Help I'm a Chain Virgin ! - Ducati.ms

IBails · Jun 27th, 2012, 1:51 am

Well after riding shafts for a long time I now need to know how I go about changing my chain and sprokets. At the moment mine still looks pretty decent , I've covered 23,000 klms . what I need to know is :-

Do I have to brake the chain to remove?
Do I replace chain and sprockets at the same time?
Where can I but the sprockets ?
what type of chain is best ?
What is the chain size and type currently on the bike ?

Thanks

TiDuc · Jun 27th, 2012, 2:59 am

1. Yes you will need to break the chain to get it off.

2. You should replace as a set especially in this case where the chain is stretched enough to need replacement…It will make your new chain and sprockets last that much longer.

3. Online, is usually cheapest but you guys from Australia need to factor shipping, taxes??? I’m sure your fellow Aussie’s can give better advice than me. I will say I prefer www.Supersprox.com (think it was originally Krause Racing) They provide lifetime warranties for kits, which can really pay for itself. I like the lightweight 3 piece sprockets and I have had great service from them custom making sprocket kits for other bikes in the past.

4. Personal preference, I’ve always used RK or DID X ring with no problems…My Tusbaki (sure I spelled that wrong) seemed to wear out faster.

5. 530 O ring (not sure about brand).

I’m sure you’ve already seen all the posts about 14 tooth sprockets etc, if not check them out for more info on chain and sprockets
Good Luck!

Kitesurfer · Jun 27th, 2012, 8:17 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBails

Well after riding shafts for a long time...

Sure you're on the right forum mate? Keep your sexual preferences to yourself

TimOz · Jun 27th, 2012, 2:02 pm

Mister Bails,

Have a look here at the excellent write up by Andy on chain maintenance here:
Motorcycle Info Pages - 'How to' & FAQs > MTS1200 Chain Adjustment

Andy has made a few batches of a chain adjustment tool. I have one and it works really well and way better than the dinky one on the tool kit.

The details are on his site.

The official ducati workshop manual is on-line here: Home

Look under section 7 - Chassis / 14 - final drive

This shows replacing the sprockets and replacing the chain with a chain breaker and chain pin press. This shows a Ducati version of the tool but you can buy them from bike shops are have a good shop fit the chain for you.

I am not sure I would be happy with a clip style joining link on this bike. If you have a chain failure, it will be the link and the riveted type are stronger and no clip to fatigue or be knocked off.

lwp411 · Jun 27th, 2012, 2:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitesurfer

Sure you're on the right forum mate? Keep your sexual preferences to yourself

damn....you beat me to it

IBails · Jun 27th, 2012, 6:27 pm

Thanks for the info, Tim I have the bigger adjuster, although I don't think I purchased from Andy. I was more wanting to know alternatives for chain , sprockets etc , so I can get hold of them for when I need to replace. I know the dealer will do, but if the choice is Ducati chain at dealer prices as oppossed to a better quality chain at similar or cheaper then I would like to be prepared and buy before I need to replace.

IBails · Jun 27th, 2012, 6:28 pm

Just occurred to me . Has anyone had a chain fail on the MTS ? I tour a lot and haven't considered carrying chain mending equipment !

bahnzii · Jun 27th, 2012, 6:34 pm

Tim and TiDuc have you well covered there...

Regarding the chain, just look at the top brands like, DID (my preferred choice) and see what length you need (links).
D.I.D Racing Chains and DirtStar® Rims

I bought a chain breaker and stake tool to do my first chain and sprocket replacement (zx-14) a few years back. Just take your time staking the rivets, measure each time you tighten, other than that it's really quite easy.

mollycbr123 · Jun 27th, 2012, 10:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBails

Just occurred to me . Has anyone had a chain fail on the MTS ? I tour a lot and haven't considered carrying chain mending equipment !

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/44-multi...day-120-a.html

Definitely demonstrates the benefits of proper chain maintenance...

TimOz · Jun 28th, 2012, 12:33 am

Back in my dirt bike days I had many chain failures from riding in sand (Stradbroke Island) with the old clip joining link chains. The failure every time was the link clip. I used to routinely carry a spare chain link. This was even up to my first Triumph Tiger 900. SInce then I have had riveted chains and never had one fail.

I am pretty rigorous with chain cleaning, lube and tension. I think that chains will stretch as they wear and chew out the sprockets. Replace them all as a set long before there is a problem. I think that the main problem with this bike would be due to poor maintenance and a very loose chain becoming derailed. I would hate to be riding this bike if that ever happened.

Check posts 21 and 23 of the " Chain failed today at 120" thread linked above. That guy's chain looked like he soaked it in a 50/50 mix of rock salt and battery acid every night. Pure corrosion probably from road salt and 0, nothing, nada maintenance looks like it caused so much rust that the chain sideplate failed.

I understand that the standard MTS chains are Regina brand. I would not replace them with the same chain as the chain sure does rust if uncoated in lube. There is no surface protection on the metal at all.

My maintenance tools for the chain are a rag, small can of lube and chain adjustment tools.

Have you tried chaingang in Brisbane?
Chain Gang Sprockets

They made me a set for one of my old Triumphs and it was pretty good. They will make you a set from your worm ones if they have not seen the bike before but one they have the pattern they make them to order in a few days and supply DID chains. They also have Supersprox brand sprockets.