Wilsons Sandbox

mjdublah wrote:

> > I finally need to replace my sprockets and chain (20,000 miles), and > I was wondering whether to go with aluminum or steel sprockets?

Steel.

> Is > there any reason to replace them with another set of stock sprockets?

Stock sizes, yes since the stock gearing is an excellent compromise. Actual stock sprockets ordered from a Kawasaki dealer, absolutely not. Waste of time and money.

> Any recommendations on a brand for the sprockets and chain? DO most > folks run a masterlink? >

Sprocket Specialists, Renthal, Sunstar, etc.... Most people who make steel sprockets for the KLR seem to make decent stuff. I'm sure other people will have specific suggestions. I use DID 520VM x-ring chains, but that's because I already have two spare master links in my toolkit and it's easier to get the same chain, so I don't have to get new spare links. I'm sure other folks will have excellent suggestions for different chains. I use clip-type masterlinks, which a lot of people hate. I have never had problems with them (knock on wood) but I have a very specific installation method and I regard master links as absolutely single-use parts. A factory-assembled endless chain is theoretically better, and you should periodically remove and grease your swingarm bolt anyway, but I just don't want to pull the swingarm pivot every time I change the chain. Devon -- "It's a troublesome world, all the people who are in it, are troubled with troubles almost every minute" Dr. Seuss

I just replaced mine, and I don't like the replacment front sprockets. Too thin, no shock absorption, I am going to put another stocker on.

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "mjdublah" wrote: > I finally need to replace my sprockets and chain (20,000 miles), and > I was wondering whether to go with aluminum or steel sprockets? Is > there any reason to replace them with another set of stock sprockets? > Any recommendations on a brand for the sprockets and chain? DO most > folks run a masterlink? > > Thanks in advance, > -Matt

david_l_sumner wrote:

> > I just replaced mine, and I don't like the replacment front > sprockets. Too thin, no shock absorption, I am going to put another > stocker on. >

If you mean the rubber cushion on the stock front sprocket, that's there for noise reduction only, since a plain sprocket makes enough racket to affect a drive-by noise test. Otherwise, a 520 sprocket is a 520 sprocket and they're the same thickness. My stock sprocket seemed to only be surface hardened, once it wore a little it just got eaten up. But if it worked well for you then there's no reason not to. Devon A15-Z -- "It's a troublesome world, all the people who are in it, are troubled with troubles almost every minute" Dr. Seuss

And another thing ... I lost one clip type master link and have friends who have lost one or more, so I plunged in and got a chain riveter. Lost my clip link in lexington KY on the last day of a 16 day 6000 trip. could have been worse. Had a spare link thanks to a buddy. --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "david_l_sumner" wrote:

> I just replaced mine, and I don't like the replacment front > sprockets. Too thin, no shock absorption, I am going to put

another

> stocker on. > > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "mjdublah" wrote: > > I finally need to replace my sprockets and chain (20,000 miles), > and > > I was wondering whether to go with aluminum or steel sprockets?

Is

> > there any reason to replace them with another set of stock > sprockets? > > Any recommendations on a brand for the sprockets and chain? DO

most

> > folks run a masterlink? > > > > Thanks in advance, > > -Matt