Replacing Chain And Sprockets

[jyd]

I'm about to replace the Drive Chain both and front and rear sprockets on my 1983 GS 1100E.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to look out for?

I have never replaced these items but I susepct Ican do the job.
I do have some prior mechanical experience.

I am also looking for suggestions on some off the shelf replacements for handle bars.

I can live with the stock bars but it would be nice to find a slighlty more comfortable set with out having to make any mods. (drilling, welding, cutting).

[Anonymous]

Lots of bars on www.jcwhitney.com and www.denniskirk.com.

I think Doze did a chain size conversion when he replaced his final drive.

Oh Dooo-oooze!!?

Here's the topic: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...er=asc&start=0

Michae

[earlfor]

Re: Replacing Chain And Sprockets

There are a lot of sprocket choices listed on the dennis kirk site. Stay away from aluminum sprockets. The wear rate is lousy. Also, dont buy a cheap chain, it will only stretch out very quickly and chew up your new sprockets. The most common reason for accelerated chain stretch and sprocket wear is too setting too much tension on the chain. The chain does not require ANY tension to operate correctly. It only requires tension to insure it cannot be thrown off the sprockets. When the bike is leaned over on the side stand, my chain has 1 to 1 1/2" movement above and
1 1/2" movement below centerline. (yes, I can move my chain 3" up and down) Even on my 1150, I have not needed to readjust the chain in 10,000 miles.

Earl

I'm about to replace the Drive Chain both and front and rear sprockets on my 1983 GS 1100E.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to look out for?

I have never replaced these items but I susepct Ican do the job.
I do have some prior mechanical experience.

I am also looking for suggestions on some off the shelf replacements for handle bars.

I can live with the stock bars but it would be nice to find a slighlty more comfortable set with out having to make any mods. (drilling, welding, cutting).

[SqDancerLynn1]

Take the front sprocket NUT loose first

[Anonymous]

sprockets

Definetly as said loosen the front sprocket before doing anything that way you can use the bike's drivetrain to hold the sprocket from turning. Actually I loosened everything before removing the rear wheel, helps hold things from moving around.
Get hold of some degreaser, a few rags, a lot of hand cleaner and don't touch anything such as white front doors (don't ask :-) ), an some blue loctite for the front sprocket nut....Mike

[Anonymous]

Stay away from aluminum sprockets. The wear rate is lousy.

I have to disagree with this. A quality aluminum rear sprocket will last the life of the chain. And it looks WAY cooler than steel.

Also, dont buy a cheap chain,

Listen to this. A cheap chain is a false economy and will take the rest of the system with it. Worst case is it breaks and blows a hole in your cases, best case is it wears out really fast and you end up doing another chain installation in short order. Buy a high end chain and enjoy years of trouble free service. There really isn't that big of a price difference between them.

(yes, I can move my chain 3" up and down) Even on my 1150, I have not needed to readjust the chain in 10,000 miles.

Another excellent point. Looser chains also make more power.

Earl, I thought I was bad on my chain, but your 3" of slack has me beat... I have put about 13,000km on my ZX-9 since I bought it last year and I have not touched the chain in that time.

Another thing most people get worked up about is lubing the chain too much. O-ring chains don't need ANY lube on the outside, it is already sealed inside. The only thing the outside surfaces need is to be clean and have corrosion protection on them. I clean/lube my chain with plain old WD-40 and nothing else. It really keeps the mess down and it shows no sign of wear in almost 24,000km of use. The bike is kept inside, and I make sure to do the chain if I get caught in the rain, but other than that it gets no special attention at all.

Mark

[KGB]

Try this link also for more info

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/viewtopic.php?t=15144&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Anonymous]

Replacing chain & sprockets

A point.When you replace the front sprocket use a new lock washer and DEFINITELY use loctite on the shaft threads.The sprocket retaining nuts have a distressing habit of coming loose and embedding themselves in the casing or even worse your leg.I had one come loose and remove the threads on the shaft.Not funny! :P

[gsbill]

Doug,

God advice..I had one come loose too...Use blue Loctite..

[Nerobro]

What's a good chain brand? "I" am ok with lubing my chain every few days..but not everyone is, so a non o-ring and an o-ring chain reccomendation would be good :-)

[Anonymous]

Replacing chain....

Try o-ring EK,RK or DID,all good and last well.Maybe think about a chain oiler,I can definitely recommend Scottoiler.
Check http://www.scottoiler.com/
I've used one for years,and if used properly it can double the life of your chain. 8)

[80gs1000e]

Got front and rear sprockets and chain from www.sprocketspecialists.com . Very nice people, good customer service. I had to return the front because it was not true and they sent me a new one no questions asked.