I've looked through several chain replacement threads and I have a couple questions that I haven't been able to find. It is time to change my chain, it appears to be well into the change tensioning area. I think I have decided that I want a stock size,rivet type525 chain I believe it is. My questions:

1. How do I know if my sprockets need to be changed?
2. If I have 2 different wheels and I want a +2 sprocket or a little more in the back is the change in diameter small enough to use the same chain?
3. Are there any specific chain tools that work better than others?
4. Are specific chains, I've heard things about DID, but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra buck on something I might change sprockets on relatively soon. Recommendations?

I think thats all for now, thanks for the help.

 

How do you know when to change the sprockets? If there is any sign of wear on the sprockets you should change them. If you change your chain, then do the sprockets, a new chain will wear faster if you have old sprockets. Kinda pointless to change one and not the other.

I did a 15/46, the stock is 16/46. Thats one tooth smaller in the front, its like adding 3 in the rear. This will increase your low end tremendously. And thus loosing your top end..

I have a 520 conversion, RK chain with a Vortex sprocket. Lighter weight and cheaper than going back to the 525. The F4i comes stock with a D.I.D chain on it.

You will need a chain breaker, and a chain press, both can be found on ebay. bout 10-20 each. You can do it yourself.

It is pretty easy to do, total time. One hour max. Total investment. RK chain sprocket kit. 150 bucks, tools 40 bucks. Return of your investment. Priceless. For everything else there is stock.