The chain wrapped around this sprocket.

So this is the sprocket that was on my bike 2 weeks ago when the chain snapped and got caught between the swing arm and sprocket (yes I did skid). The scratches are from the chain, but just curious, how bad was this sprocket to begin with?

That sprocket has quite a bit or wear. Here's an image of a new one. Notice the teeth on the new one are not pointy. Ed

650ed wrote: That sprocket has quite a bit or wear. Here's an image of a new one. Notice the teeth on the new one are not pointy. Ed

Thanks. Though I may have mentioned this before, though I have a number of vintage bikes, only got into biking a year ago. As a matter of fact, i only finished motorcycle safety school and passed the road test last May 9th, but I have ridden a lot. Always into old cars but not bikes. Now Im learning. I imagine if there was that much wear on the sprocket, then the chain which was on it, which broke, was probably in bad shape!

The chain may have been in bad shape, it may have been poorly maintained, or it may have just been an inexpensive, poorly build chain. Ed

650ed wrote: The chain may have been in bad shape, it may have been poorly maintained, or it may have just been an inexpensive, poorly build chain. Ed

My point is, since the sprocket was in bad shape, and most ppl change the sprocket and chain at the same time, then the chain was probably old and beat up too. This forum helped to establish the previous owner used a half link on the chain AND used a cheap chain...so now we know it was not only crap, but probably beat up crap too.

The top of the rear sprocket tooth are looking sharp, its a sign of wear and affect a accelerated wear of the chain and front sprocket or vise versa.
Replace all in a set and you are on the safe site.
Buy new, never use parts on a motorcycle that are involved in a accident or material fracture!!!
Don´t waste your life or health for some dollar.

JWKZ750 wrote:

650ed wrote: The chain may have been in bad shape, it may have been poorly maintained, or it may have just been an inexpensive, poorly build chain. Ed

My point is, since the sprocket was in bad shape, and most ppl change the sprocket and chain at the same time, then the chain was probably old and beat up too. This forum helped to establish the previous owner used a half link on the chain AND used a cheap chain...so now we know it was not only crap, but probably beat up crap too.

Probably true. Of course it is also quite possible the PO replaced the chain but not the sprockets (especially possible since the PO apparently tried to save money by buying a crap chain). Lots of folks do that without realizing it will cause premature wear on the chain. Ed

The half link is a good clue the chain was being used beyond it's service life.
Steve

SWest wrote: The half link is a good clue the chain was being used beyond it's service life.
Steve

Yep. Now that i understand why ppl use half links, I totally agree. The PO didnt use the right chain etc. Im glad I didnt get hurt!

Glad for you too.
Steve

SWest wrote: Glad for you too.
Steve

And thanks for all of your insight and responses. They really helped