Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Chain and Sprocket Replacement 2003 Speedmaster

Does anyone have any suggestions on chain and sprocket replacement? Is is best to use the OEM sprockets and chains from the dealer or any suggestions on a different type or another place to purchase that may be a bit less expensive and still adequate?

Thanks

Buy the complete Triumph kit that includes both sprockets and chain. Here is one place to check:
TriumpheStore

hEY: I checked it out, seems like the easier way. I did find each piece in the Dennis Kirk catalog, but I would come out costing more than just getting the kit.

What is the difference between a 525 VM2 chain, 525 V chain and a 525 VM?



Hey thanks for the link. People are always so helpful here. Thank you...

Hey Deborah

I bought a pair of custom made, laser cut & perfectly balanced sprockets with an 18 tooth front (and a colour matched rear for free) in a thicker than standard size (530 sized), and a 530 chain to replace the lighter 525 one (will last much longer) for about 2/3 the price of the Triumph kit. The only thing you lose is the little rubber buffer that the OEM front has on it that's supposed to make the chain run quieter, and that wears out after the first few hundred miles anyway.

You don't mention where you are but I'm assuming you're in the US so my Australian supplier's not going to be any good to you, but I'm sure you can find someone local to you that manufactures their own sprockets who could do the same thing.

Matt

If you go the factory route, check the parts before you leave the shop. I ordered a set for my America and got a 16t Speedmaster front rather than the 17t America or the 18t latest Speedmaster.

If you plan on changing the chain and sprockets out yourself, I have a chain tool that I'd be happy to lend to you.

I have not done it yet, but as I recall reading, the OEM kit will require you to remove both the rear wheel and the rear swing arm, because the chain is an "endless chain". The aftermarket chains use a chain link which makes it a lot easier, but you need a chainlink tool to remove our existing chaings.

Be carefull of the dennis kirk rear sprocket. I order one a while back and it would not fit. They list the rear sprocket at dennis kirk as fitting all bonnievilles. They do not. America and speedmaster are different than standard bonnies.

The OEM 'endless' chain comes with a rivet master link. You don't have to take the swingarm off (unless you rivet the link/chain while it's off the bike). The old chain will have to have a link cut to get it off. I got an o-ring clip master link to use with the OEM chain. The rivet link lives in the tank bag if I ever need it.