Aluminum sprockets suck

[RebornKat02]

I started the season out with a shot stock setup. I opted to go with a 520 conversion that had an aluminum rear 48 sprocket and a steel front 14. I loved the performance out of the new design. What I can't stand is that my rear sprocket is damn near gone. It's only been well, not even the whole season. Why would it wear out so fast? I kept my chain tension right around 1 to 2 inches of play and lubed my chain every two weeks. My bike's down for the last big weekend of the year. Great. No more aluminum sprockets for me. I'm sticking with steel for now on. I might look into Ti. That's a little pricy though.

[rexazz2]

I bet hard launches and aggressive riding would prematurely wear it as well

[cmurdah]

i've heard mostly good things about aluminum sprockets...i just installed mine 2 days ago. guess we'll see how it holds up

[vonrapier]

I;ve never known it to be a hard metal....any other ideas about this?

[steves]

"lubed every two weeks" doesn't say what kind of miles you are pulling in two weeks. Also a 520 sprocket is dimensionally smaller than a 530.

[cmurdah]

I;ve never known it to be a hard metal....any other ideas about this?

the company my rear sprocket is from (Thrust) made sure to include that the sprocket is made from "T6 hardened aluminum" i beleive. soooo idk

[scottynoface]

Yes, aluminum sprockets suck. Have known quite a few riders who have snapped teeth off of them, mostly Vortex.

[Free Coffee]

Yes, aluminum sprockets suck. Have known quite a few riders who have snapped teeth off of them, mostly Vortex.

But Vortex sprockets look AWESOME.

>=o)

[4banger]

I always questioned the reliability of aluminum sprockets.

[KAT TOY]

I started the season out with a shot stock setup. I opted to go with a 520 conversion that had an aluminum rear 48 sprocket and a steel front 14. I loved the performance out of the new design. What I can't stand is that my rear sprocket is damn near gone. It's only been well, not even the whole season. Why would it wear out so fast? I kept my chain tension right around 1 to 2 inches of play and lubed my chain every two weeks. My bike's down for the last big weekend of the year. Great. No more aluminum sprockets for me. I'm sticking with steel for now on. I might look into Ti. That's a little pricy though.

what kind of wear do you have? misalignment can cause premature wear also. i have Vortec sprockets and have had no issue so far 6K+ and 2 rear tires later. my Kat is ridden hard often. i have 530 setup.

[RebornKat02]

I have about 8000 miles on it. Wear is even but it looks like nubs now. Slips alot under hard acceleration. I bought mine from thrust company and yes it was T6 hardened too.

[cmurdah]

damn...now im worried lol

[JayBell]

I have about 8000 miles on it. Wear is even but it looks like nubs now. Slips alot under hard acceleration. I bought mine from thrust company and yes it was T6 hardened too.

the issue is not just the sprocket, you went with a 520 chain, which is a lighter duty chain and sprocket setup, than the bike was intended to use.

yes, they are cheaper, however, they also last 30-40% LESS miles, even when taken care of, and even then it depends on the quality of the chain and sprocket set you get.

so, you got your moneys worth it looks like to me.

[scottynoface]

the issue is not just the sprocket, you went with a 520 chain, which is a lighter duty chain and sprocket setup, than the bike was intended to use.

I have a very hard time believing that the 520 swap had anything to do with it Jay...a 520 chain is more than sufficient for the loads it will experience on a Katana, much less all of the SS bikes running them...

[JayBell]

I have a very hard time believing that the 520 swap had anything to do with it Jay...a 520 chain is more than sufficient for the loads it will experience on a Katana, much less all of the SS bikes running them...

520 chains on something not INTENDED for it will experience more wear, its a simple fact. Add in the heavier weight of the avg kat, and its rider, its definitely possible.

Soulpatchs 520 chain lasted about 4K on his post 600..