Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Sprockets and chain

Hey folks! So here's my story (and I'm sticking to it)...

I'm looking to replace the sprockets and chain on my '02 Triumph BonAm (lovingly referred to hereafter as the 'Umph). The previous owner must have constantly tensioned everything up, not understanding one needs a little slack. The 'Umph only has 6100 miles on it, and the tensioner is all the way out on the last setting.

Unfortunately, the service manual that came with the bike when purchased only has some ratios and such listed in general information. Sure, they tell you how to replace it, but I can't find what to replace it with.

Doing some research, I've discovered the 'Umph runs a 17/42 front/rear sprocket combo, but alas, no part numbers.

I think that the sprocket/chain combo by the dealership is likely a bit pricey. So then I found this...

http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/model/7604

They give some tech specs, and I've hunted around and can order the sprockets and chain for around $150 (around $70 savings over the Triumph kit).

Anyone have experience with this? (I'm sure many do).

As an aside, anyone run a clip style master link on their bike (even though the manual says explicitly not to; who needs manual restrictions anyway)?

Thanks for the assistance to a complete and utter newbie to the forums.

Finally, any tips for a burgeoning motorcycle mechanic? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and I follow instructions pretty well too, but I am a bit nervous about repairing a machine that I bet my life upon. (Not so nervous not to try it though!)

Welcome Blake.

Put http://www.fasteddysports.com/ on your list of favorites. And remember, you're not limited to that 17/42 combination. Your riding habits may dictate a better ratio.

Yes, several here use the clip style master link with no problems.

i would go 18/42, still tons of torque and much nicer on the hyway IMO.

Thanks for the advice. Any thoughts on the sprockets I listed from JT Sprockets?

http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/model/7604

I typed JT Sprockets in BA.com "search" and got 340 hits. Not wanting to read all 340, I did see a few members who had ordered from JT. Maybe they'll chime in. There are several discussions pertaining to the ratios (16*17*18*19T). The one constant is to stay with steel - no aluminum.

As for me, I run a 19/42 in Florida and switch back to 17/42 when I'm in the North Carolina mountains.

Thanks, Hermit - I didn't figure on aluminum anyway; I'm not going to try and reduce weight for racing with this baby.

I suggest you pick up one of these: web page I had built an offset set of steel plates to complement my precision straight edge for chain alignment and these Laser tools are as accurate as my method within a couple of Thou. of an inch. I use the Laser now.

One thing about Fast Eddy. His prices include shipping. I ordered my latest chain & sprockets from Eddy.
They were at my door in 2 days! Eddy is Da Man!

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks! Much appreciated!

When you ride now do you have enough bottom end grunt? No? then go 16T front. (my fav combo) Don't need as much as you have but want lower RPMs at high speed? Go with the 18 front. I would go with the Triumph kit, my first one went over 23,000 miles with no lube at all and the rear sprocket showed no visible wear and the front only slight wear. The chain could have gone farther too.

I could never find the JT rear sprocket in a 42. Now Amazon list one for $30.24. Dang! That is a steal!