How To: Change Your Front Sprocket!

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:31 PM

I'm writing this guide with nice pictures to show folks (newbies like myself) how to change your front sprocket yourself. I hope a few of you will benefit from this guide. Thanks go to hybrid for some advice on disassembly and torque.

This was done to a Ducati SuperSport 800. Most new Ducati bikes come with 15 tooth (15T) front sprockets which are placed on the bike for emissions compliance. A 14T front sprocket (on this bike) is only $30-$50 and provides you with more low-end torque, smoother low speed pull, and does not require a new chain - the stock will work just fine.

The downsides are that your RPMs will go up slightly, and your top speed will drop slightly. If you're doing mostly street riding and stop-and-go commuting, the benefits far outweigh not being able to try to get to 130 MPH in heavy traffic.

Going down one tooth on the front sprocket is similar to going up about two teeth on the rear.

Your bike may vary somewhat, but this is basically it.

The only concern someone may have is wheel alignment (when you adjust chain slack), but don't be afraid of it - it's only screws and bolts, really.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:32 PM

It's easiest to get to all these parts if you take off your rearsets and fairings. So, do that first.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:34 PM

Now you can get to the sprocket cover. These required 5mm allen wrenches for me.

There will be a good bit of grime under there. Clean it out with some of your favorite cleaner.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:37 PM

Now unscrew the sprocket retainer. This required a 4mm allen wrench.

Twist the retainer until the holes line up with the gear and yoink!

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:39 PM

Next, take the sprocket o... argh -the clutch assembly is in the way.

Three 5mm bolts and yoink! Off it comes.

I did not remove it all the way - just enough to give me some room to get the sprocket and chain off.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:42 PM

Yoink the sprocket and chain now. Clean that dirty hole out.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:43 PM

Take the old sprocket out and place the new one in. Then just align with the gear and pop it back into place.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:45 PM

Place the retainer back on - there's a small groove on the gear that the retainer fits into where you can spin it into place.

Turn the retainer to line it up with the sprocket holes and put the screws back in. Use a little bit of LockTite ($4 a tube at auto parts store) on the bolt to make sure it stays in.

bzbatl · 03-15-2007, 10:47 PM

Now screw the sprocket cover back on, and put your rearsets and shift linkage screw back on the bike.

Voila! Now to adjust that chain - who wants to do that "How To"?

Remember - 25mm is about the same as 1". Always check your manual for the optimal chain slack.

Jim Moore · 03-16-2007, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzbatl

Clean that dirty hole out.

Did you change topics for a second?

MAD_CAT · 03-16-2007, 10:04 AM

nice DIY

bzbatl · 03-16-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Moore

Did you change topics for a second?

Oops - copy and pasted from the Dating and Sexlife FAQ. Sorry!

Scott_R6 · 03-16-2007, 11:27 AM

those two little screws are all thats holding that on?

bzbatl · 03-16-2007, 11:46 AM

The two screws hold the retainer to the sprocket, but the retainer is in a groove on the gear.