New chain and sprockets help

my chain is so stretched that it doesnt ride in the teeth of the sprocket anymore. I looked on Z1 for chains and sprockets and they seem way overpriced. what should i expect to pay for a new chain and sprockets? and where can i get them? its a 1978 KZ1000A2 with 28k on it. while im in there, is it worth it to upgrade to a larger rear sprocket? and if so what size gives best performance/highway comfort comprormise

thanks

~$140 or so for a X-ring chain and both sprockets is over priced?

Well, if you want to go really cheap, then look for number 60 industrial chain (same size as 630), that will save you some bucks on the chain, but the sprockets will still cost the same.

Can't help you on the sprocket size for the 1000, I'm a 750 guy.

You can't talk about cheap chain and performance in the same post, they are mutually exclusive.

steell wrote:

~$140 or so for a X-ring chain and both sprockets is over priced?

Well, if you want to go really cheap, then look for number 60 industrial chain (same size as 630), that will save you some bucks on the chain, but the sprockets will still cost the same....

Except, of course, that you will have to replace the sprockets probably 2 or three times (and that means 1 or two more chains) in the span of time that you would have used one x-ring chain and sprocket set. So don't forget to calculate the proce two or tree times as an equivalent.

:lol:

The website www.gearingcommander.com covers chain speeds and sprocket sizes for gearing changes.

JC Whitney sells cheap, generic brand drive chain for people not obsessively fond of keeping their left leg in original condition....:laugh:

Even that junk would run maybe $30 - $40, so saving a little on a chain doesn't make sense to me.

www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p...earchGroup?Ntt=chain

DO NOT SKIMP on chain!.. your taking a big chance if you get a cheap one and it fails. and it WILL it's only a question of time. buy the best chain you can AT least OEM equiv. the no name import junk on fleabay is your life or serious tranny damage is at risk.

Tinkerinmatt wrote:

my chain is so stretched that it doesnt ride in the teeth of the sprocket anymore. I looked on Z1 for chains and sprockets and they seem way overpriced. what should i expect to pay for a new chain and sprockets? and where can i get them? its a 1978 KZ1000A2 with 28k on it. while im in there, is it worth it to upgrade to a larger rear sprocket? and if so what size gives best performance/highway comfort comprormise

thanks

Imo Z1E's prices for chains and sprockets are very reasonable, and for either o-ring or newer xw-ring style chain.

Raising or lowering the overall gear ratio with sprocket size different than stock has little effect on attainable top speed, but can enhance acceleration with buzzier higher rpm cruising at same road speed, or impair acceleration with lower rpm cruising at same road speed.

Have experimented with both larger and smaller countershaft (front) sprockets, before returning to stock size. Am thinking one tooth up or down on the rear sprocket would hardly be noticeable.

The peanut gallery has spoken. :lol:

Good Luck!

Regardless if you're keeping with the 630 or converting to 530, chains average at $100 - $150 pending the manufacturer and oil "ring" configurations.

Stock counter sprockets ~ $15, rears ~$30 up pending steel vs. aluminum, design, colors etc... 2 teeth on the rear isn't going to provide a drastic change. What are you looking for, more acceleration, easier cruising etc...

Think dirt bikes:
Larger rear equates to better hill climbing, easier wheelies, decreased road speed.

Smaller is the reverse of larger.

Look at it this way, that's probably a 30 year old chain on your bike and it finally stretched to being no longer worth a crap. Again, 30 YEARS!!!!

As already mentioned, don't skimp on the chain and get a $60 one (Non O-ringed) for you'll only be kicking yourself in the ass for doing it. Probably leave you stranded one day.

Sprockets are cheap, so for ~$160-$180, you replace all and ride safely for the next 30 years and happily knowing you're covered.

OMR

I did a little shopping when I did mine, z1 was in line with all the others, but the big advantage with them, you can get a real person on the phone who knows the bikes, and can make a good recomendation.

Also if you buy the o ring chain, guy the install tool,,, saves fingers,, dont ask how I know

I've got an x-ring chain, I think I got it from Z1 or DK, not sure now, its been a few years. Huge tensile strength means I'll never have to worry about it on my bike, it's made to work on huge power new 1000cc bikes. I havent had to adjust it in ages, it takes forever to stretch at all. Its an RK chain.

MFolk, Good Link to Gearing Commander. Very helpful.

i run on the highway 15 front 33 rear,if im going to the track or hot-rodding around with some freinds i run 15/39 it is a bit steep for every day riding but it sure is fun at party's i mean from stoplight to stoplight.and please don't cheap out change your chain and sprokets at the same time you will get a whole lot more life out both if you use top quality as well use good name chain and sprockets personally i have had good luck with ek or did chain and i try to use sprocket specilist or p.b.i when ever i can.