XT600E Chain and Sprockets change.
 

My 2003 XT is well overdue for its chain and sprockets to be changed, so I've bought a front/rear/chain kit from Wemoto. I've changed the chain before, but never the sprockets. I'm assuming this should be a relatively straightforward job of taking off the old ones and fitting the new ones.

Anything I should be looking out for?

Thanks,

Matt :)

From experience on my '89 Tenere: You'll need a big socket (32mm?) and a nice long torque wrench to do your front sprocket to get enough leverage on that front nut.

Both front and back have fiddly metal shim things that lock the nuts, you might mangle them a bit getting them out of the way to undo the nuts, if you're fussed about that (I wasn't) you may want to put new ones back on.

Otherwise, pretty straightforward.

From experience, this:

Slacken the front sprocket nut first. Either stand on the rear brake or put a broom handle through the rear spokes. Once the chain is off, there is no easy way to stop the gearbox shaft turning.

Tap the tab washer flanges as flat as you can before you start with the spanners. It is their role in life to stop the nut turning, and they do it very well. Even a small bit of metal in the way can make the nut impossible to remove.

Tab washers should be replaced every time, according to the book. IME you can re-use them a few times until they are too mangled, as long as you are careful. Imagine the consequences of the front sprocket letting go at speed - not very desirable. If in doubt, replace.

Matt...

The front sprocket nut is backed up with a safety tab washer.

Its best to be replaced after every 1-2 sprocket changes as repetative bending of the thin steel weakens it.

Maybe order one before your change. Only costs a couple of quid from your local Yamaha dealer.

Loosen the front sprocket first. put the bike in gear, get a mate to stamp on the rear brake and then losen the nut (after bending back the tab washer).. They can be pretty dam tight.

The rear sprocket is pretty straight forward... be sure to put a dab of locktight on the nuts before tightening them up again and use a torque wrench if you havnt got an experienced arm.

Done a chain before ??? Your going to need a grider/file and a chain tool to get the old one off and your going to need the right tools to safely put the new one on.

Thanks guys, that's great info.

Matt :) :)

And if you get an endless chain just whip out the swing-arm mounting bolt, drop the swing-arm out of the way and fit the chain complete - saves faffing about with cutting/reassembling the chain. And the gearbox sprocket nut is F(###g)Tight ...cue loads of grunting and cussing, ho, ho!