This trhead is linked to an earlier thread I started in which I asked if it's possible and advisalbe to replace my stock front sprocket with a smaller one for Africa riding. Everyone who I've asked from RTW riders to MX riders say YES, so I've come to Johannesburg to buy one before I start my transAFrica trip.

Imagine my surprise when every dealer I spoke to here says there's no such thing, that BMW doesn't make one, aftermarket doesnt' make one, and therfore to just tough it out with what I have...Well I say bollocks.

So I'm appealing to the rest of the world for help: Who can sell me a smaller front sprocket for a 2003 Dakar? I tried to ask the Chan Gang, but I don't know how to get a thread on their website.

Cheers all.

Try B&C Express in the UK.I've just phoned them on your behalf and they can supply front sprockets from 12 to 17 teeth.

Tel: 0044-(0)1522-791369
Fax: 0044-(0)1522-794262
or www.bandcexpress.co.uk

Please ensure that you have the exact details of your model of bike to hand. They also have blank rear sprockets in all pitches & sizes that they can machine to provided dimensions.

Good luck

Steve

Thanks Steve!

You really had me excited for a minute there...unfortunately, when I e-mailed B&C, this is the response I got:

"Hi, Unfortunately we cannot help. We do not have a gearbox sprocket listed by our suppliers for your bike.
Regards,
B&C Express

Any other ideas? I'm dying to change this sprocket!

If you can't get a smaller front - and it's possible that it is already as small as possible - go for a larger rear. A pain, but you do what you gotta do!

Generally 3 teeth larger on the rear equals 1 tooth smaller on the front.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Apologies! I read your thread & phoned B&C immediately as I'd dealt with them before & posted their response in good faith.

Apart from changing the rear sprocket as Chris suggested, the only other option I can think of is to check out front sprockets for the Aprilia Pegaso that's fitted with a five valve version on the same Rotax engine.

It may be worth your while measuring & counting the splines of your sprocket in addition to any offset as a comparison. I've tried comparing part numbers in the M&P catalogue but without success.

Time allowing, I'll make further enquiries tomorrow & post any worthwhile results.

Steve

www.f650.com and their FAQs is a good place to start if you don't mind registering with the site.

If you can order from the US, www.sprocketspecialists.com is a good place to start. They should have front sprockets ranging from 15-17 teeth. Your stock would be 16.

Contact info from their site:
For questions please call:
530-533-0802
7:00 am - 5:00 pm PST Monday-Friday
Dealers are encouraged to order by phone or by fax.
There are no minimum orders.
Or E-Mail us
info@sprocketspecialists.com

Hope this is useful. If they are reluctant to ship to SA, I'll be glad to help out if you're willing to reimburse me via paypal. I get a pretty good discount from Fed Ex to boot.

http://www.mortonsbmw.com/parts.html also lists the 15-tooth sprocket.

Just to clarify:
Phoned B&C who confirmed that they only had a listing for bikes up to & inc. 2001 and that later models were different & not listed.

Phoned Sherlocks who explained that bikes up to & inc. 2001 models had a 16t sprocket retained with a circlip.

All chain drive models after this had the sprocket retained with a regular nut (+ tab washer?).

Sherlocks were also able to confirm that the part was the same for all models, irrespective of age.

I've passed the above info to B&C to avoid future confusion.

Steve

Hi,
I spoke to a company called Chain Gang, yesterday about new sprockets for my Dakar.
They make steel sprockets to order which supposedly last 3 times longer. They have a toll free number in Oz 1800 806 857. If you are unable to access this number from Africa e-mail me and I will contact them for another number.
Good Luck!!

Hi,

Chain Gang make laser cut sprockets which Oz mag, Sidetrack, has got 30,000km from one of their sprockets.
They are in Brisbane and can be contacted on Aus (07) 3715 8990 or e-mail Chris on chris@chaingang.com.au

Let us know how you get on . I am planning on putting them on our bikes for our Oz to UK trip.

Okay,

I've had several different types of people (BMW dealers, riders, etc) tell me that the 2002 and 2003 sprockets are the same. It's time to bite the bullet.

I'm going to order from the Chain Gang in OZ and I'll let you know what I find out!

Thanks for the help,
hunter

Taken from the www.f650.com faq:

Both the Classic and the GS/Dakar have a 16T Front and a 47T Rear Sprocket as STOCK.

In other words they are the same. You can order a 15T sprocket from www.wunderlich.de . If you don't understand german just send them an email and they'll help you out. (Sprocket=Übersetzung).

Other alternativs are http://www.motorworks.co.uk/ and http://www.motobins.co.uk/. Not sure if they sell 15T front sprockets, but you could always check them out.

Hope you find what you want!

[This message has been edited by spakur (edited 22 October 2003).]

Well here's how it's been settled:

I planned to buy from the Chain Gang in Australia, but after a dozen attempts at contacting them and getting no reply, I went to Sprocket Specialists in the US. Thanks to all who have contributed to this.

Also got a sprocket and an X ring chain to go wtih it. When it's all on and i'm riding, I'll let you know how its going.

Cheers, Hunter

Hey all,

The sprocket from Sprocket Specialists in the USA works! I'm on the move in Rundu, Namibia where a guy named Yani near the Engen station helped me put it on, along with an X ring chain and new chainring. The bike is now running a 15 front 47 rear and is much more responsive off road.

Thanks for all the advice!

Hunter

Another sprocket update: I am now in Blantyre, Malawi, but not with the same sprokets as in the earlier thread....

Somehow, I ended up with an aluminium rear sproket which was shark-toothed by the time I reached Joburg (less than 5000 km of hard riding). I guess this is just to say: go steel.

Also, the guys at CYTECH a.k.a Tours for Africa in Joburg also sell steel 15 tooth front sprokets for the F650 and steel rears as well...wish I'd found them earlier.

Hunter