ST2 - sprocket and chain discussion

[d3vi@nt]

Time to replace my chain/sprockets. I'm running stock; 525 pitch, 15/42. ST4 runs 15/43 stock, not sure why, though. The bike doesn't scream for a 14T like my Monster did and the current ratio seems ok, though I'm open to suggestions.

I'd like to trim some rotational weight and am looking at Superlite or Supersprox rings (sticking with steel). Plan to go with a DID x-ring, but on the fence as to staying with 525 or dropping to 520.

I don't ride 2-up and don't do heavy touring. Mostly commuting and Colorado mountain/canyon carving on the weekends.

I'll likely replace the bearings at the same time, so also looking for any recommendations for other than stock.

Mostly just looking for thoughts and FHE.

Thanks, as always.

[koko64]

 
A buddy just got an ST2 so this is timely.
Cheers.

[Speeddog]

I did a customer/friend's '98 ST2 with a 15/43 and EK-MVXZ 525 setup, and some Nachi 6005 wheel bearings.

Did another customer/friend's '00 ST4 with the same 15/43 and EK driveline.

Spent a good bit of time on the ST2, trying to sort out an electrical glitch.
Really felt quite nice that way, highway and city.
ST4 was sweet with it too.

I like odd tooth counts on sprockets, as it distributes any sideplate wear over all teeth instead of half of them.
And better combats any odd harmonics.
Other than the obvious 15/45, which I'd avoid.

I prefer the 525 for longer life, as the wear area on the chain and sprockets is ~25% greater.

If I'd had the cash, I would have bought either when they sold 'em. Bastards! 
They're a bit of a pain to work on due to the bodywork, but they're a very nice ride.
Almost got an ST4s instead of my S4 way back in '03, but the extra $ and extra bulk scared me off.
Glad I got the S4, as it led me here, but I'd have been pretty happy with the ST4s.

[d3vi@nt]

Thanks, Speeddog. I'm pretty sure I owe you more than a few beers by now. On your recommendation, I decided to stay with 525 pitch and try out the 15/43 ratio. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Regarding bearings, am I getting over zealous in replacing them at 30k miles?  I assumed there was just a pair for the wheel, but DucatiWiki references a pair for the wheel (6005's) and a pair for the carrier (6006's). The only bearings that Ducati's parts diagram shows for the rear wheel are a pair for the sprocket carrier (75162.3075), so I'm confused.

I guess a better question would be, given the year ('99) and mileage, what should I plan on servicing/replacing while I'm replacing the chain and sprockets?

@koko64: if your buddy's is stock like mine, I highly recommend the e-bay DP chip. For around $50 it was the best mod I've found -smoothed out the flat spots considerably, better acceleration, cleared the bad stumbles below 4500 rpm, and got rid of the pops on decel. Plus it kicks in the radiator fan a bit sooner for better cooling.  Here's a great ST FAQ, too: http://www.ducatiwiki.net/images/b/b4/Ducati_ST_FAQ.doc

Hope your buddy likes his as much as I like mine   

[Speeddog]

The Superlite from AFAM/Drive Systems is excellent bang for the buck.

I've got SuperSprox on both my S4 and M750.
They're nice and I like the aluminum center/steel ring setup.
A bit of bling.

The ST2 was at 37k miles, I don't recall if they were getting marginal or not.
The bike was being prepped for an across-the-USA run, so a good bit of the work on it was preventative.

There's 2 bearings in each; front wheel, rear wheel, and sprocket carrier.
Depends how you plan to use it whether it's worth doing the bearings.
Easiest to do them while the wheel's off already for the driveline.
If you're doing it yourself, then it's just the cost of bearings, as labor on your own bike is "free". 
If you plan to keep it for a good while, and just want to ride it and not worry, do 'em.
OTOH, if they feel smooth when you turn them, and you won't put a lot of miles on it far from home, leave 'em.

Make sure the front sprocket retainer plate and the end of the output shaft aren't wearing poorly.
Some of the ST's and Monsters from that era had bad heat treat/hardening on the output shaft (IMO).
The plate and shaft would wear, allowing the front sprocket to migrate freely in or out, depending on what it's fancy was.
Quite annoying.

There's a 1/4 turn fastener kit for the bodywork.
Worth every penny, IMO.
The way the bodywork stacks on is idiotic, discouraging routine maintenance and generally making it a miserable job.
The 748/916/996 series got it right.
Ten 1/4 turn fasteners and both fairing side/lowers are off.

[Speeddog]

Oh.

Another thing.

I've had two '98 ST2's in for work.

Both had broken rear motor mount bolts.

Replace those f*ckers.

[Howie]

I changed my wheel bearings at around 60k, still running the original carrier bearing.  I just check them whenever I change tires.

[d3vi@nt]

Thanks, gents. I appreciate the input. I'll check everything over when it's apart now that I know what to look for.

I really liked the looks of the Supersprox, but since I had to buy a chain tool I went with the less expensive Superlites to offset the cost some.

Desmo Times sells the fairing bracket kit mentioned. I understand it requires cutting some of the plastics, which probably isn't a major operation, but given my proclivity to eff things up, I'm hesitant. It would sure make life easier, though.

Now if I can just find a cheap/used aluminum swingarm, CF pipes and Paul Gellar headlamps I should be set. 

Thanks again.

[d3vi@nt]

I picked up a set of Superlites and a DID x-ring chain from SprocketCenter. Best deal I could find at $173 shipped.

For those interested (or as anal-retentive as I am), I weighed stock versus new:
Front: 258g vs. 244g
Rear: 974g vs. 636g

Everything else looked good on inspection. Just have to connect the chain and adjust it tomorrow morning and I should be good for a test ride.