Sprocket and chain choices kz900/1000

1976 kz900 engine (1075 kit) in a 1980 kz1000 frame.
The bike has a 14 tooth front sprocket and a non o-ring chain.
The chain has stretched quite a bit in a short amount of time, I'd like to replace it.

I commute on the highway quite a bit and I'm going to go back to a 15 tooth sprocket or maybe even a 16 tooth.

What brands hold up well? (Chain and sprocket)
Will a 16 tooth sprocket fit on a 1976 kz900 case?
Would you recommend a 16 for highway riding?

Thanks!

MadShad wrote: 1976 kz900 engine (1075 kit) in a 1980 kz1000 frame.
The bike has a 14 tooth front sprocket and a non o-ring chain.
The chain has stretched quite a bit in a short amount of time, I'd like to replace it.

I commute on the highway quite a bit and I'm going to go back to a 15 tooth sprocket or maybe even a 16 tooth.

What brands hold up well? (Chain and sprocket)
Will a 16 tooth sprocket fit on a 1976 kz900 case?
Would you recommend a 16 for highway riding?

Thanks!

Any of the several major brand o'ring or x'ring chain is very long lasting and would be a good choice.

Links being slightly wider overall than non-o'ring chains, a shouldered countershaft sprocket is required to provide additional clearance.

A 16 tooth (one tooth over stock) countershaft sprocket will fit just fine, but the perceived more relaxed cruising rpm comes with noticably reduced acceleration accompanied by about the same top speed and same fuel mileage. Winning impromptu drag races will soon become a fond but distant memory.

As the countershaft sprockets are relatively inexpensive, would try both to see which serves better. I tested 14T and 16T, and am best satisfied with the stock 15T (with the stock rear 33T or 35T sprocket).

Remember that these motors are designed to spin. And there are many considerations toward reducing vibration at cruising speeds.

Good Fortune!

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI have a 16/35 setup. At 70 I'm at 4000 or lower. With the 130 tire I am losing more on take off. Thinking on going down to a 15. Maybe not. I do mostly HWY and 5000 at 90 ain't a bad thing. Out here the traffic is passing me at 80. If I lived in the city I'd be at 15/35.
Steve

I am running a 130 tire also, my rear sprocket is a 33.
Looks like 15 might be the way to go.

I think you'll have to. You will be geared up too high with a 16.
Steve

Thinking I can get away reusing my rear sprocket, dosen't look bad to me.
Look ok?

Mine looked like that. Could hear slapping noises with a new chain and front sprocket no matter how I adjusted it. I found if it was way loose, the noise would go away. When I got my new O ring chain, I bought both sprockets. 1000 miles and no noise. Haven't had to adjust it either.
I'd buy a new one and save that one for lean times.
Steve

I just odered both sprockets and a new chain.
Converting to 530, went 18 front and 40 rear, 110 link x-ring chain.
Should have it Wednesday, alone with my clutch cable that snapped as I pulled into my driveway (thankfully).

Ended up with a JT 40 tooth rear, 18 front (installed) and 17 front since the 530 stuff is dirt cheap. And a gold 110 tooth JT chain.

The setup is nice and quiet, very relaxed at 65 mph where I spend most of my 40 mile commute.

The drop in acceleration is noticable but I'll lose a few imaginary drag races to gain a more comfortable highway ride.

I'm sure I'll give the 17 a try fairly soon.
Thanks for info!

I think that is wise.
I used to fly around with a 630 setup using 14/35.
Very snappy acceleration and great fun!
But after moving further out of the big city a few years ago, where now I'm in the 65mph and 75mph freeway system much much more, it didn't take long before I was at 15/35 and now considering 16/35!!

I love my 16/35 on the HWY but I'm thinking I'm wearing out my rear tire more on takeoff by overcompensating with the clutch.
Steve