Sprocket, Chain, equipment = questions

[YMFB]

Whilst cleaning the front sprocket I can see it has the very slightest hint of the teeth starting to curl, I mean very slight, I had to look a couple of times to be sure. Now for the questions

1. Is this a warning?

2. Is 7000 miles fair wear & tear on a bike that has never been wheelied?

3. Should I immediately buy a new set including chain or am I OK for a bit longer?

4. Is the best chain the Tsubaki ?

5. Who gives the best deals and service on a replacement chains?

6. Do I need to buy a Chain splitter/riveter tool, if so which is best ?

Cheers guys & gals

[Carbon749]

[i]

1. Is this a warning? - I would say well spotted, check the back one, if it's the same than time to swap.

2. Is 7000 miles fair wear & tear on a bike that has never been wheelied? - would have thought 7,000 mile was OK. Heard of bikes doing 20,000 plus miles. Guess it's down to riding style and chain lubrication.

3. Should I immediately buy a new set including chain or am I OK for a bit longer? - No expert, but, would guess you have a few more rides in it if the wear is so little.

4. Is the best chain the Tsubaki ? - I've gone for a Tsubaki based on advice from other DSC.

5. Who gives the best deals and service on a replacement chains? - Sorry can not help.

6. Do I need to buy a Chain splitter/riveter tool, if so which is best ? You will get your old chain off with a grinder / dremel and small punch. Fitting your new one will require the right tool. You may also have major problems getting the front sprocket off. Best let a dealer / workshop do the job, do you want the responsibility of fitting a chain that will be travelling very fast and if it fails will wreck your engine cases if not worse ?

[moozaad]

1. just normal wear and tear
2. yes - mines gets it after a few thousand (one of the reasons I fitted a scottoiler)
3. if the chain clears the front sprocket without catching then you're ok. It will get progressively noiser as the 'curl' gets deeper tho.
4. I don't know, think mine currently a DID (which is original make, rebranded to ducati)
5. try mandp.co.uk, thefastone.co.uk and ebay (not ducati!!)
6. Normally yes. http://www.thefastone.co.uk/products.asp?cat=57 I have the bottom one on that page. It does it's job but they're all cheaply made so don't expect it to last more than 4-5 changes before u bend the pin (most come with spares)

[Edited on 30-4-2006 by moozaad]

[Derek]

The front sprocket has less than half the number of teeth that the rear one does and goes round about 2 1/2 times quicker, so not surprisingly it wears out quicker. I just put a new gearbox sprocket on after 7,000 miles and usually find I go through 2 front sprockets to each chain and rear sprocket.