Worn sprockets dangerous?

[best]

Dangerous or not to ride with worn sprockets?
I took a trip and didn't adjust the chain (as I should have) and 1,000 miles later, as I hear clink clink, I realize things have worn to a point of needing replacement. DID gold series chain $220. Sprocket set and chain OEM $355.
Aluminum sprockets (aftermarket) $75 for the pair. A chain can be had for $120.

Quick fix for low bucks or the good stuff (that I may distroy again next year)?
I am looking at 2 weeks time before the funds are available for parts ordering or paid repair.

Is there a danger riding with worn sprockets?

[chris k]

I dont know if its dangerous,or not. Sometimes aftermarket is better than oem, alot of shovel riders run smaller rear sprockets for more top end.

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by best

Is there a danger riding with worn sprockets?

Only if the chain and sprocket have worn to the point where the chain can come off and lodeg itself between the wheel and frame or something sturdy enough to cause the rear wheel to lock up.

If the adjusters have are bottomed and there is excessive slack in the chain the combination of worn sprockets and stretched chain could be deadly.

My buddy with the KZ 750 twin found out the hard way last summer that a new chain and sprocket is lots cheaper than 6 weeks of of work and medical co pays.

[best]

I am one tooth smaller on the rear as of last year.

I adjusted the slack out and now I hear the stretched chain as it pulls into the front sprocket. Noises at 60 MPH don't make me feel good *LOL*

DID gold chain at $220, I am told is the best available. Am wondering if the added $100 is worth it. I need some day light and the bike with me at the same time so to order the parts. Maybe I will have them by Saturday. It is the between now and then that I was worrying about.

A few noises and a tight chain I guess will be ok. (I hope)

[BillJ]

$220 seems high for ANY motorcycle chain, but maybe that's what they cost where you're at. Down here, a Diamond o-ring chain (H-D OEM) runs $160 or so, but I've bought standard 530 roller chain cut to length at bearing supply houses for $20 or so. Stretch the crap out of it, toss it, and go buy another.

About sprockets: when the teeth start to "hook" it's time to replace it.

[best]

Apollo Gear in Quincy MA "was" the exclusive maker of HD sprockets at one time. AMF changed all that and Apollo Gear is now a fish resturant.

Sprockets for the Kawi are $20 and $14 wholesale. Getting someone to sell them for near those prices is another thing. The chain on the bike now was $120.
D.I.D. Gold series is what the wrench uses and he said they are best, as he has found. I think the cheaper one will be better. I do them in often.
This will be the second chain replacement. Every 18,000 seems to be my record on chains. Every 12,000 seems to be my record on speed O cables.
I am at 38,000 on a 3 year old bike.
Time for brakes, another set of tires, chain/sprockets, oil change, front fork oil change, and maybe a good cleaning with wax this time *LOL*

[best]

Originally Posted by BillJ

but I've bought standard 530 roller chain cut to length at bearing supply houses for $20 or so. Stretch the crap out of it, toss it, and go buy another.

Stopped at the Bearing supply. The guy is a rider and said it wouldn't be a good idea. Said standard and a bike chain are made different. Only sells full lengths as well. Would sell me a 10 foot 530 chain, if I so wanted.

I've ridden with some worn equip. in my time. I've even filed the "hooks" of my sprockets to get a few more miles out of them. I've always kept the tension right even if that meant popping a few links off a stretched to death chain. I've sometimes heard that clicking noise due to chain hang up but it got me where I was going. Obviously I wouldn't suggest this but I did what I had to do. ( Most of these incidents where while I was using and I didn't have the cash or sense to get the parts when they where needed.) That's not the case anymore.

Mike

[BillJ]

Originally Posted by best

Stopped at the Bearing supply. The guy is a rider and said it wouldn't be a good idea. Said standard and a bike chain are made different. Only sells full lengths as well. Would sell me a 10 foot 530 chain, if I so wanted.

Never had a problem with the chain, or with buying cut lengths. The guys I dealt with didn't care if I was using it to power a motorcycle or beat a horse, so long as I paid for the stuff!

Maybe metric bikes are different, but Harleys use standard chains, and there's a reason for that. In the early days of Harley's history, dealerships were few and far between. Harley's reputation relied, in part, on the ease with which the average rider could maintain his motorcycle. Hence, Harley used readily-available parts like standard roller chain, automotive pistons, points and condensors, automotive rear tires, etcetera. That way, riders could find replacement parts even when they were miles away from the nearest dealership.

It had the added benefit of keeping Harley's production costs down. Simple economy of scale. A mass-produced part used on a wide array of machines is naturally less expensive than one specially made for a single purpose.

Of course, nowadays that's all changed. Used to be that a part for one Big Twin fit all Big Twins, and a Sportster part fit every Sportster. Not anymore! Every late-model Harley model seems to have its own unique handlebar levers, electrical system, shock absorbers, etcetera. Nothin' fits nothin' else anymore!

What's a dinosaur to do!?!

[chris k]

Ride a shovelhead, Thats what I do. LOL

Originally Posted by BillJ

Never had a problem with the chain, or with buying cut lengths. The guys I dealt with didn't care if I was using it to power a motorcycle or beat a horse, so long as I paid for the stuff!

Maybe metric bikes are different, but Harleys use standard chains, and there's a reason for that. In the early days of Harley's history, dealerships were few and far between. Harley's reputation relied, in part, on the ease with which the average rider could maintain his motorcycle. Hence, Harley used readily-available parts like standard roller chain, automotive pistons, points and condensors, automotive rear tires, etcetera. That way, riders could find replacement parts even when they were miles away from the nearest dealership.

It had the added benefit of keeping Harley's production costs down. Simple economy of scale. A mass-produced part used on a wide array of machines is naturally less expensive than one specially made for a single purpose.

Of course, nowadays that's all changed. Used to be that a part for one Big Twin fit all Big Twins, and a Sportster part fit every Sportster. Not anymore! Every late-model Harley model seems to have its own unique handlebar levers, electrical system, shock absorbers, etcetera. Nothin' fits nothin' else anymore!

What's a dinosaur to do!?!

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by chris k

Ride a shovelhead, Thats what I do. LOL

well I am riding an evo .. if I get too freaked out by the lack of regular wrenching on it the shovel is alkways in the barn waiting lol.

actually if it weren't for a lack of funds I would be riding the shovelhead as well.

[BillJ]

Originally Posted by chris k

Ride a shovelhead, Thats what I do. LOL

Check the sig line. Been ridin' shovels for years.

[guzzi]

chain?what,s that? O i remember them. Had a 550 suzuk that was stretched. Took out a link or 2 and rode it the rest of year. Drive shaft god do i love them.

[Gooch]

i keep forgetting to oil my belt drive? do you think thats a problem?

[chris k]

I know I was just being a smart alec

Originally Posted by BillJ

Check the sig line. Been ridin' shovels for years.

[BikerBill8]

Hey Gooch you better start oiling your belt you don't want it to dry out. LOL.