mr. Darnit didn't like +2.

Thanks for offering to help with the work! I'm thinking somewhere in the March time frame for getting this done; we'll make arrangements as the time draws near.

[osj]

Two up, eh? Any specific reasons? Will one up be not enough, and two just right? Mr. Darnit didn't like +2.

Thanks for offering to help with the work! I'm thinking somewhere in the March time frame for getting this done; we'll make arrangements as the time draws near.

2 up in the back is the same as 1 down in the front. Many Ducks come with a 15t front and one of the first things most Multi owners do is go right to a 14t. I guess its easier then replacing the rear?

When I had mine done at the 7500 mile service the chain had stretched a lot and I figured it would be best to do both at that same time, plus it was right before my NJ AMA trip. For some reason they had a +1 for the rear so I had that put on, its what I did with my SS and really liked it.

[Fasterdammit]

My whole problem with changing the front sprocket to 14t is the sharp transition the chain has to make as cycles. I think the front sprocket is easier to change than the rear, but - ridiculous or not - I think the 14t front imposes more wear on a chain than a new chain ring out back.

[Trenchdigger]

My whole problem with changing the front sprocket to 14t is the sharp transition the chain has to make as cycles. I think the front sprocket is easier to change than the rear, but - ridiculous or not - I think the 14t front imposes more wear on a chain than a new chain ring out back.

That was my first impression too, when I saw how small the front sprocket was.

Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like I'll have to decide +1 or +2. I have a few weeks before I order the parts, so I'll "sleep" on it. But if anyone has other input, I'd love to hear it.

[MonsterSteve]

you guys are correct, changing the front sprocket to a smaller one does wear the chain faster.

you will not notice 1 up in the rear, hell you wont notice 2 up in the rear (not much anyway) the first real noticeable difference is 3 up in the rear (fyi going down 1 in the front is equivilent to 3 up in the rear) this info is based off standard gearing.

[Trenchdigger]

Neat Calculator:

http://www.gearingcommander.com/

Steve is right. Three up in the rear is the same as one down in the front.

[MonsterSteve]

understand that this ratio changes the larger the rear sprocket gets.

I used to race with 4 up in the rear, it took the top speed of 170 indicated to about 150 indicated (this is a huge difference.

again I suggest going two up in the back, only because your looking for a little more oomph.

people change the front sprocket to get the same effect but it does not require a longer chain where going anything more two does require a longer chain.

also if you look at the physics of the actual drive train, the engine is able to put more of the produced power to the rear wheel with a larger front sprocket, putting a smaller one one there gives the illusion of more power but in reality it actually increases the amount of power lost to the rear wheel (it's a simple leverage thing)

[MrGompers]

Don't know how I missed this topic, but I went one down on the front sprocket to 14t. Steve did the work for me last year. The rear sprocket + chain were replaced at the same time too.

I noticed the difference right away and the monster is easier to ride now. Lower top end, but I rarely exceed 85mph anyways, so it doesn't matter to me.

Steve told me he couldn't find a larger sprocket for the rear on my bike that would be a simple replacement. He could explain it better.

On the website you guys linked too, you'll notice they don't have a kit for the S2R.

I will continue using a 14t front even if chain life is reduced because it makes the bike much more enjoyable to ride.

This post has been edited by MrGompers: Feb 13 2010, 01:35 AM

[MonsterSteve]

chaing the rear sprocket is an easy job to do, the problem for you Steve was at the time no one had a rear sprocket available as its not a standard sprocket.

[Trenchdigger]

UPDATE!

The new gearing is GREAT! Responsive, and faster acceleration. The front end gets rather light now under hard acceleration in the first 3 gears. I haven't noticed any reduction in gas mileage, though I'm sure I probably lost an MPG or two due to an enthusiastically twisting wrist.

Driveability is about the same, but I'm not trapped between gearing like I was.

This mod is recommended for anyone looking to improve acceleration, at minimal cost and effort.