Motorcycle Chain and Sprocket Guide
Almost all motorcycles have a drive system consisting of two sprockets: a front sprocket (also known as a countershaft or drive sprocket) and a rear sprocket (also known as a driven sprocket).
Almost all motorcycles have a drive system consisting of two sprockets: a front sprocket (also known as a countershaft or drive sprocket) and a rear sprocket (also known as a driven sprocket).
Motorcycle Sprockets
Sprockets are usually made of steel to prolong their life. Aluminum is sometimes chosen for rear sprocket racing because it is lighter, but wears out faster than steel. The front sprocket is usually much smaller, with between 10 and 18 teeth. The rear sprocket, usually the larger of the two, can have 28 to 64 teeth. For some highly modified motorcycles, a third sprocket is used to maintain tension, although it does not provide additional power to the rear wheel.
The ratio of the difference between the front and rear Call us now can determine certain aspects of a motorcycle's performance.
Motorcycle Sprocket
Motorcycle Drive Chains
Swift Chain
A typical chain link consists of an inner plate, outer plate, pins, bushings and rollers. These links can be sealed with either O-rings or X-rings. While non-sealed chains are relatively frictionless, they have no internal lubrication and tend to wear faster. o-ring or x-ring chains have a sealing ring, usually rubber, placed between the inner and outer chain plates. These seals maintain internal lubrication and prevent dirt from entering.
Chain Link
If your motorcycle was shipped with an O-ring or X-ring chain as its original chain, it is best to replace it with another sealed chain of equal or greater strength. Sealed chains require lubrication every 300 miles or weekly to prevent surface rust, but with regular maintenance checks and lubrication they should last longer than non-sealed chains, and non-sealed chains should be lubricated every 100 miles.
Why do my chains and sprockets need to be replaced?
As the motorcycle chain bends around the sprocket from straight to bent and back again, the pin of the chain rotates slightly inside the bushing. This tension wears away some of the metal of the pins and bushings, causing the chain to effectively stretch out.
525 Motorcycle Chain
Checking sprocket wear
The chain passes over the sprocket thousands of times per minute, slowly wearing down its teeth. If the teeth on the sprocket become sharp or "hooked" at the tip instead of dull, they need to be replaced.
Checking chain wear
You can tell if your chain is worn by pushing up on the middle chain with one hand while pulling it on the rear sprocket. If you can pull the chain out of the sprocket by about 1/4 inch or more, the chain is worn. Or, you can tell by measuring your chain and seeing how it compares to the length of a new chain. If it is 2.5% or more longer, it needs to be replaced.
If the chain is too loose or the links are too tight, it can break teeth from the sprockets, which can cause the chain to break, which can be very dangerous. Please be careful not to over tighten the chain as this may damage the bearings on the output shaft. It is highly recommended to check the sprocket and chain regularly for wear.
If you want to get more information about the motorcycle chains and sprockets, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.