Worn front sprocket, drive otherwise seems ok, what to do?

[jarl]

Turns out my front sprocket is very worn:





Bike is at 23K, it has a scottoiler but I don't know when it was fitted. Chain is at a good amount of slack (IMO, just over 2 inches) and the adjusters are about a third of the way through (i.e, I still have a very long way to go). Rear sprocket is hooked enough to be just noticeable. I can lift the chain away from the rear sprocket by this much: (a bit but not too much )


nb: image rotated anti-clockwise by 90'. Fits on screen better.

What would the best plan of attack be? I would like to keep stock gearing, and I've heard whispers that non-honda sprockets can damage the splines on the output shaft, so a genuine front sprocket would probably be the best bet. However, would it be worth just doing the front sprocket or should I wait until the chain starts stretching alarmingly and then do it all? The prev. owner says he put a new O-ring chain/sprocket set on at 4K, so it'll have lasted 19K or so which doesn't seem unreasonable.

Thoughts?

[Thinice]

Can't comment on the gearing but I just got a DID xchain and sprocket set from DK Spares for my Dommie at £74.99 and I don't think that can be beaten?

[Lutin]

If the sprockets are worn, then you have no real choice except to replace the whole lot - chain and both sprockets.

It is advisable to use the original Honda front sprocket, David Silver Spares usually have them in stock.

DID chains have a good reputation on here, but any chain from a reputable manufacturer would probably do just as well - RG, Tsubaki, Regina etc etc.

I have a brand called "Triple S" on my Transalp and it seems to be coping okay.

There's plenty of threads on here about chain life, suppliers etc. The Search tool is very handy.

Scottoiler is a must for decent chain life.

[StumpyFingers]

Just change the complete set, it will be easier and cheaper in the long run.

[AIRWOLF]

the chain does'nt look bad, so it may have been replaced without changing sprockets.

the front sprocket deffo need's a new one.

i find the front sprocket often wears as your's and causes vibration as the chain can't leave the sprocket cleanly.

as the front sprocket revolves approx 3 times to the rear sprocket 1, its no surprise the front wears the most.

[jarl]

i find the front sprocket often wears as your's and causes vibration as the chain can't leave the sprocket cleanly.

Interesting. I have noticed a bit of clicking when wheeling the bike and also when just cruising in 30's (any faster and the wind noise means I can't hear anything). I think I'll do the front sprocket alone as I'm not made of money, but will start poking around for deals on a genuine honda set (or DID, but I'm not getting my hopes up too high for finding one of those for cheap!)

Cheers all

[davedixon]

If you do then you will be wasting your money. Replace the lot, dont risk a chain coming off. DD

[jarl]

If you do then you will be wasting your money. Replace the lot, dont risk a chain coming off. DD

How would only replacing the front sprocket be dangerous/a waste of money? I now know it's bad idea but I've still got no idea why it's a bad idea!

Cheers

(and thanks for that recommendation on dkspares Thinice, looking at £84 for the tranny, very nice )

[StumpyFingers]

I bought a 16 tooth front sprocket, original Honda for £24 from Tippetts.
If you have a slightly worn sprocket or chain, one will usually speed up the wear of the other.
Complete sets of C&S sometimes come as cheap as individual sprocket and chain.

[africajim]

No if's, no buts, change all, chain and both sprockets.

Why? Simple, as the chain wears it matches the wear of pitch of the sprockets, if you change any of the three the pitch will not match and will simply wear each component faster. If you check a new bike you'll see there's not that much edjustment before the change mark starts, it's certainly not the full travel of the adjuster!

Front sprockets all have a slack feel on Honda twins, don't ask why, I've checked new bikes and found them all the same. I've done thousands of miles on after market chains and sprockets and can't really recommend any, OEM's seem to last longest.

Of course you can ignore this advice and wait until the chain wraps itself around the back sprocket, jams the wheel and throws you into the path of oncoming traffic, or perhaps into a tree? Your life, your choice! For the price of a cheap helmet? Ho hum.

As ever, opinions are like a*seholes, everyone has one, this just happens to be mine. I'd replace the set immediately.