Getting a new chain and sprockets can be exciting. Maybe you’re changing the gearing to be able to do wheelies easier. Or you run track days at a tight course and want quicker acceleration coming out of corners. Or maybe you just need to do some basic maintenance because you’re chain is old and your sprocket teeth are starting to wear. Whatever it is– this article is for you.
We’re going to go over how change your chain and sprocket on your own, WITHOUT breaking the bank at the dealership. It’s really not hard at all and brings a sense of pride to be able to work on your bike with stuff like this.
Let’s get started. Disclaimer: This is not an exact step-by-step instruction to complete on any motorcycle. It is merely a guide to help you. Please read your owner’s manual first to identify anything different for your specific motorcycle.
I’m assuming you’re already decided you want to change your motorcycle’s chain and sprockets and I won’t get into why you should. We’ll discuss that separately.
What you’ll need: a new sprocket kit that fits your motorcycle, a new chain, a motorcycle chain breaker and rivet tool kit, front and rear spool stands (at least a rear stand), a ratchet set (sockets and allen attachments), a large wrench for the rear axel, gloves to protect your hands, axle grease, and some chain lube.
Prep the bike and your work station.
- Place the spool stand under the rear spools. Next is a stand under the front spools.
- Have you everything laid out that you need.
- Put your gloves on.
Loosen the rear axel and remove the chain.
- Grab your wrench and break loose the rear axel nut. If you need leverage, a long pipe helps a lot.
- Once the nut is loose, leave the axel in and slide the rear wheel forward so there is some slack in the chain.
- Use your chain breaker tool to, you guessed it, break the chain. Once a link is broken, make sure there are no loose pieces on the end and then remove it.
Take off the current sprockets.
- Slide the axel out of the rear wheel and remove the rear wheel. Be careful with the brake caliper.
- Remove the cover for the front sprocket and put the bike into first gear. Putting the bike into gear will prevent the sprocket from turning when you’re trying to loosen it.
- Once the cover is off and the bike is in gear, loosen the nut or bolt that is securing the front sprocket and remove the sprocket. Save any O-rings or washers on there, you’ll need them.
- The rear sprocket is most likely secured to the rear wheel with several allen bolts. You’ll need to remove them to take the sprocket off. Take note of which direction the pattern on the sprocket is facing.
Do some cleaning.
- While the sprockets are off, take some time to clean up any grime in areas you can’t typically get to when detailing your motorcycle.
- Get any dirt that built up where the front sprocket goes.
- Wipe down the allen bolts and rear wheel where the rear sprocket goes.
- Clean up the hard to reach spots on the rear wheel.
Install your new sprockets.
- Start by installing the new front sprocket with any O-rings or washers in reverse order that they were removed. (For ex, if a washer was the last thing, it will be the first thing installed)
- Next, install the new rear sprocket on the rear wheel. Make sure any pattern matches how the original rear sprocket was installed.
Put the rear wheel back on and install the new chain.
- Put some axel grease on the rear axel, line the rear wheel up with the brake calipers and slide the axel through. Put the axel nut on but don’t tighten it all the way.
- Take your new chain and slide it through the front sprocket and over the rear sprocket (In reality, you can install the new chain before or after the rear wheel is on. I find doing it while the wheel is on to be easier.). Next line up the ends of the chain and use your rivet tool to install the master link.
- Adjust your chain tension to the appropriate level. You can find the correct tension for your bike in the owner’s manual. Since the chain is new, it is going to stretch after you ride it a few times but you should already know that if you read our basic chain maintenance guide.
Take the bike off of the stands and take it for a ride.
- Make sure the bike is riding smooth and you didn’t somehow misalign the rear caliper. I’ve seen it happen.
- Enjoy any upgrades you made!
That’s a basic rundown on how to change your chain and sprockets on your own. It’s a fairly simple task but I’ve seen people get it wrong. Take your time and make sure you’re doing everything right. The drivetrain transfers the power to the rear wheel, you don’t want to mess that up. Thanks for reading and keep it rubber side down.