I need some advice on replacing sprockets

[Ride Red!]

At some point in time I may go -1 on both the front and rear sprockets (16 to 15 and 43 to 42 respectively).

I know it's best to replace the chain at the same time. However, what if I don't? My '02 VFR800 currently has 8,900 miles and has never seen the track or dragstrip. It's never been stunted, wheelied, etc. and it's never been launched hard from a standstill (i.e. stop sign, red light, etc.) In other words, the bike's been well taken care of.

At what point would it be necessary to replace the chain? In other words, what if I swapped the sprockets now? What about another 2,000 miles from now?

Thanks!

[768-Ryda]

u should be ok with that little mileage, but i would clean and lube it once i installed the new sprockets and check the tension to see if the chain is to tight or to loose, all these things will make your chain last a lot longer and get plenty of service out of 1

[RayOSV]

The chain and sprockets develop a wear pattern over time. If you compare a new rear sprocket to yours, the teeth on the new one will likely appear straighter and symmetric. 9000 miles is enough for that pattern to start with the chain rollers starting to unevenly wear the sprockets and the sprockets pulling the rollers and pins in the direction or forward motion.

Replacing just the sprockets with a worn chain can cause the new sprockets to wear more quickly. Replacing just the chain with worn sprockets can cause the new chain to wear more quickly (more slop develops on the pins).

If you've been religious about keeping your chain clean, it might not be too late to just change the sprockets with no ill effects. Chain and sprockets should easily last 20-25k miles with proper care. If you were to change only the sprockets, better now than later.

I am curious why you want to go -1 on both the front and rear. Why not just go +1 or +2 on just the rear and don't add the extra strain on the chain of a small front sprocket?

[Fred S]

Great post Ray.

[Veefer97]

Originally Posted by Ride Red!

At some point in time I may go -1 on both the front and rear sprockets (16 to 15 and 43 to 42 respectively).

I know it's best to replace the chain at the same time. However, what if I don't? My '02 VFR800 currently has 8,900 miles and has never seen the track or dragstrip. It's never been stunted, wheelied, etc. and it's never been launched hard from a standstill (i.e. stop sign, red light, etc.) In other words, the bike's been well taken care of.

At what point would it be necessary to replace the chain? In other words, what if I swapped the sprockets now? What about another 2,000 miles from now?

Thanks!

My VFR had 21K hard miles on it when I sold it with no visible wear on the steel sprockets. IMO leave the chain alone as it is not even half way through it's usable life. Go bigger on the rear as was stated because a small front sprocket is hard on the chain. The Honda VFR recomended chain tension was too tight and needed frequent adjustment. Once I stopped adjusting the chain to the recomended tension (just let it get a tad looser) the adjustment frequency was greatly lenghtened (the chain stopped stretching).

[Ride Red!]

Originally Posted by RayOSV

The chain and sprockets develop a wear pattern over time. If you compare a new rear sprocket to yours, the teeth on the new one will likely appear straighter and symmetric. 9000 miles is enough for that pattern to start with the chain rollers starting to unevenly wear the sprockets and the sprockets pulling the rollers and pins in the direction or forward motion.

Replacing just the sprockets with a worn chain can cause the new sprockets to wear more quickly. Replacing just the chain with worn sprockets can cause the new chain to wear more quickly (more slop develops on the pins).

If you've been religious about keeping your chain clean, it might not be too late to just change the sprockets with no ill effects. Chain and sprockets should easily last 20-25k miles with proper care. If you were to change only the sprockets, better now than later.

I am curious why you want to go -1 on both the front and rear. Why not just go +1 or +2 on just the rear and don't add the extra strain on the chain of a small front sprocket?

Thanks for the helful info.

I want to go smaller in the rear for cosmetic reasons. I think the stock rear sprocket looks hideous because it's too big. The smallest I can go is 42t because of the bolt pattern's close proximity to the teeth. The problem with this is if I keep my stock front 16t sprocket, my gearing will be higher. If I go -1 up front, my gearing would be 2.80 (stock = 2.69). I don't want higher gearing because the VFR's engine isn't known for torque and going higher would mean even less torque at the rear wheel.

I'd also like the rear sprocket to be black. Does anybody want to recommend a brand?