How Difficult Is To Change Back & Front Sprockets?

Dave_Stumph said:
Make sure it's in neutral and wood block your rear as stated above when taking front sprocket off.
I always take front sprocket off first, then install new front sprocket right after. I found I get a little bit of chain stretch when putting front sprocket on with new chain.... So I use the old one to torque it to spec. Then proceed to the rear....then the chain.
GL
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Does this mean you torque your front sprocket with more torque than your bike produces in first gear?
 
Not that hard - just did it on my 1990 sportster. Despite a few broken bolts it only took an hour and a half. Just make sure to read the manual as well as checking out youtube.
I could pay someone else to do it, but where is the fun in that. Its a good way to get to know your bike
 
djltoronto said:
Does this mean you torque your front sprocket with more torque than your bike produces in first gear?
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Yes? No? Why would that matter? There is no apparent relationship between those two numbers, at least as far as I can tell. If you think there is, please explain.
 
El Zilcho said:
Yes? No? Why would that matter? There is no apparent relationship between those two numbers, at least as far as I can tell. If you think there is, please explain.
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I was trying to point out my difference of opinion with Dave_Stumph.
Dave_Stumph suggested that using the old chain to torque on the new front sprocket would save him from "stretching" his new chain.

I simply disagree - cause the load put on the chain when accelerating in 1st gear if far greater than when tightening the sprocket nut.
You don't stretch a chain by torquing a sprocket nut.

Make sure it's in neutral and wood block your rear as stated above when taking front sprocket off.
I always take front sprocket off first, then install new front sprocket right after. I found I get a little bit of chain stretch when putting front sprocket on with new chain.... So I use the old one to torque it to spec. Then proceed to the rear....then the chain.
GL
Click to expand...
 
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Use an impact gun to take off the nut for the front sprocket. I try and leave the McGuyver shenanigans as a last resort.

Also, don't forget to grease your axel sticks.
 
Flashmonkey said:
Use an impact gun to take off the nut for the front sprocket. I try and leave the McGuyver shenanigans as a last resort.

Also, don't forget to grease your axel sticks.
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Impact it off - then what's your non McGuyver non shenanigan method to torque it on to spec?
 
revrandy said:
I had my chain and sprockets changed recently, the shop charged $60 for labour. For that price, I will let them do the work.
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Thank you, this is what I will do, I'm not going to bust my fingers and get all greasy and sweaty for $60, I'll just take my bike to a shop..... I can make $60 without sweating and easily at my day job so it's a no brainer.
 
djltoronto said:
I was trying to point out my difference of opinion with Dave_Stumph.
Dave_Stumph suggested that using the old chain to torque on the new front sprocket would save him from "stretching" his new chain.

I simply disagree - cause the load put on the chain when accelerating in 1st gear if far greater than when tightening the sprocket nut.
You don't stretch a chain by torquing a sprocket nut.
Click to expand...

Could of just been me, but the first time i did my chain and sprocket i torqued it with the new chain and when all put together i rotated the rear wheel and I could see the tight/loose spots in the chain.........so i use the old chain now and haven't had that issue since. Weather or not it stretch from torque meh........?
 
Dave_Stumph said:
Could of just been me, but the first time i did my chain and sprocket i torqued it with the new chain and when all put together i rotated the rear wheel and I could see the tight/loose spots in the chain.........so i use the old chain now and haven't had that issue since. Weather or not it stretch from torque meh........?
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More likely one of your new sprockets wasn't perfectly round.
 
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