chains and sprockets

skyripper · 11 Sep 2012 at 18:37

Bikes in at the bike shop for them to repair the rearset (footpeg was snapped after Mister RAC dropped the bike). Ducati 996 Yr2000. They're also quoting for a couple of other things too.

I like the dealer I'm using but some of the parts prices are eyewatering. Nearly 300 quid for a set of sprockets and chain, not including the fitting. Whereas I can find Renthal sets (front, rear and chain) for around half that.

Now I don't know much about chains and sprockets, but I figure I should do considering the cost of them.

I know the bike has 15T (teeth?) at the front, and 36T at the rear, and apparently I can choose a 14T for the front for better acceleration at the expense of top speed (I've never hit my bikes top speed anyhow!) - but there's also this 525 / 520 pitch option - whats that about?

What else do should I know?

Oh and while we're at it the replacement alternator is just under £300 quid, I can get one from the manufacturer for £100. That kinda bites.

Fireskull · 11 Sep 2012 at 19:11

Definitely worth going down one at the front, have done so on mine and recommend it.
As for pitch do you know whats standard on your bike? going for a smaller pitch does reduce the weight but at possibly the expense of longevity, but there are plenty of arguments about this, if you maintain your chain well you wont notice a difference etc...
Obviously you have to get the sprockets to match the pitch.

That is pretty expensive! I would have expected about a £50 fitting charge but then again it is Ducati

You can do it yourself if you have paddock stands etc?

wazza300 · 11 Sep 2012 at 21:35

£85 for chain n sprocket kit for my 04zx10,
A d.i.d x ring chain too,fitting was £20 at local bike repair,not main dealer

skyripper · 12 Sep 2012 at 13:14

I've got paddock stands, haynes manual and torque wrench etc. I reckon I'll get them just to fix the rearsets and I'll do the chain over the winter.

As for the alternator, I might as well do that too. I did the rectifier and wiring for it already.

skyripper · 12 Sep 2012 at 18:41

Kermit - you are a star - cheers for that.

Dogbreath · 12 Sep 2012 at 19:12

skyripper said:
I know the bike has 15T (teeth?) at the front, and 36T at the rear, and apparently I can choose a 14T for the front for better acceleration at the expense of top speed (I've never hit my bikes top speed anyhow!) - but there's also this 525 / 520 pitch option - whats that about?

It's better to put more teeth on the rear than reduce teeth at the front if possible - 38 or 39 on the rear will be about right. Smaller sprockets cause more wear on both the chain and the sprocket itself. Note that top speed isn't the main downside, it's the fact that the engine will be revving higher for any given speed which may not be so great if you do a lot of motorway/DCW work. You will probably see a small reduction in fuel economy as well.

Don't bother with changing to a 520 unless this is mainly a track bike. The downside to the lighter weight will be a reduction in chain life, since the bearing area of each link is reduced.