Sprocket change?

[ekaphoto]

My DR-Z 400S is a little high geared for tight trails. My question is how hard is it to change the sprocket if I want to switch back and forth? What sprocket would be recommended, fron/rear etc. Any and all advice would be appreciated.

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John

[Nigel Marx]

The best way is to change the front sprocket if you can, as this usually means you don't need to change the chain for one of a different length. If you want to gear the bike lower, replace the front sprocket with one that is 1 tooth smaller. This usually gives a 6-10% reduction in gearing. Two teeth would of course give you twice as much reduction. One tooth on the front sprocket is usually about the same as three teeth on the back sprocket. Bare in mind that putting a smaller sprocket on the front will make the load on the teeth higher (less teeth to carry the same drive power) by about the same amount. If the chain and rear sprocket are worn, then you really should replace them all. If you don't, the new sprocket will wear very quickly to match the chain.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

--"How can I be lost if I don't care where I am?"--

[ekaphoto]

Thanks Nigel. According to the dealer a front sprocket is about $14.00 US. Looks like it is feasable to change out for tight trails and mountains.

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John

[Nigel Marx]

Glad to have helped. I recently put a new front sprocket on my race bike (Suzuki GP100). One from Suzuki was US$16 and one from my friendly bike spares shop was $4.50! My advice is shop around for all these sort of things. I needed to replace the steering head bearings in my F650 BMW. I pulled the old ones, rang the BMW dealer and got a price of US$65. Before I left to pick up the new bearings, I decided to clean and take one of the old ones with me to make sure I got a correct match. That was when I noticed the Niacchi brand and part number. I called the Niacchi bearing agent and was told they had 27 in stock at less than US$10 each! Guess where I bought new ones from? (All prices are converted to US$ from NZ$) Sometimes you can pay a hell of a lot of money for the wrapper on a genuine part.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

--"Ride tall, ride small"--