Sprocket Manufacturers

[littlebill31]

Just wondering, from what companies do people buy their front and rear sprockets?
I searched a ton and see a lot of advice and comment on the different sizes, front and rear, ect. but no real thoughts on companies who make them.

Thanks

 

[halfmile]

I`ve had good luck with Sprocket Specialists. I run 520 chain conversions and they have front sprockets with a shoulder so you don`t have to use a spacer. They have a good web site.

 

[grizld1]

Sprocket Specialists and Sunstar both offer sprockets for the XS650 of OE or better quality. Both are long established companies with a reputation for quality. Sprocket Specialists will make anything you ask for in 530 or 520, steel or aluminum, at a very reasonable price. (+1 on the SS 520 sprockets, halfmile; I use 'em too, with an EK x-ring chain.)

 

[littlebill31]

Thank you both!!
I read a lot about sprocket wear and wanted to try a better quality to curb this. I'm sure some places sell subpar sprockets.

 

[gggGary]

Thank you both!!
I read a lot about sprocket wear and wanted to try a better quality to curb this. I'm sure some places sell subpar sprockets.

Could be but other than the poor quality Early OEM (and I suspect that is more about chain than the sprockets), I haven't found any issues with anybody's sprockets. A lot of dirt guys manage to get use out of aluminum sprockets!!!

 

[member3480]

I have been using them for years and they will also make you up a sprocket if you need something special. I had them make me 1/2 offset for larger wheels on bikes and use them on all my Drag Race motors.

 

[littlebill31]

I have a 520 conversion and want to go back to a 530. No idea what make the sprockets are, but the teeth are a little worn. The chain seems crappy too.

 

[littlebill31]

Is there a part number for a 530 that will work on an XS?
I cant seem to find one. Only XS500s.
I did email them.

 

[weekendrider]

On the Sprocket Specialists site.
Search item #210-2522. This is a TX750 sprocket but it will give you the options menu and an order button. The first or smallest tooth range is 28-35.

 

[littlebill31]

Thanks, WR!

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

A lil' thread update.

After 46 years and 25k miles, time to retire the old OEM front sprocket. You can see the beginning stages of valley wear, makes the teeth look crooked, as compared to the replacement Sunstar sprocket.

This composite pic shows a comparison of a Sunstar sprocket to a new (I believe) PBI sprocket.

The PBI sprocket pic is found in YAM277's thread on front sprocket replacement tips & tricks:

http://www.xs650.com/threads/front-drive-sprocket-replaced.44176/

YAM277, can you confirm that was a PBI sprocket?

 

[gggGary]

Zat new or showing wear????????????? If new, would like to meet the dog they use to gnaw out those sprockets at the factory...

 

[bighairyralph]

I've been using Sunstar.

 

[5twins]

Yes, given a choice, I don't think I'd buy one of those. The SunStar is a work of art by comparison. Most front sprockets cost about the same, somewhere in the $15 to $20 range, so that wouldn't rule out a SunStar for me. However, I find their rears a bit much, like twice what others can be had for. I'll probably try some JT sprockets next time. Here's my preferred combo, 17-33 .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322253941749?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[angus67]

Jt has been good on my suzuki 800

 

[mrtwowheel]

I'm real happy with my JT sprockets on my two '81 CB750C's. I like the RK Xring chains too.

Scott

 

[CoconutPete]

Yes, given a choice, I don't think I'd buy one of those. The SunStar is a work of art by comparison. Most front sprockets cost about the same, somewhere in the $15 to $20 range, so that wouldn't rule out a SunStar for me. However, I find their rears a bit much, like twice what others can be had for. I'll probably try some JT sprockets next time. Here's my preferred combo, 17-33 .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322253941749?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I need a chain and both sprockets and I think I'm just going to piggy back on your suggestion here and buy a set of these.

Do you have a suggested chain to go along with this? What makes you like this tooth combo vs. stock?

 

[weekendrider]

CoconutPete if you call the 800 number in the listing they may make you a package . If you click the view other items they offer both sprockets and chains as package deals for other models.
Some like the small reduction in rpms the 33 tooth gives, but I think mainly because it breaks up wear pattern. You aren't running the same links over the same teeth like the 17/34 does.

 

[5twins]

I know one tooth change from stock may not seem like much but it makes a nice difference. You'll drop 3 or 400 RPMs at highway cruising speeds but you won't lose much of the take-off "lunge" in the lower gears. I think the 17-33 combo is the perfect match for this bike's power output. It was the stock gearing used on the Euro models.

This is only about a 50HP bike so I don't see the need for a fancy, expensive o-ring or x-ring chain. I just use a standard chain. My first was a $20 JCWhitney heavy duty chain and I have no complaints. XSJohn used to swear by them. I got about 10 seasons out of it and while it still wasn't stretched out completely, it was starting to kink up in spots. I splurged and changed it out for a D.I.D. standard chain. These are supposed to be one of the best standard chains, very well made with tight tolerances between the parts. You can usually find one for about $40 if you shop around.

 

[Mailman]

That's exactly the set up I bought per 5 Twins suggestion. A 17 / 33 combo and a non o-ring DID chain.