So my chain has been on it's way out for a while now and a wet weekend of riding in Indy combined with a 460 mile ride back home 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 CBR 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 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)?

Thanks fellas.

 

1: Minor difference, but if you like your +2 i would keep it that way.
2: maybe a few more miles, but its mainly upkeep that makes the difference.
3:aftermarket are just as strong, or you can get them even stronger. Again maintenance will be the downfall.
4: yes i would change your front also, just get a whole kit.
5: clean, lube, and check adjustment every 500 miles. A bike cover would help.
6: I use Driven sprockets and chains, hold up very well, or course there are lots of other brands. I got my last from www.1tail.com had very good dealings with them. Can also try Motomummy, Kneedraggers, Ronayers, all .com

 

ok well im gonna try to help ya out with these book of questions. 1. you will feel a little difference in accel going back to stock gearing and the gears will seem longer. 2. the gearing doesnt have much to do with the life of it.3 there are different materials of sprockets and considering it was a 520 conversion im sure it was aluminum and not the steel. 4 I would change out both front and rear at the same time considering how all of it looks in the pic.5 A cover works fine but if you want a chain and sprocket to last you need to always make sure it has the right slack in it and is always lubed. As far as a 520 conversion i would get rid of it. They free up some weight in the drivetrain but dont last as long for the most part. In your shoes i would buy a stock rear sprocket and drop 1 tooth in the front with a new chain then all should be good. And as for prices look around good stuff shows up everywhere

 

sorry to cut you short tk im thinkin we posted at the same time

 

thanks for the replies.

so is going -1 up front = to +2 in the back?

 

1 down is close to going 3 up in back

 

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!

 

I guess if i were buying i would get the top one. Reason: products are close to equal, so the top is a better deal.

And no worries Zdub, we both helped so i aint worried. Although techniclly going -1 in front is the same as 2.5 in the rear, so your right in the middle Nograv going -1 in front or +2 rear you probably will not notice the difference between them, the -1 front will give you ever so slightly more acceleration. However going +2 rear will be a bit easier on parts, but again hardly noticeable at best. So its your choice, but you will be fine either way.

 

Sprocket specialist are hard to beat up in my opinion and my friends have them an beat the hell out of them and hold up good. They always had a higher price though. Vortex is what i got now(got a really good deal) Its holding up pretty good as well and been beating it around decent. And also if your looking for a longer life in it all i probaly wouldnt go with a 520 again. They eat up a littleeasier, just myto pennies.

 

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 black sprocket and gold chain.

thanks for the help everyone. peace