new front sprocket only?

[DomP]

I'm in the middle of cleaning up my new sv and in the process of cleaning up the chain have found the front sprocket to be a little worn. As the chain and rear sprocket appear to be in very good condition with no appreciable wear can I get away with just replacing the front sprocket?

For the price I'd just do the lot in one, then you know it's all done and should wear at the same rate.

[Fen Tiger]

If the chain drive is lubricated correctly the first visible signs of wear in the components will be to the front sprocket. If it is hooked at all suggest change the chain and both sprockets, you will notice a smoother drive. That is the safest way to go.

[DomP]

Yeah I know, I should but the rear sprocket and chain which I've spent ages cleaning up are in such good condition. If I spend £10/12 on a front sprocket might I get another few thousand miles out of them?

[DomP]

Also I don't have a chain riveter...yet

[Fen Tiger]

Your call. I had a chain snap twenty years ago and it didn't half spoil my day.

If it helps the decision I believe it is possible to measure the stretch of a chain along the length of a series of links. This would give you a better idea of the life left in the chain. A quick search should give you a figure to work with.

[Fen Tiger]

ie......

http://www.sprocketsunlimited.com/Chainmaintenance.html

[Bibio]

if your skint then it can give you a few k more miles out the rest.

my chain is always fubar at the beginning of each new season but a quick clean with paraffin and a good oiling and wiggling of stiff links has seen it come back to life each time. new chain and sprockets this year though.

[DomP]

Skint nearly yes, well in reality I want to get a fuel exhaust instead!

I'm off to measure my chain stretch.

[glang]

I believe replacing the front sprocket can actually accelerate the wear on the chain because a new one will not have the same teeth spacing as the original which will have wear matched to that of the chain. Thus the load will be all on one tooth/link instead of being distributed more evenly so increasing the wear rate until the new sprocket and old chain teeth spacings are matched again......