I posted this in the general tech forum but I figured the forum specific to my bike may yield more knowledgeable results.

My chain has been on its way out for a while now and a wet weekend of riding in Indy combined with a 460 mile ride back home to Virginia officially killed the sprocket. Long story short, the chain was making a horrible noise the next day (it was really loose) and it fell off, revealing the horror.

Here's a picture of the sprocket: Ouch

So... as you can see, I'm in the market for a new chain and sprocket and I'm pondering just going back to stock if an aftermarket "+2" sprocket is gonna do this to me again. (The bike is a 2000 F4, I think the sprocket/chain is probably around 7,000 miles old but I'm not sure as the previous owner put on the 520 kit)

Questions:

1) Will I feel a major difference in acceleration/performance if I switch back to a stock sprocket (from the current +2)? (I've never ridden the stock setup on this bike, but I really like the current power/acceleration.)
2) Will I get more life out of the stock size?
3) I know the chain was rusted, but is the stock sprocket stronger than the aftermarket? Are they made of the same material? It just seems like a normal sprocket wouldn't die like this one did.
4) I know it's recommended to change the chain and rear sprocket at the same time, but do I have to change my front sprocket too?
5) I live in an apartment and don't have a garage or even a covered area to park the bike. Besides a simple bike cover, is there something else I can do so my next chain doesn't do this to me again?
6) Suggestions for places to get a new setup for a decent price (websites)? Or brand suggestions for chain and sprocket?

Thanks fellas.

 

Questions: 1) Will I feel a major difference in acceleration/performance if I switch back to a stock sprocket (from the current +2)? (I've never ridden the stock setup on this bike, but I really like the current power/acceleration.)

You will feel slower acceleration but more top end speed.
2) Will I get more life out of the stock size?

If you take care of it it should be no problem. 7000 miles is nothing, the sprocket should last way longer than that, again, as long as you maintain it. It currently looks like you neglected to do so.
3) I know the chain was rusted, but is the stock sprocket stronger than the aftermarket? Are they made of the same material? It just seems like a normal sprocket wouldn't die like this one did.

The should be the same material, i think they are made of aluminimum. You did not service your chain and sprockets regularly, this is why it was destroyed.
4) I know it's recommended to change the chain and rear sprocket at the same time, but do I have to change my front sprocket too?

Given the condition of your current sprocket and chain, I would reccomend that you change the front as well. You can go -1 on the front to have a little quicker acceleration.
5) I live in an apartment and don't have a garage or even a covered area to park the bike. Besides a simple bike cover, is there something else I can do so my next chain doesn't do this to me again?

Maintain it every oil change. Take it off the sprocket, chean the sprocket, the oil the chain and spray a coat of chain wax then reinstall.
6) Suggestions for places to get a new setup for a decent price (websites)? Or brand suggestions for chain and sprocket?

OEM is your best bet, I would also reccomend Vortex, I am currently running a -1 vortex on my front. However I do not like the fact that it makes my bike top out at around 130mph. I have hit 162 with my stock setup. But I guess thats all personal preferance. Hope this helps.

 

how many teeth is stock on the front and rear? i think it's 16-45 but i'm not sure, because of variation in numbers on some sites while browsing for a new setup.

and your bike tops out at 130 with -1 in the front? i heard -1 in the front = +2 in the back (what i currently have). i topped my bike out a while back reading 170 or so on the speedo, which when corrected for the +2 is what... around 155-160?

i was thinking of going -1 up front and stock in the back, but if the top speed is that much lower, i'll be rethinking it.

 

with your chain that loose, no wonder it killed your sprocket...I had 23K on my chain/sprocket when i changed it and the sprockets were fine. I went with -1/+2 and you should still be able to get 15k~20k out of a chain/sprockets.

Sprockets are different, you can get lightweight alloy, or steel sprockets...of course with alloy sprockets they are not going to last as long as steel. I always have used steel sprockets.

as far as what to do so the next set doesn't do this. tighten the chain every time you oil it (which should be about every 500 miles, or every 2 weeks) the chain should be move about 1.5inches. if you clean it every 3k miles then its going to rust

I got my sprockets from http://www.sprocketcenter.com/c/1616...0f4-99-00.html
I live in OH and they shipped from Cali, and I received it in 2 days. I just ordered the RK steel set and installed it last week.

 

I did some research and found some decent prices at a couple sites for the kit. let me know what ya'll think.

Sprocket specialists or pitbull sprockets and EK SRX 520 chain PLUS an $8 can of chain lube to bump it up to 155.32 (over $150= free shipping, so basically, i get a can of repsol chain lube for $1. now that's commitment to maintenance!)

OR

Vortex Sprockets and RK 520 chain for @$172 (no free shipping and no chain lube)

What will it be.... hmmmmm. State your choice and the reason for it. GO!

 

well after talking with a new friend here in virginia... he recommended a driven racing chain kit from motomummy. you can get different colored chains and sprockets... which is sweet.

so i ordered a kit with a black rear sprocket and a gold chain. it cost a bit more, but im stoked on the colors and heard that driven makes a really quality sprocket.

thanks for the help guys. peace

 

Update:







*stoked*

 

what size is the rear sprocket? I only put about 300miles on my sprocket/chain and the clutch went out last night when I got home[:@]

 

setup is -1 +2

so 15-47. it's the best. no questions asked.

 

I'm in need of a new chain and sprockets but idk if i should stay stock or go -1 +2. 90% of my riding is cruising at highway speeds to and from work. I just don't want to bump up my cruising rpms