XTZ 660 front sprockets -- rubber or not?
 

Hi guys!

I have decided to keep my dear 1994 XTZ 660 3YF even after my Africa Twin was recovered after being stolen. The geometry fits me so nicely, and mechanically it's in great shape.

Now, here's the thing. I need to replace the chain and sprockets. The current front sprocket seems to have rubber insert, like my Africa Twin. I assume this is a Yamaha original sprocket.

So, should I get a new original presumably expensive Yamaha front sprocket, or a cheap aftermarket all-steel front sprocket?

Also, what other models will this front sprocket fit? (this is to help broaden my ebay search query)

Thanks guys!

Many stock countershaft sprockets have a Rubber bush in built to the sprocket. Why? Sound deadening. The rubber reduces sound in a mid range frequency that is offensive to Sound meters during type testing. (in the USA its EPA and DOT, who do drive bye and idle test to certify a bike is below a db level. Over the years the Japanese have learned a lot of tricks to quiet their bikes.

A cheap aftermarket sprocket will not last long, will wear out your new chain in half the time of OEM Yamaha sprocket. The Yamaha stock sprocket is steel also. I've found Suzuki stock steel sprockets (original OEM) for less then any decent aftermarket ones. There are some decent aftermarket sprockets: AFAM, Renthal, JT. NONE, imho, as long lasting as a stock Yamaha sprocket, and all are likely the same or more than Yam OEM. You don't need the rubber damper, but it does make a subtle difference. Most can't hear it.

I don't know what chain Yamaha uses on your XT. But I'd recommend the DID X-Ring VM or VM-2. Expensive? Yes. Lasts forever. Much longer than stock chain which is not bad but not the best.

I have no idea what other sprockets might interchange with the XT660's.
Keep asking around, you may get lucky. Fit the best chain/sprockets you can afford. Will pay big dividends down the road. My DR650 chain is now at 22,000 miles. Still hanging in.

My buddy has a 1992 xtz660, his sprocket is the same as my xt600, and his has no rubber.

I always buy did vx chainkit on ebay, some dealers offer that you can mix and match you're own sprockets, for no extra cost.

Like this, real cheap: Find DID VX Kettensatz Kettenkit Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere XRing på eBay Internationalt Marked med tilbud på varer i alverdens populære kategorier. Alt kan sendes til dit land!

In my experience with a Bandit 1200 it doesn't matter if the front sprocket has a rubber insert or not. May well be different for a big single, but I doubt it. Even so, the cost of the sprockets on its own is so little that I'm sure you can just change it if there's a problem with vibration etc.

Mup.

Thank you guys! @Jens: add €30 + taxes for shipping that kit to Norway ;) Still an ok price though! Sometimes I wish we were in the EU, but mostly I'm glad we're not :D