front sprocket retention

New sprocket set from z1e...front does not come with a hole in the face for tab on backside of lockwasher, thereby preventing its use. Good folks at z1e said that red loctite will be sufficient. Or could also safety wire. As I understand that process, the drive shaft would need to be crossdrilled...rather try to drill the hardened gear! Any feedback appreciated!

Clean the threads really good and use red loc tite.
Id put the wheels and chain on first so you can use the brake to hold wheel while tightening the sprocket.

I wouldn't use red loctite. It will hold ok, but the problem will be when it's time to replace that sprocket. You will need to apply a lot of heat to get the red loctite to break free and that can cause damage elsewhere (think seals). I would take the new sprocket and the old sprocket to a machinist and have him duplicate the hole. A good machinist will be able to do that without a problem. Of course, the best solution is not to use an aftermarket sprocket at all. I always use genuine Kawasaki sprockets and never need to deal with such problems. Ed

Or you could get a splined washer from Z1 that fits on the splined shaft and folds over the edges of the nut, locking it in place.






Looks like it's out of stock at the moment.


Z1 washer
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I used a cutoff wheel and cut reliefs into the gear for the tabs to go into. On the previous gear I used a drill press to drill the holes.

Duly chastised! Forgive me ma kaw, for I have sinned! LOL! Figured I would jump on the 530 conversion bandwagon. Unexpected collateral effect. I have a benchtop drill press, I think I will see how hard the gear steel is...small hole -vs- potential trouble down the road...hmm plan on keeping this one...threadlock might not be such a good idea...blue threadlock? Naah, drill it_ it might be a week till I get my fork parts back from my new machinist, hate to burden him further! Neat z1 washer solution, elegant...too bad out of stock...3 more rear teeth (back to stock) looking forward to a little more pep off the line! As always, thanx guys!

Probably a Cobalt bit, good drill lube, and steady pressure, will get through the sprocket. Keep the speed slow doing this. Don't forget to remove the "Burr" after drilling.

650ed wrote: I wouldn't use red loctite. It will hold ok, but the problem will be when it's time to replace that sprocket. You will need to apply a lot of heat to get the red loctite to break free and that can cause damage elsewhere (think seals). I would take the new sprocket and the old sprocket to a machinist and have him duplicate the hole.

I was able to punch a suitable hole in mine using a Dremel and a small diamond polisher head in a set I got at harbor Freight for a few bucks. You would not believe how hard the steel was on that sprocket.

I switched to a different splined "fold over the edge" kind of lock washer which I used instead of the "tab" kind that works better and doesn't need the hole in the front sprocket.

I am going to look for one of the snazzy splined washers..liking it! Thanx, all!