VLX Front Sprocket

[kacealraid]

Hey all, I have a 96 VLX. I'm about to change out the drive-chain on it, and wanted to take a look at the front sprocket to make sure I didn't need to purchase a kit that had the chain and sprockets to go with. The back sprocket looks fine to me, but I want to get into this thing and look at the front one.

My manual didn't seem to cover how to get to the front sprocket... I know it's behind that chrome casing on the left-side of the machine. I see an allen(alan?) bolt that holds it on from the bottom, right behind the gear-shift bar. Is there anything else holding it on? I took it off and it was still unable to be removed, perhaps some bolt or screw holding it on from the top that I can't see...?

[gmck]

my 94 has one bolt and a post and rubber gromet like the plastic side covers.

[kacealraid]

Maybe I didn't pull hard enough, I was afraid of breaking something on it honestly lol. I will try it out either later tonight or tomorrow after work.

[Scrapdog2grand]

Originally Posted by kacealraid

Maybe I didn't pull hard enough, I was afraid of breaking something on it honestly lol. I will try it out either later tonight or tomorrow after work.

most have a clip and washer on the post, I forget what they call them, kinda like a big hair pin.
if you decide to replace the front, with an aftermarket sprocket, I have a new JT front for a VLX you can have pretty cheap like $15 shipped, less than I paid for it, which was $24.
I decided to go with the Factory sprocket as it has the Guide/silencer on it, and a little bit quieter, and about $50.
it probably wont be showing any wear, the only wear that was noticable to me on the wifes VLX was the splined area of the sprocket, had a bit of play in it, the new sprockets fit very snug.

[kacealraid]

Finally got it off, it was held in with a pin. Front sprocket looks fine, so I'll probably just be changing out the chain in the next few weeks.

[Dauntae]

Although the sprockets look good, It's always a good idea to change sprockets with the chain, I know more money but the sprockets wear into the chain as a set and putting a new chain with old sprockets will wear the new chain faster, New chains don't get changed very often even on dirt bikes but when I have to put a new chain on my dirt bike, I want it to last as long as I can so I always get new sprockets.

Dauntae

[Scrapdog2grand]

Originally Posted by Dauntae

Although the sprockets look good, It's always a good idea to change sprockets with the chain, I know more money but the sprockets wear into the chain as a set and putting a new chain with old sprockets will wear the new chain faster, New chains don't get changed very often even on dirt bikes but when I have to put a new chain on my dirt bike, I want it to last as long as I can so I always get new sprockets.

Dauntae

agreed, I have always done them as sets.
and our dirt bikes, thats an absolute must, man those sprockets get tore up.

[kacealraid]

I've heard both sides of the stories on that one. I've had people tell me change them both at the same time, I've had others say they change the sprockets every other chain. I'm going to give it a shot. Chains are only a little over 100$ anyway, it'll be a learning experience. I'll be sure to keep the site updated on how long it takes to wear the chain out haha.

[Dauntae]

I've heard that too about every other, I come from a dirt riding background and sprockets get beat to snot pretty fast so maybe on a street bike that rule may apply more, But on dirt it's not a good idea LOL

Dauntae

[squawkographic]

Replace both sprockets and the chain or what is the point?