16 tooth front...do I need a new chain ?

[lfoggy]

I want to replace the front sprocket with a 16 tooth. My bike has done 11,000 miles and I'm wondering if its safe to do this without replacing the chain and rear sprocket as well.

[Depths_of_Mind]

you should always replace both sprokets and chain as a set. Just FYI.

[Zug]

What happens is that when you have a new chain and sprocket they start to wear in a specific manner unique to that chain and sprockets. When you then replace only one that part does not have the same wear pattern as the old parts and this will cause all the parts, including your new sprocket to wear much faster than the others.

If they only had a few miles on them, I would say go for it but with 11000 miles on it, I would suggest that you replace them all.

[markjenn]

While always replacing spockets with every new chain certainly works, you're probably giving up some sprocket life and sprockets on bikes like the S1000RR aren't cheap. I inspect both sprockets when I replace a chain and don't replace them unless they show noticeable wear - if you look at wearing sprockets on different bikes for awhile, you get a feel their appearance as they wear - the valleys between the teeth become asymmetric and deeper making the teeth appear peaky. But at 11K miles, if you've done reasonable chain maintenance, I'd bet your sprockets look more/less brand new and replacing them would be silly. Typically I can get a counter to last two chains and a rear sprocket three or even four, depending on conditions. Rear sprocket wear is usually much less than front sprocket wear.

Also as a general rule of thumb, you can usually drop one tooth in the front and pick up the slack with the adjusters.

- Mark

[Sonic RR]

How do you have 11k already? If the chain is still stock it has to be stretched by now and 16t is smaller. So yes replace chain.




Chad