Wilsons Sandbox

In my experience, and others may differ... A stored chain's o- or x-rings have probably dried out during the storage. I would change the chain and leave the sprockets alone. A sprocket does wear, however most of the wear on the sprockets are caused by the chain wearing and the links getting longer and looser. If you were to ride the chain until it dies (and it probably will not last long) it will eat the sprockets as it dies. Sealed chains tend to last a long time, and after the initial "settling in" phase, they change very little in length during their life. When they finally start to go, they go REALLY fast. From "just fine" to spitting rollers over a few hundred miles. If you catch it before it really starts getting longer, you can change the chain without the sprockets, especially if the sprockets are steel vs. aluminum. I've gone easily through two chains on a set of sprockets because as soon as it starts requiring adjustments, I just replace the chain. I am now donning my flameproof undies, because I KNOW someone's gonna call me crazy for not replacing them at the same time. -Jeff Khoury

----- Original Message ----- From: "awehber" To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 6:59:14 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Chain and sprockets! Hi, I have a CA model KLR650 with 18,000 mi. which I bought new in 97 and I m expecting the doohickey kit to arrive in about a week. Its been garaged a lot because I have been living overseas for 9 years. I recently imported it to Spain and after reading all about the doo, I decided to park my bike until I upgrade it since KLR parts are hard to come by around here. My question is, do I need to replace the sprockets and chain also? I recently adjusted my chain and it looked ok, no real wear that I could see! Your input will be greatly appreciated, Thanks! KLR650 GREEN MACHINE. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]