Chain and Sprockets

[ostiano10]

Hello,

I have been having issues with my chain being loose on the bottom and tight on the top. After talking to a mechanic it was concluded that I need new front and rear sprockets along with the chain. I purchased my 06' Monster 620 this summer and have yet to stop working on it. The guy that had it prior clearly should have just bought a cheap 4,000 dollar bike, because the alterations he made to this bike have completely defaced what Ducati is. I was just wondering if anyone was aware of any sites that I may be able to find this combo so that I don't have to pay a hefty price that I would be charged for the mechanic bringing the parts in. Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[victor441]

This vendor was highly recommended here, got my own chain and sprockets from them at a good price and they only carry quality parts

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/chain.html

[zarn02]

+∞ for California Cycleworks.

[live2ride]

bought mine at ca-cycleworks. 

i bought the D.I.D. VM x-ring chain.  they had the best price when i was shopping around

[White Monster]

It only makes sense that the top is tighter then the bottom. It’s the small sprocket that pulls the chain around the rear, so there’s some tension in it.  Lift the rear tire off the ground and you’ll be able to even out the chain. But you very well may need a new chain and sprockets anyway

[live2ride]

It only makes sense that the top is tighter then the bottom. It’s the small sprocket that pulls the chain around the rear, so there’s some tension in it.  Lift the rear tire off the ground and you’ll be able to even out the chain. But you very well may need a new chain and sprockets anyway

You are assuming he didn't push the bike around as well. As soon as you push the bike forward an inch, it's the rear wheel that's turning the chain.

Chain stretch is very common and can be noticed as early as 8000 miles into a chain. Sudden speed changes (accelerating quickly or braking suddenly) can accelerate the issue. As can having more weight on the bike, or even an improperly tensioned chain or a dirty kinked chain.

[Blackout]

I normally get around 10-12K on chain/sprockets on the Duc. Change 'em out yourself and save some money. Easy job to do and the bike will seem like new.

[MikeZ]

Chris at CA Cycleworks can answer any questions you have and will recommend what's best for your bike and riding style.

[White Monster]

You are assuming he didn't push the bike around as well. As soon as you push the bike forward an inch, it's the rear wheel that's turning the chain.

Right, but how is that an indication that the chain needs to be replaced?  Rather than measuring play in the chain and the amount of adjustment left. I only bring this up cause it sounded to me like the mechanic was trying to sell him a expensive chain and sprockets with BS reasoning.

[Desmo Demon]

As a chain wears/stretches, it is not uncommon to have some sections of the chain wear more than others. This is what causes the tight vs. loose sections when adjusting the chain.

The best way to check it is to place the rear on a stand to get the wheel off the ground, and then check the chain tension, rotate the tire a little, check the tension, rotate the tire a little, check the chain, etc until you check the whole chain. You need to find the "tight spot" and make your chain adjustment according to this tight section of chain. If you do not, and you adjust the chain on a loose section, you run the risk of rotating the chain and having it so tight and binding that it will take out the output shaft bearing on your transmission. The difference between tight and loose sections can be so severe that it causes lurching/pulsing at steady, low speeds and I have seen a chain look like it has good tension with the rear in one position, and as you, rotate the wheel, you can watch the chain visibly have 2-3 inches worth of sagging slack.

Do this check, and if the difference between the tight and loose sections appears to be severe enough that the loose section has a lot more slack in it than you'd care to ride the bike with, replace the chain at the absolute least, but preferably chain and sprockets. If the chain has worn this badly and unevenly, your sprockets are probably toast, too.

[Cloner]

Supersprox offer a lifetime warranty if you buy both sprockets and a quality chain from them as a kit!  Chris carries Supersprox, but I don't know if he offers the warranty.  You can buy direct if you like.

I've installed several sets of Supersprox sprockets for customers and their fit is excellent for both SSS and DSS models.

Cloner
ABQ, NM