Inline Performance Magazine

Inline Performance Magazine

Sunstar Sprockets & Fresh Chain

Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:00 PM PDT


Hi guys, Graham here with an update on our Project XT 600.

As you saw in our first installment, the old Yamaha's chain was dangerously worn and loose. As long as we were going to be getting our hands dirty and replacing the chain, it seemed foolish not to address the worn sprockets at the same time.

Sunstar, the largest OEM sprocket manufacturer, hooked us up with a couple of new sprockets to go with our chain, and we added a couple of new rollers from MSR to make the whole system good as new again. Since the bike sees a lot of time doing the daily commute, we opted to stick to the stock gearing, which is a decent compromise between bottom end grunt and decent highway manners.

On an old bike like our XT, it can be tempting to try and save a few bucks by just slapping a new chain on the old sprockets, but it's really a false economy. Using a new chain with old and worn gears like our Yamaha had will shorten the life of the chain.

As you can see in the video, everything is pretty straightforward, although replacing the sprockets does necessitate removing the rear wheel. Do, however, make sure that the new chain is pressed together properly using a chain press tool, a chain coming apart at highway speeds is not something to take lightly. Also, spend a few cents on new cotter pins wherever they're needed, it's cheap insurance.

Out of the garage and on the road, the XT felt like a whole new bike. The chain, rollers and sprockets all helped to clean up all the slop in the drivetrain. Acceleration, upshifts and downshifts were all noticeably smoother.

That's it for now, but stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of the 2011 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE at the pre-order price for a limited time.

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