[jmb1985]

Lookin to do a 520 conversion. I want peoples input and advice. Im looking at the RK XW kit.

[CBR400RR]

Originally Posted by jmb1985

Lookin to do a 520 conversion. I want peoples input and advice. Im looking at the RK XW kit.

The DID ERV3 is a better chain IMO and the Stelth rear sprocket will last the longest of any other sprocket out there.

[chickens_daddy]

KneeDraggers.com - Sportbike Parts, Accessories, and Apparel has a 520 conversion kit available with the DID ERV3 chain; you choose front and rear sprocket sizes, and they'll size the chain for you so you don't have to cut it. Not sure which sprocket set you're looking for, but I've been totally happy with the AFAM sprockets that came in the kit. I, too, like the DID chain.

[CBR400RR]

Originally Posted by chickens_daddy

KneeDraggers.com - Sportbike Parts, Accessories, and Apparel has a 520 conversion kit available with the DID ERV3 chain; you choose front and rear sprocket sizes, and they'll size the chain for you so you don't have to cut it. Not sure which sprocket set you're looking for, but I've been totally happy with the AFAM sprockets that came in the kit. I, too, like the DID chain.

I can usually match any advertised price and beat a lot of them and I also cut the chains to size.

[keeksrc51]

what is the advantage of going to a 520 conversion?

[chickens_daddy]

Most people will switch from the original 530 pitch to 520 pitch because it's lighter, which results in less start-up inertia. Others may switch just because someone said it's something that they need to do. I wouldn't recommend you make the change unless you were going to buy a new chain and/or sprockets anyway. If your current chain and sprockets are still good, don't toss your gas money ($4/gallon now!) towards something that you don't need yet.

[dicksneeed]

Thanks for that advise. I am probably one who might buy cuz a friend says I need it, But I often wonder what the difference is (unless your a stunter, which I'm not) I will definitely wait till it goes bad. How are AFAM sprockets?

[CBR400RR]

Originally Posted by dicksneeed

Thanks for that advise. I am probably one who might buy cuz a friend says I need it, But I often wonder what the difference is (unless your a stunter, which I'm not) I will definitely wait till it goes bad. How are AFAM sprockets?

AFAM makes the best hard anodized aluminum sprockets that I have installed or used, they last the longest.

[curt248]

How long does hard anodized sprockets last? What percentage compared to steel?

Also how do you know when your sprockets are worn out? On motocross bikes you can tell when one side of every tooth is crescent shaped. I don't see any of that on my sprockets. My bike has 18000 miles on it and I think it's the stock sprocket and chain. Is the stock chain gold plated?

[chickens_daddy]

The sprocket tooth wear on a street bike is pretty similar to that on a dirt bike; essentially you look for lost material off of the teeth. If each tooth looks more pointed on the tip than flat, then you definitely need to change. If you have uneven wear, have your bike checked out by a pro; that's an indication that something more serious other than normal wear may be happening. Anodized sprockets will last longer than steel in general, but it also depends on how you ride. You'll wear out anodized sprockets far more quickly if you're a "runner/gunner" type of rider versus someone who casually rides. Proper chain tension is also critical in maintaining good sprocket and chain life. Don't run "saggy" on your chain; you run the risk of a broken tooth, chain, dropping the chain off either sprocket, etc.

Regarding the stock sprocket and chains, can't help you there; sometimes the sprockets are stamped on the sides indicating manufacturer. Newer bikes may have the gold chains on them, depending on the chain manufacturer. If you bought your bike used, and you have no idea if the chain/sprockets have been changed, or if you have any significant wear on any part, I say go ahead and upgrade all three (front and rear sprocket and chain). You don't know what the person did to the bike before you got it.

[curt248]

Thanks for the info chickens.

Are anodized sprockets aluminum?

You'll wear out anodized sprockets far more quickly if you're a "runner/gunner" type of rider versus someone who casually rides.

Does this statement mean that a runner/gunner's steel sprockets will outlast anodized aluminum or that if you are a runner/gunner that sprocket wear will be increased?

[chickens_daddy]

Anodized sprockets are aluminum, and they will wear better than steel. If you are hard on your equipment, you'll wear everything out faster than someone who is easy on it, no matter if it's steel or aluminum. If you run aluminum hard and another person runs steel easy, obviously the person who's easy on the gears would have a longer lasting sprocket. Expect your equipment to respond directly to how you ride; if you trash your stuff, don't expect it to last no matter what it's made out of. Ride how you want, and check your bike regularly to make sure that it's keeping up with you, more frequently if you ride hard. Hope that helps you out.

[selfinfliction]

for the questions on having the sprocket last longer, why not get them cryo'd? doesn't seem like too many people use that technology around here. all of my cheap vortex stunt sprockets (on the 600's) i would have cryo'd and they would last twice as long as the expensive ones that other people bought.

cost on average $15~ depending on the size of the sprocket to get done.

the place i go to is in GA, Professional Cryogenic Metallurgy & Coatings,Atlanta,Georgia,Cryogenic,REM Gears,powder coating,ceramic coating,sandblasting,metal polishing they're reasonable on pricing, and have done alot of parts cryo, dfl, thermal dispersant and ceramic coating for me over the past few years

<edit> don't know why that link popped up so long, i only typed out procryo

[curt248]

Thanks for the info guys.

Now I just have to check how much more expensive anodized sprockets are over steel. The rotating mass weight difference is just too appealing.

[chickens_daddy]

Curt248, do your shopping online, and then see if CBR400RR in El Cajon, CA will match or beat the price. When you're finished changing sprockets and chain, make sure you're aligned well, or you'll end up with accelerated wear on your chain and sprockets. Again, good luck, and happy price-hunting!

[Chal De Cecco]

The 520 conversion is a personal choice and much needed if you track the bike. Whatever you do, change that gearing. It is much much too high for town or canyon work. It puts too much load on the clutch and really narrows your gearbox options in the canyons........

[chickens_daddy]

I agree with Chal. 530 to 520 is a personal decision on a conversion. I'm not sure if it's a mandatory switch if you ride street primarily, though. Changing gearing can be done with either 530 or 520 pitch, but if you're going to select a different chain pitch anyway, you might as well select gear ratios that are more appropriate to your typical riding style and environment. There are other threads that discuss gearing ratios; search/refer to those threads for additional information.

[jrivas]

so how would you know if yourt gear/ ratios have been changed???

[chickens_daddy]

Stock sprockets are as follows: 16 teeth for front, 40 teeth for the rear. You can look at the sprocket to see if it's been stamped/marked with the number of teeth on the sprocket. You'll see numbers like 15T, 16T, 41T, etc., usually near the center of the sprocket. If your sprocket isn't stamped or marked, start counting teeth. While you're counting or looking, make sure you check for wear on the teeth; might as well, seeing that you're looking at the sprockets anyway.