Recommend Me: Chain and Sprocket(s) 2005 999

For a 999, I recommend changing the 15-tooth front sprocket to a 14-tooth. Inexpensive and effective. However, if the rear sprocket needs replacement, keep the 15-tooth front and replace the 36-tooth rear with a 38-tooth or 39-tooth.

RK or DID X ring kits available on fleabay for $200. Go with the 14T front. You will also need a breaker/riveting tool if you are going to do it yourself.

I've been running a 15T front and 41T rear. When I go to change I'll definitely move up to a 42T rear.
Be careful running a 14T front. If you look at the stock 15T front sprocket on your 999 now. You see that it allows the chain to ride over the upper and lower chain rubber sliding shoes on the swingarm. When you install a 14T you can run into trouble w/ the chain constantly rubbing the sliding shoes causing them to wear.
I had upgraded my 2003 999 swingarm for a 2005 swinger. The previous owner of the 05' swinger ran a 14T front sprocket which wore through the bottom rubber sliding shoe into the allen headed fastener. I had to remove it w/ an extractor bit. Now some say they have had no such issue's when going -1 on the front sprocket.
If your changing everything I would stick with a 15T front and no less that a 40 T rear. You can buy a lighter chain ( 520) versus a heavier but stronger chain in the stock 525.

I first had 14/39 (fit with the OEM chain), went to 15/43 when I got a new chain.

Tom

front counter shaft sproket

I would not ever change the front sprocket,stay with stock,it changes the pitch of the chain,too tight of a circle,if you must have it acclerate faster go up a couple of teeth in the rear,but it will rev more when your riding down the highway.I'd replace both sprockets with a new chain,start with all new.Master links work,with a little silicone on the side plate,rivits are better though.

I did a 42t rear and the 520 chain. Seems to work great for me

i've been running a 14/39 combo for over 30,000 miles. no problems what so ever.

14/38 here IMO just enough to not be pulling wheelies every 2 seconds, max out at about 155 (ish)

duc you said:

i've been running a 14/39 combo for over 30,000 miles. no problems what so ever.

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Have you checked the chain sliders on the swinger ? I''m curious because when I mounted a 14T front it was obvious that it allowed the chain to sit lower causing it to ride on the upper slider. Also there's slack in the chain causing chain whip which also can batter the swinger. But if it has worked w/o issue for 30K miles than no doubt it's a cheaper way to go than buying drive kit.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Whats the stock numbers? 15/??. Also, do you guys recommend a place/brand for the sprockets?

Nice setup, I would however run a case saver. I have had them on all my bikes. Never had a chain fail to use it, but it is cheap insurance should it happen.

Dennie said:

I'm using a DID ERV3 520 chain, which is operated very smooth and it has the same golden colour as the Öhlins shock (if you have an S or R). The rear sprocket is an ergal Ducati Performance one. I also get advice the Dupont teflon lube. It keeps your chain and rear wheel clean.

I tried different sprocket ratios. I had 15-36 (stock), 15-41, 15-39 and 15-38 on my bike. I never used a 14T in front. The ERV3 chain comes with 120 links. You should order a few extra rivets in chase you change your mind and get a different sprocket ratio. Otherwise you must adjust your rear wheel, which will affect the bikes handling.

I found the 15-41 to short and at high way speed (120-140km/h) the bike had to many rpm's. I changed to a 15-39 but still wasn't happy with it. Now I have a 15-38 and I like it. If you should buy the ERV3 chain, make sure you get 520 sprockets.

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ZDM said:

Have you checked the chain sliders on the swinger ? I''m curious because when I mounted a 14T front it was obvious that it allowed the chain to sit lower causing it to ride on the upper slider. Also there's slack in the chain causing chain whip which also can batter the swinger. But if it has worked w/o issue for 30K miles than no doubt it's a cheaper way to go than buying drive kit.

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as a matter of fact i looked at it today as i was changing tires. by looking at it you wouldn't believe the sliders have 30,000 miles on em! i do however check the chain adjustment before almost every ride and adjust and lube when neccassary.

Pettas said:

Thanks for all the suggestions. Whats the stock numbers? 15/??. Also, do you guys recommend a place/brand for the sprockets?

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Drive Sprockets USA, Sprocket Center, AF1 Racing, out your way Motowheels would be a good place as they carry everything-chain,sprockets.
IMO going to a 520 chain versus stock 525 isn't worth the risk if the chain should snap. It probably won't..ever, but for the slight weight savings it's not worth it. However it's your decision. The sprocket set-up is something you'll need to decide. When you get into 41,42 and 43 tooth rear sprockets you'll loose 6th gear, it will feel like 5th. It depends what type of riding you do. Open highway, high speed use a lower sprocket 38,39T. If your riding around town and some occasional high speed stuff 40,41. A 42 tooth rear will still allow you to reach 150mph++ anyway....

Dennie said:

I found the 15-41 to short and at high way speed (120-140km/h) the bike had to many rpm's.

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How many is too many?

With 15/43, 120 is at only 5k RPM!

On my ST2, with 14/43, I'm about the same.

Tom

st2lemans said:

How many is too many?

With 15/43, 120 is at only 5k RPM!

On my ST2, with 14/43, I'm about the same.

Tom

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14/39 put my rpm's at around 5000 rpm at 80mph with the 999 gearbox. i don't have a problem with those rpm's either. if i am going to do a trip where i'll be slabbing it for 800 miles, i put on the 15 tooth front sprocket just to add a little more fuel mileage. imo the testastretta is much happier cruising in the 5000rpm range.

AFAM/D.I.D. 520ERV3 Chain & Alloy Sprocket Race Kit - DUCATI 749/999 Sprocket Center

This seems like by far the cheapest and complete solution for my replacement/upgrade. If stock is 15/36, im thinking a 15/38 would be a decent upgrade without killing the top speed and performance completely. What is everyone's thought on this? Would you go with a 39 rear?

Also, the Ducati 999's will this affect my speedo moving up a sprocket? I recall reading somewhere its based off the front wheel, so this should not change anything, correct?

Pettas said:

Also, the Ducati 999's will this affect my speedo moving up a sprocket? I recall reading somewhere its based off the front wheel, so this should not change anything, correct?

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That sprocket/chain set is the same set I have. Maybe you can make a deal with a second sprocket (38T and 40T). There isn't much differences between a 38T and a 39T. Make sure you order a few extra rivets.

The speedo is not affected by the sprocket size. It counts the bolts of the rear discs and this is only affected by a different tire size.