Chains and sprockets for Gen 1

[kab]

While fitting a Devilsyam sprocket cover I have noticed my front sprocket is well on its way out, (teeth bending but not thinning) although chain and back spocket seem ok, also the sprocket was loose the locking tab having broken and the nut loose luckily catching on the 2nd flat on the broken tab. I have toured the local bike shops with a view to just replacing the front and am told this is common for the tab to break! Having checked for chains and sprockets I am wondering which way to go for a tourer stlyle rider. The front spocket is 16T & 4XV with plastic coated sides so I don't know what make this is. Any views out there please.

[ghostbiker]

That's the OE yam front sprocket. I would never recommend changing just the front on a worn set.
Front wears faster than chain and rear. I just changed mine and rear looked good and chain in spec but front worn out with slight hooking and thinning teeth.
Allways use a new washer when replacing and I would allways replace as a set.

Oe front sprocket is about 30-35 quid I think, a jt or sim is about 12.

[PaulSmith]

I am not quite sure what your question is? It is not that unusual for nut to be loose, held in place by the tab, but I have never heard of the tab breaking before.

I would recommend you change the lot, front and rear sprocket and chain, and get a new locking tab. If you have done it before, then it is a half hour job. If you are handy and get yourself a decent chain breaker, it will take you 1~2 hours the first time. If it makes you feel better, pay some one else to do it.

The 'plastic sides' comment suggests you pobably still have the OEM sprocket which people claim is quieter then after market ones (I never had one so I couldn't say), but it comes at Yamaha prices.

Loads of kits are available on ebay and you get what you pay for, from cheap chinese copies to original OEM kit and everything in between. The OEM stuff is better then the cheap copies, but not (in my opinion) enough better to justify the pice difference.

At the budget end is : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FZS1000-Fazer-00-05-Gold-X-Ring-Chain-and-Sprocket-Kit-/220727638488?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:IE:3160 which I have used it, but I prefer to use slightly more upmarket kit when the budget allows such as.

[kab]

Thanks for the help, the bike is still new to me. I was just suprised to find it all loose and rusty looking.I am getting into the maintenance.

[VNA - BMW Wank]

Make sure the output shaft threads are in good nick.  A loose nut can wreck them.
If the output shaft threads are focced then you have a big problem, you are either looking at replacing the output shaft, which is a bit of a job, getting another engine or welding the sprocket to the output shaft which just delays the previous two options for the life of the welded on sprocket.

If there is just mild damage to the thread you can just clean it up with a file thread and fit a new nut.

But hopefully you've found it in time and don't have any such damage.

This is the kind of mess I'm talking about - my old 600 (it's the early 600 that is generally plagued by these issues)
You can clearly see the thread is stuffed in this photo.  I welded on a sprocket, rode about for a while and traded it in for a new thou.

[fazerphil]

ive just fitted a did zvm 530 with a yam front sprocket and a after market rear, got them from hunters m/c of newcastle.
it might help if before you split the chain you grind the head off a pin, this helps  extend the life of your splitting tool. good luck

[kab]

well I've purchased best front and rear aftermarket sprockets and a Tsubaki chain, I'm waiting for the Tab washers to come from the Yamaha main dealer, but after the comment on stripped threads on the drive shaft I have tried the old locking nut on the thread and although the threads look ok I'm wondering if a new nut should be fitted regardless. Question is ; is it normal practice to replace both sprockets, chain, tab washer and nut on each occasion?
Cheers

[ghostbiker]

All but the nut, never had to replace that on the gen 1.
Rest is std practice for me.

[VNA - BMW Wank]

Might be be idea to fit a new nut as it's been sitting lose, but if it feels nice and snug on the threads it should be fine.  It's not usually replaced. Just a new tab washer each time.

Stick some stud lock on the thread as well, just a touch.