Choosing the Right Motorcycle Chain and Sprocket Kit...

Here at MotorcycleRaceParts we can supply a motorcycle chain and sprocket kit to suit virtually any modern road & off road motorcycle.

The standard or “genuine” chain and sprockets fitted to a motorcycle are made to a budget and in general wear out fairly quickly (compared to aftermarket kit).

It is a popular upgrade to fit a new chain & sprocket kit...

With a chain and sprocket kit, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings true. The more you spend the more you eventually save.

The higher priced kits contain higher grade chains which will last longer, have a lower rolling resistance (equals more power transferred from engine to rear wheel), need less maintenance/adjustment, and all importantly will last longer meaning you won’t have to buy another kit quite as quickly next time!...

Each of our “matched” kits contains a front sprocket, rear sprocket, and chain already cut to the suitable length. Also included with the Chain is the joining link. This will be either a “rivet link” or a “split link” depending upon the chain size. Spring links aren’t available for chains greater than 520 pitch for safety reasons.

Rivet links can be fitted using a chain tool known as a Chain Rivitting tool.

Depending on the bike or application there will more than likely be a number of different Chain and Sprocket Kits to choose from.

These options can be viewed and selected from the dropdown box just below the sample image on the product page.

The kits have the same size sprockets and the same length chain as the original/standard fitment however on some models we offer a “Race Gearing Kit”.

The Race Gearing Kits have one less tooth on the front sprocket and 1 additional tooth on the rear sprocket. The effectively reduces the overall gearing ratio giving the bike “more acceleration” at the expense of a “slightly reduced top speed”. Most riders and bikes can’t safely or legally reach the top speed of a bike even on a race track so this isn’t normally an issue.

For each bike model we have listed our suggested kits based on manufacturers recommendations, the application (e.g. off road/road) and the power output is also taken into account. This determines the recommended chain type and grade.

There is usually a choice of different sprockets available. The base kit has pattern steel sprockets, which are cost effective, hard wearing, and a good “budget or value option”.

We always recommend upgrading to Renthal Sprockets (where available). Renthal sprockets are precision engineered to the highest standard with very tight tolerances on CNC machine tools 41,000sq metre state of the art manufacturing centre near Manchester in the north of England.

The result is Renthal sprockets give the ultimate combination of strength and lightweight. "Race Proven" they are chosen by top World and British Championship teams to supply power to the rear wheels of top race bikes.

We have used Renthal sprockets since starting racing from 125cc machines and continue to do so with our current 200BHP+ British Superbike. It’s fair to say we have tested the full Renthal range!

The front sprockets are made from case hardened and core refined 655M13 Nickel Chrome Molybdenum alloy steel to give the ultimate combination of strength and hardness.

Renthal rear sprockets made from high strength, specially enhanced 7075 T651 aluminium alloy rear chain wheels are 66% lighter than steel, yet incredibly durable. Their advanced tooth profile, concentricity and accuracy of fit provide maximum power transfer and long-life.

Rear hard anodised sprockets have a (bronze coloured) coating, and are specifically designed for road and road racing applications. Hard anodising is an integral surface coating which significantly increases the hardness and wear resistance of the chainwheel surface.

Renthal's combination of a very high strength base material and an exceptionally hardwearing surface result in significantly increased sprocket life.

As a rule I’d always recommend upgrading to a Renthal Sprocket Kit – preferably with the hard anodised rear option.

Buying the right kit can save you money – choose it wisely!

Tom - MotorcycleRaceParts

Sprocket Upgrade Options Include: