clutch, chain, & sprockets

[gwcrim]

A million or so years ago, I discovered if I kept an inexpensive chain clean and lubed on my old CR125, it lasted as long as an expensive one.

So now I have to replace the chain, sprockets and clutch on my KX500. Primary Drive sprockets, RK chain, and Tusk clutches are the least expensive. But are they junk?

Yes, I have learned that many times it's cheaper to buy quality the first time around. But sometimes it's not. I have no recent experience in this area. HELP!

 

[Senior KX Rider]

In my experience oem clutch discs are worth the extra money. As for sprockets.....the cheap ones can be a good buy if you take care of your chain. On the subject of chains.........there has been many debates on this subject. I choose to go with a high quality chain. I have run the o-ring/x-ring chains with GREAT results and also had great results with the DID ERT. Can't comment as to whether any of the parts you named are junk, I can only comment on what I have experience with :)

 

[gwcrim]

Yeah.... chain threads are kinda like oil threads. Which came first, the chicken or the egg!

Thanks for the tip.

 

[Casper250]

From my experience, it's the chain that wears the spockets so if you have a high quality chain, then the sprockets will last longer. I bought a kx250 new and the stock chain and sprockets wore real fast. When i replaced the chain with a O-ring chain, the whole set up lasted soooo much longer. You don't have to adjust the chain as much either. I had O-ring chain setup on my bike for almost 2 years and it was still good.

 

[Rcannon]

I like the sprokets Rocky Mountain sells. They are the "titax" brand. They are cheaper than primary drive and look liek they are built better.

I have been running a set on my YZ 250 for over 6 months without any wear issues. I do keep my chain clean and lubed, but these appear to be as good as anything else.

 

[Jaybird]

There is no scientific data to back up which came first, the chicken or the egg...
On the other hand, ther IS factual scientific data that indeed clears up what causes chain and sprocket failure.

BTW...There is absolute data on oil as well, and it sure aint printed on any oil bottle! Anecdotal evidence is about as close to data as we find on oil....but on chains and sprockets, there is PLENTY of written engineering data available-one just has to seek it out, AND be able to seperate the corn from the husk.

 

[gwcrim]

So I guess I might deduce from the info so far that cheap sprockets are OK but ya need a good chain.

And I suppose since putting a clutch in isn't a quick job that I ought to buy a good one just to be sure I don't have to do it again soon.

DANG... I'd rather spend my money on beer. :confused:

And since you're here Jaybird.....

I have a little project street bike that needs new chain and sprockets. How does on determine if a 520 or 530 is needed?

 

[Rcannon]

I dont know if I would even call the Rocky Mountain stuff cheap. I stood at their sales counter and compared the Titax brand with the Renthal sprokets. Honestly, the Titax items looked better. Obviously, they could have found a lousy batch of aluminum to make these out of, but I dont think so.

One other thing. I bought some of the first sprokets from them that arrived from Czech. The staff at RockY Mountain made me report back to them on how the parts worked out. Did it fit, any issues, etc. I had one brake rotor that was not all that and required some de-burring to fit correctly. Rocky Mountain was on the phone with their supplier as I watched and made every attempt to correct the situation.

I think all that is cheap about the sprokets is the price. Put a name brand sticker on it and watch the price climb!

 

[bclapham]

ive got the TItax sprokets on my RM, and they are very well made by looking at them. i bought a sproket specialists front steel sproket and it didnt fit properly and looks inferior to the Titax.

i also saw them Tusk complete clutches for $30 and it did make me wonder if thhey are worth trying

 

[Rcannon]

I hate to blindly go into it, but I imagine the Tusk clutches are. The Rocky Mountain folks ride. I dont see them selling something that sucks.

 

[Jaybird]

Crim,
Look on the side of the rear sprocket. It may have it listed.
Also look on a chain link.
If not there, let me know what bike and year and I can tell you.