[DawnC]

I just turned over 15K, and my chain is in sore need of replacement. I'm thinking that while I am at it, I am going to go ahead and make some sprocket changes as well, maybe go down one tooth in the front. Of course, I have a few questions.... was hoping some of you might be able to help me out.... (BTW, this is for an '02 620 Dark)

1) Any first hand experience on changing sprocket ratios? Front? Rear (does it go higher than 46!)? Reviews? Recommendations?

2) Preferred vendors?

3) I've found a good write up on the sprocket change http://www.ducatipipemod.com/ (thank you S4strati), and I'm reasonably comfortable doing that myself... any additional hints?

4) Chain.... here is where I start to get a little bit lost... Do I order the same basic chain as I have stock? 520 VL 2 I believe.... what exactly does that mean? I'm looking at the DID chains... but having a hard time figuring out which one is actually appropriate for my bike. Does it change if I am changing my sprockets?

5) Is it realistic to do my own chain? I'm reasonably mechanically competent, lots of work on cars (full brake system, gas tank... that type of thing), but have not done much beyond oil changes on my bike. I'm mostly worried about the alignment and getting the right length...

Any suggestions or recommendations from you gear heads out there?

 

[Speeddog]

1) I have no FHE on changing Duc sprockets, but losts of the folks here go one tooth smaller on the front, some go up 2 or 3 on the rear, a few of our wilder hooligans do both ( Hi Strati ;D ).

2) http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/chain.html
or some of our other list sponsors.

3) He's got it covered.

4) The vendor link above talks about the different DID chains a little bit. Chris can get you squared away on the right length.

5)This is a link to where I talked about wheel alignment:

http://www.ducatimonster.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=forum1;action=display;num=1059950906;start=3#3

If you've got more questions, fire away!

 

[MarkV]

well if you're gonna replace the chain you might as well get both sprockets swapped out. you can usually go one down or two up without changing the stock chain length... but since you're swapping the chain you can "cut" it to length if you decide you want to go 3 or more on the rear sprocket.

what do you want out of a chain? if you're just looking to replace your stock chain then the 520ZVM series with the x-ring is probably what you want. for a few bucks more the 520ERV2 will get you a lighter chain that's spec'd for racing but is plenty stout compared the 520ZVM. the ERV2 has the gold on gold plates... while the ZVM is gold on black plates. my experience is the the x-ring chains generally last about a third longer than the o-ring chains.

most chains are 120 links long, more than enough for just about any need. get yourself a chain tool to properly rivet the links... don't rely on the clip style master link. i have an old motion pro tool that sucks (it's a cast piece o s h i t) and needed a few modifications to work properly when riveting... maybe the new tool is a bit better. definitely hit up ca-cycleworks with questions.

i've found if you remove the chain first that you don't have to unbolt the clutch slave cylinder in order to replace the front sprocket. just install the new sprocket then properly route and rivet the new chain in place. if you swap sprockets without replacing the chain then removing the slave is a good/necessary idea. remember the orientation of the conical spacer on the left side off the rear wheel had the wide face against the swingarm and the narrow face against the sprocket carrier. it's always a good time to clean up stuff while you have the chain and sprocket off... get grime, dirt, and any old chainwax residue off.

it's very realistic for you to do your own chain. in fact i would encourage folks to have the independence to their own maintenance, never know when you'll need the knowledge. take notes on parts and their orientation as you do it to help if needed. use blue thread fastener on your front sprocket retaining bolts and rear sprocket nuts. i like to grease up the splines, axles, and bearings each time i swap sprockets. take your time, it'll get easier and quicker the more you do it.

 

[chris]

what they said, only get the VM520. any more is overkill for the 620. VL 520 has O-rings and the VM 520 has X-rings. plus the VM has the bling-yo gold side plates. you are allowed to buy from me, but whatever or whoever you do buy from, please try to stay away from aluminum rear sprockets (and stick with steel). imho, aluminum sprockets are not for the real world.

chris

 

[DawnC]

Big Thanks to CHRIS!!!

Hey...

Thanks to Chris from ca-cycleworks.com for getting me hooked up and getting my parts out to me today.....

Great customer service!!

 

[MagnusVer]

please try to stay away from aluminum rear sprockets (and stick with steel). imho, aluminum sprockets are not for the real world.

Does that mean the aluminum sprockets are not durable, and really only make sense if you are racing and need the weight savings? I was about to order one....

 

[chris]

Does that mean the aluminum sprockets are not durable, and really only make sense if you are racing and need the weight savings?

 

[tim]

I can make ally sprockets work and think nothing of it. I typically purchase my working ally sprockets from Sprocket Specialists.