How Long Does it Take to Replace a Sprocket? Is there a Sprocket with High Accuracy and Durability? [Recommended Sprocket Introduction]

How long does it take to replace a sprocket? Is there a sprocket that is both highly accurate and durable?

What is a sprocket anyway?

These are the gear-like parts that are attached to the front and rear. These are called the front sprocket (drive sprocket) and rear sprocket (driven sprocket).

The rotational motion created by the engine is transmitted to the front sprocket, which in turn transmits power to the rear sprocket via the chain. This allows the rear tire to turn more powerfully.

Should I maintain the sprockets, which are always in friction with the chain?

The answer is YES! However, there is no way to maintain the sprockets on their own.
The sprocket and chain are always rotating together, so it is safe to assume that sprocket maintenance = chain maintenance. Cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the tension of the chain, is the maintenance of the sprocket that touches the chain.

Should the chain and sprockets be cleaned and lubricated frequently?

The answer to this is YES as well! Especially in this case! Here are some examples
After riding on a rainy day! In many cases, sand that has rolled up from the ground is chewed up. (*When it dries, it gets tangled in the chain and causes damage to the sprocket and chain!) After a long-distance (long) touring! In many cases, the grease has flown off or sand has been chewed up. When you have been riding for a long time or a long-distance since the chain was replaced! The chain will stretch and the tension will need to be adjusted. (* If the adjustment is not correct, there will be more friction with the sprockets). Making sure you do these things right will help maintain your sprockets!

What happens if you neglect to maintain your chain and sprockets?

Here are some common examples↓

• The teeth of the sprocket (gear) become worn and sharp (the teeth of the sprocket whose volume becomes thin due to wear are defeated by the force of the engine and break).
• The cross-section of the teeth becomes oval (like a rugby ball), and the friction with the chain becomes more.
• If the chipping of the teeth exceeds the extreme condition, the possibility of the chain falling off will also increase. (It is very dangerous, for example, if the detached chain gets caught between the swingarm and the wheel and the tire locks up.)
  *When it gets to this level, it becomes a problem for driving.

Left: Wear condition Right: Hazardous condition

How hard is it to determine when it's time to replace a sprocket?

In the case of engine oil replacement, there is a recommended period (distance) such as once every 0 months (0,000km), and in the case of tires, it is easy to see the signs of replacement by the slip sign, etc. In the case of chains and sprockets, it is difficult to know when to replace them (is it not an exaggeration to say that there is no guide?). The wear rate depends on the material of the sprocket. (The weight also varies). When you recognize that the chain is slack, you can adjust the tension. First, tension it a little and see what happens.

To adjust, loosen the axle nut and use the chain adjusters on both ends of the swingarm.
If you are concerned, please refer to the service manual (it contains the specified values).

If you look at articles and blogs on the Internet, you will find that many people say, "Replace the sprocket at 10,000 km!", "Replace at 10,000 km!", "Replace at 20,000 to 30,000 km! "Change the chain twice, change the rear sprocket once! "Change the chain and sprocket at the same time! and so on.

Summary

Do I need to maintain the sprockets?

YES! It is required. Best to do it often! Doing it often will increase the chances of noticing wear. After a rainy day touring or long-distance touring, please clean, lubricate and adjust the tension especially carefully! Chewing sand rolled up from the ground can cause wear.

Is there a definite time for a replacement?

NO!I can say that I don't have any. There are many theories, but the simple fact is that if it is decreasing, it should be replaced. Remember the condition of your new teeth well (and take pictures). Check them during daily cleaning and lubrication, and if they are noticeably sharper than when new, it's time to replace them. For mental health reasons, I think it's a good idea to replace the chain and sprocket at the same time. (They are both things that rub against each other at the same time, so if you're going to get new one, you might as well get both new).

Famous for toothpaste! Why that manufacturer's sprockets are chosen?

Do you know who is the top sprocket manufacturer in Japan? Yes, it's Sunstar, a well-known brand of toothpaste and other oral care products!

Its share is overwhelming.What's more, almost all of the genuine sprockets of at least four major Japanese manufacturers are supplied by Sunstar on an OEM basis!

If you're still using the stock sprockets, then you're probably experiencing Sunstar products too!

Sunstar began producing motorcycle products in the early 1960s and has continued to produce high-quality products for about 70 years.

Why Sunstar has the largest share of the sprocket market

As we have discussed, the sprocket is one of the most important drive parts of the motorcycle. It goes without saying that the quality of the sprocket has a major impact on the performance of the motorcycle.

So why Sunstar sprockets are chosen? I'd like to take a look at our product lineup and get to the bottom of why!

Forged steel front sprocket

Let's start with the front sprocket!

High strength and rigidity are required for the front sprocket which receives the strong torque of the engine first. Sunstar's front sprocket is made of chromium-molybdenum steel, or "chromoly" for short. This material is characterized by its high hardness and resistance to wear and scratches.

I have a wide range of products to meet a wide range of custom requirements, from widening the rear wheel to converting the chain size! And there is also a model for super sports motorcycle, with lightweight holes to reduce weight!

Duralumin rear sprocket for a proud finish

This is probably the most famous Sunstar sprocket ever made! The duralumin rear sprocket shines like gold!

The aluminum alloy "Super Duralumin" is used, which is sufficiently strong yet overwhelmingly light, about 1/3 the weight of normal steel.

The hard-anodized surface boasts a film hardness 1.5 times greater than that of ordinary anodized aluminum, reducing wear and contributing to a longer service life! The luxurious gold color is called "champagne gold," and is actually the result of the natural coloring of the hard anodizing!

Your undercarriage is instantly gorgeous! There is also a black color line-up for a tighter look!

For racers and super sports, there are models with lightweight holes drilled to reduce weight to the limit. It is a work of art in its own right. It seems to be comfortable even if it decorates the alcove.

Resuscitation and evolution of old motorcycles, steel rear sprocket

If you're into looks and durability, this is it!

This shiny steel rear sprocket is a favorite among riders of neo-retro and other "old school" motorcycles!

While heavier than the aforementioned aluminum, it has about twice the superior durability!

Revolutionary Sprocket, Stenz Rear Sprocket Forest Road Control Tooth

This sprocket has a cool name, and Sunstar is proud to call it the next generation sprocket.

This sprocket is designed for off-roaders who ride on harsh surfaces, just as the word "forest road" suggests.

This sprocket is half the thickness of conventional stainless steel sprockets! It also weighs half as much! At the same time, the "rotational direction strength," which is a measure of the degree of tooth tip deformation under acceleration, is 1.5 times stronger than conventional sprockets.

The secret is the surface strength of the sprocket due to the heat treatment applied to the entire surface of the sprocket and the alternating arrangement of the teeth. Super thin wave shape!

Which part of the sprocket is subjected to the strongest force, and what needs to be strengthened to get closer to the ideal sprocket? Sunstar's extensive knowledge of sprockets has made it possible to create this ideal sprocket that is thin, light, and strong.

Conclusion! Why Sunstar is the right choice!

A major factor that separates the performance superiority of sprockets is how light they are, how durable they are, and how precise they are. The lightness and durability of Sunstar's sprockets have been introduced so far.

What about the accuracy, which is related not only to fuel efficiency and riding performance, but also to the life of the chain and all other parts of the drive system?

The accuracy is about three times that of most other manufacturers!

It's still overwhelming. I guess there's no reason not to choose Sunstar anymore, lol.

Thank you for reading this far. Check your motorcycle's sprockets once you've used this article as a guide. If you're thinking, "Is it down? "Is it sharp and painful? you might want to take the opportunity to replace your sprocket.

In that case, by all means, Sunstar sprockets!