-1 sprocket in the front question : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

jroc23 · 11-05-2009, 10:47 PM

Hi guys. I have a question. If I go -1 on the front sprocket, will I be able to keep my stock chain, or would I have to buy a 520 or something. Please let me know. Thank you.

Heikes · 11-06-2009, 12:05 AM

You don't HAVE to, but it is suggested that if you replace one drive component, you should replace them all (front sprocket, rear sprocket, chain) that way they wear together. Otherwise you could prematurely wear out your new sprocket.

jroc23 · 11-06-2009, 02:08 AM

thanks. can i keep the 110 stock length on this -1 front application?

Heikes · 11-06-2009, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jroc23

thanks. can i keep the 110 stock length on this -1 front application?

Maybe. How much room do you have to adjust your rear wheel toward the back? The smaller sprocket will effectively lengthen your chain so you'll need room to adjust your wheel to compensate. Either way, you'll need to break the chain to remove the front sprocket I believe. So just take a link out if needed.

Hammerhead · 11-06-2009, 05:08 AM

You won't need to break the chain unless you're adjusted all the way back which would mean the chain is probably shot anyway. Also, don't worry about replacing the chain and rear sprocket to match the new front. I replaced all three this past spring and I couldn't see any difference between the old front sprocket and the new. Front sprockets are made of hardened steel and wear very little. Your manual will give a service limit length for a certain number of chain pins and if your chain is less than that dimension, don't replace it yet. Check the rear sprocket by properly adjusting the chain slack and if you can expose more than 1/2 a sprocket tooth by pulling on one of the link pins at the back of the sprocket, the sprocket is shot.

quick_daddy · 11-06-2009, 03:02 PM

It all depends on how old your stuff is. I went -1 on the front at a 1000 miles or so and just recently at 7500 went +2 on the rear. My chain still looks great because I guarantee you it's been kept up every 400 miles or sooner all it's life so far. Grunge brush and Chainwax all the way.

The old rear sprocket you would have to mic it to find the wear on it.

Moscap87 · 11-07-2009, 07:41 AM

quick daddy. clean my chain at least once a week. id reuse it when i get my new sprockets but im switching from a 525 chain to a 520.