New Chain - Do I replace the sprockets?

[HappyMan]

I'm replacing the chain on my 06 today and as I'm pulling the bike apart a little voice is yelling in my head that I should have replaced the sprockets too.  When the dealer last had the bike he mentioned my chain was shot and I told him that I was replacing it soon but asked him if the sprockets were good.  He said no problem, that the sprockets were in good shape.  So I didn't purchase new ones.  Now as I'm working on it I'm wondering if I should have replaced them anyway....will the old sprockets damage my new chain?  I'm headed to Banff in a few days, no chance to get sprockets.  Should I leave the old chain on and chance it or run the new chain and replace the sprockets when I get back?  Or am I just being stupid, the sprockets are fine....

I'd love some opinions.  Meanwhile I think I'll start on the rest of the bike....can't wait for the trip!

[Mustang]

I've seen rear sprockets that have lasted for two chains , but I have never seen a front that can make it past the life of 1 chain without being hooked and worn out  
this front looked ok until you compare it to a new one

[HappyMan]

Thanks Mustang.  So what do you think I should do?  I'm committed at this point and the new chain is about to go on.  The front sprocket could possibly be ordered and gotten to me quickly enough if I can find the time before I leave to change it out.  OR do you think a few thousand miles will be alright and I change it out when I get back?  24K on the front sprocket....

[Mustang]

have you looked at the front sprocket ...if its hooked and worn you could be asking for trouble

[HappyMan]

Yes, I inspected them when I took it apart and the front sprocket looked better than your above picture.  However, I'd sure prefer replacing it to be sure.  I'll see what I can do.  Thanks 'Stang!

[Nimrod11]

I'm replacing the chain on my 06 today...

Just curious: what's the mileage on yours?

Any hints on how often the chain has to be changed? I have 30k km on mine and am preparing for a long trip round Bolivia and Peru.

Thanks!

[HappyMan]

She's around 24K Miles, that's around 38K KM.

[Nimrod11]

She's around 24K Miles, that's around 38K KM.

Hummmm... makes me wonder if I should change my 30k km chain on my 2004 Girly...

The manual says to inspect and measure 20 links. Is that enough? I didn't see anywhere in the manual about a chain life.

[HappyMan]

I'm not sure what they mean by inspect and measure 20 links.  Perhaps someone else can decipher that one.

[Mustang]

I'm not sure what they mean by inspect and measure 20 links.  Perhaps someone else can decipher that one.

because the links grow in length as the pin rollers wear which changes the pitch of the chain length
example if the chain is 5/8 inch between roller centers (pitch of each link) , which is what tigers are BTW.

.625 (5/8ths) x 20(# of links ) = 12.5 inches
so if you measure the chain you should have 12.5 inches for every 20 links
measure it in a couple of different spots as chains usually wear uneven
**NOTE a chain that has worn only .010 of an inch on each link pin will have grown by 1 1/8  inch in length over the entire length of the chain **
anything other than 12.5 inches in 20 links is showing a worn chain and new sprockets should be used with a new chain as the old chain has worn the sprockets down to match whatever the links grew by

[HappyMan]

Thanks Mustang.  That cleared it up for me.  Sure appreciate your constant input!

[jphish]

Yeah - folks like Mustang keep the rest of us from causing excessive unintentional self inflicted harm. Most of their wisdom aint found in the manuals either... We're lucky.

[HappyMan]

Front sprocket will be in on Wednesday.  I leave Thursday but I would expect that this bike is as easy as all my other bikes when changing out front sprockets.  Anyone know off the top of their head what size socket I need to pull it?  Feel free to ignore me....I'm being lazy I know but I have so little time right now I thought I could get away with asking rather than running out to the bike or pulling the service manual.

[KuzzinKenny]

Feel free to ignore me....

OK !!  :lol:
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its 36mm !!

KK

[HappyMan]

Thanks for helping out a lazy D-Bag Kuzz!