Time to change chain and sprockets

I've got two questions regarding this.

1. After reading may of the past posts on the subject of front/rear sprocket changes, I want to go -1 on the front, but am having trouble finding one that is constructed similar to the OEM sprocket. The AFAM, for example, looks flimsy, as do a few others. The Vortex, RK and Rethenal (sp?) look good (ie.e beefy :thumbsup, but I can't find a source for one -1, only stock 16 tooth.

2. Has anyone out there used or know of someone who's used the EK screw on chain masterlink. I've read great reviews of the product, and at $11-15, it's a lot better than buying an $80-100 chain tool kit just to rivet a master link on. 8mm wrench is all you need, and the reviews I've read have been great.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

why not just go +2 in the back? usually it's the same as a -1 up front

 

What did you think of the Sprocket Specialists sprocket I posted in the other thread you posted in? I don't know where you get this "beefy" bull crap from. A 530 front sprocket is a 530 front sprocket for the most part.


+2 on the back isn't exactly the same as -1 on the front for the 6th gen. However, it IS extremely close and probably not that big of a difference from the butt dyno. Will .06 of a ratio matter much? You tell me. A difference 1.3 is definitely noticeable though.

6th Gen:
Stock 16/43 =2.68
-1 Front 15/43 =2.87
+2 Rear 16/45 = 2.81

 

true, was trying to get him close without having to turn over the internet looking for a sprocket...

as always, here is your calculator
Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Gearing Ratio Sprocket RPM Speed Chain Calculator

 

Also try calling some local shops. Some of them will rent out chain rivet tools.(I had to call four different shops to find one that did).

You can try this tool out(LINK). I just bought one. I will try it out tomorrow and let you know how well it works. It's a 99% clone of the DID Chain Rivet tool but a 1/5 of the cost. ($30 vs. $150+)

 

I always forget about the gearing calculator as I do it all on my own.



Also, Sprocket Specialists makes about any size sprocket you could ever want.

Front sprockets from 12-18teeth.

 

NO other front sprocket is as good as the OEM Honda piece due to lack of Honda's rubber-cushioned noise and vibration damping....

You might be able to go +3 at rear with stock length chain, similar to -1 at front but with better chain wear factors.

(Just be sure not to use any Communist Chinese-made junk sprockets or -GOD forbid-Communist chains)

 

Thanks for the replys...

I appreciate the info from all.

Soundmaster,

I realize "beefy" isn't exactly a mechanical engineers term, but when I look at the Afam front sprocket, and see a flat sprocket with no shoulder at center hole, and no shoulder around the perimeter, it just looks like a less capable part. I can't imagine how a part like that can fit as well (side to side) as the OEM or something like a Driven Racing or Vortex sprocket.

Still no one out there who's used the EK screw type master link???

 

There was a group buy going on through yesterday, check Sprocket Group Buy - VFRD
Maybe you can still get the discount.

I've used Sprocket Specialists and they've been great too.

 

Checked out my new chain tool today.


here's a link to my review so far:

LINKY