Chain and Sprockets

[Conman]

Easter came a couple of weeks ago for me. How so? Well, the idea was that in the Easter break I'm going to change the chain and sprockets on my bike. I've got a cross-Europe trip planned this year and at 16,000 miles they should be due for a change. Thing is the chain adjustment looks good and wear on the rear sprocket is OK, even the pull back test on the chain looks ok.

Out of curiosity I thought I'd have a look at the front sprocket; there's just enough gap between the sprocket cover and the frame to see a couple of teeth... and oh dear! That's got to be done now   

With the cover removed and a couple of years of crud removed, I think the sprocket looks a little worn 



Ducati OEM parts are, of course, silly money (the rear sprocket was quoted well over £100) so parts were bought for a total of £131 all-in from Urban Moto trading as "Chains and Sprockets". I've never used them before but the service was quick and easy, I'll wait and see if the chain and sprockets are any good. The front sprocket dropped straight on but the rear sprocket centre was about 0.5mm smaller diameter for the centre hole. I think it's because the size must have been specified before powder coating because filing this off allowed the sprocket to drop straight on. The chain was also a little bit shorter which meant I had to wind the adjusters a long way in but it's all still well within the adjustment range.

The torque setting for the front sprocket is a rather high 186Nm in common with other Ducatis and it's backed up by a tab washer. I had to get creative to get the old one off - standing on the rear brake and using an offcut scaffolding pole to extend my biggest wrench.



Torquing the new sprocket was not so bad with the right torque wrench - which you need for the rear wheel anyway. Everything else was pretty straightforward like any other chain and sprocket change.



Torque wrench specs...  Front sprocket 186Nm
                            Rear sprocket 47Nm
                            Rear wheel axle 180Nm

[neilb]

I had mine replaced a month back, at about 22000 miles, by my friendly local mechanic. The rear sprocket he received had the wrong size mounting holes. Another one was sent the next day, which was fine.

[Jim Nazium]

Originally Posted by Conman

...I've got a cross-Europe trip planned this year ...

Be sure to post pics!

[motorman]

Chain looks Beautiful!  Thanks for posting the pics on just how creative we need to be on removing The torque nut!
Here is a post I came across on the 939 supersport forum on the chain and chain lube.  Seems to be good stuff and I ordered two kits for my bikes.

https://www.profi-products.de/en/pdl-dry-lube/

Also there was an SRB released on the ducati chains that is very informative. 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10152834-9999.pdf

[motorman]

Conman would you have pics of the Newly install front sprocket?

[Conman]

I don't have a picture of the new front sprocket in place but here's a picture of old and new together before I fitted it

[motorman]

Great pic they look pretty equal except there is a little more excavation on the OEM.  I don't suppose there was a lot of build up on the engine case side?  My first thought is the original is lighter bc of that, but l suppose it may be a good idea to be sure the new one stays clear on the engine side since there is less room to excavate grime and to prevent premature wear of the engine seal. 
Do you know if the hardness is any different from the OEM for longevity ?

[Ian_H]

I was told after last service my sprocket + chain should be replaced soon.

Was looking at after market parts and have seen some options here:
https://chainsandsprockets.co.uk/collections/all/Ducati_950-Multistrada-(17-18)_2017?sort_by=price-ascending

No idea of the difference in chain performance.
Black looks nice?





Any recommendations please?

Sprocket kit here as well
https://www.xlmoto.co.uk/mc-parts/chains--sprockets_c53/chain--sprocket-kits_c83/afam-a525xhr3-g-chain--sprocket-kit_pid-PM-4233541

[Conman]

Sorry for the late reply...

Chains don't seem to be an issue with the bike, but it sure chews through the front sprocket. At the last sprocket change I decided not to change the chain as I hardly ever adjust it and it still looks fine.

I took the bike for it's 45,000 Km service and they commented that the sprockets were getting hooked. This is only after 6,000Km! Whether that's because I didn't change the chain or not I don't know but I'll be surprised if I get 15,000Km out of it. At the next change I'll do sprockets and chain.

I think I got the Gold chain (£101 version). I bought from this site and had no problems. I've tried the rubber cushioned and plain front sprocket and can't tell the difference 

[neilb]

A bit strange! I've changed chain and sprockets at 23000 and 47000 miles and the sprockets have been a bit worn, but not excessively so. Must be the way you ride it :-)