Need new chain and sprockets asap and need advice

[Jason1]

I am in need of a new chain as mine is binding in spots.  I have never had to replace a chain so I don't know what I am looking for. Right now I have a 15 tooth sprocket in the front and a 38 tooth in the back which was on there when I bought it. What is the stock sizes? Also what is the better chain o-ring or x-ring?  And last what pitch do I look for, Right now my links all say 520. Thanks Jason

[Jason1]

Sorry 2001 monster 900

[Slide Panda]

Stock gearing appears to be 15/39. I suggest you consider 15/42, what I run on my 900. The larger rear will cost you a bit off the tip-top end which doesn't really matter unless you're going to a bit open track with it. A 900 has plenty of top to break basically any speeding laws.

520 corresponds to the 'heft' of the chain and 520 is just fine on a 900. X vs O, given the same maintenance and use an X ring chain should last longer before stiff spots and bound links occur. The X profile of the ring creates two seals per side vs the 1 per side of the O ring. But as long as you get a quality chain, a lot of the life depends on you. Rinding style and maintenance play big factors - maintenance more of the two. Neglect the chain and it'll crap out fast. The last chain on my 900 had around 15k on it when I replaced it and it probably could have gone another few Ks, but I didn't want to have to deal with it in season so I just sucked it up and did it over the winter.

[Jason1]

Do you know how many links that may be? I have 98 on it right now. 

[Slide Panda]

Nope.. you'll have to buy a chain and have it fit.

You'd be picking up a couple links for sure. When I replaced my chain I didn't change the gearing so I just laid them out side by side and matched up - checking every few links to ensure that things where lined up incase the old one had significantly stretched portions.

[Jason1]

I realize I would need to fit it.  I was wondering if I should get 102 links or 104.  I guess I would rather throw out 2 links and be safe then come up 1 short.

[Slide Panda]

Yeah, get a few extra links. As noted, it would suck to come up short. And remember to get a master link, some chains don't come with so double check.

[ducatiz]

Chain link/ratio calculator:  http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/chainlength.html

Monster has approximately a 22" center to center distance

also calculates ratio if you are a gearing nerd and like that. 

(ps browse that site for some great laffs, they are full of piss and vinegar)

[Slide Panda]

Another gearing site

http://www.gearingcommander.com/

Just remember that listed top speeds are done by math only and dont account for air drag