Drive Sprockets & Chain

My next step in to replace the drive chain & sprockets. I priced them out and its roughly $250 for stock parts. Any suggestions on cheaper alternatives, including drive chains? I want to keep the standard tooth # for front & rear sprockets. Thanks

Cheap and chains don't really go together.
 
One of our members bought a cheap $73 530 chain, VOLAR brand. It was made entirely of the finest forged cheese and stretched out immediately (see post #7):
 
http://www.vfrdiscus...-2000/?hl=volar
 
 
 
Drive systems are like brakes and tires. The more you spend, the cheaper they get, in the long run.
 
Cheap chains are a false economy, when you distill it to cents per mile travelled. The cheap ones wear out faster, and actually cost you MORE overall.
 
Get D.I.D., RK, or Tsubaki. Recognized name brands.
 
As for the sprockets, the same applies. I have seen "budget" sprockets reduced to the appearance of chinese throwing stars in no time.
 
At the very least, use the OEM front sprocket with the bonded rubber cushion. It keeps your chain quiet as it wraps around the countershaft, and you'll stay sane without the noise.
 
Just remember to use a chain with figure "8" shaped sideplates instead of "0" shaped sideplates. The oval sideplate chains don't play well with the rubber cushion.
 
For the rear sprocket, if you want to go aftermarket, that's probably fine. Just don't use aluminum. They evaporate quickly also, despite any tricky coatings or hardening procedure the maker may claim.
 
 
BUT, if you really want to spend less, there are RK chain and sprocket kits on Fleabay for $179 right now. But for that money, you only get the basic RK chain, the 530 XSO.
Nothing wrong with it, as long as you understand it's their basic offering.
 
The top line chain, in RK at least, is the GB530GXW and is considerably more expensive.
 
Myself, I spend the most money on tires brakes and chain/sprockets as possible, and they last and last and last. To be honest, I'd have to go and read my chain to tell you what freaking brand it is, because it was 3 years ago that I bought it and I don't remember. That's the way I like it. If it lasts me 4 or 5 seasons, I'm a happy camper.

Here is the OEM front sprocket with the rubber cushion. This one is for a CBR, but you get the idea.

[image: 23801meed00-front-sprocket-honda-cb-600-]

And without, but also notice how damn POINTY the sprocket teeth are compared to the OEM ones, I don't like that myself.

[image: pbr-339-front-sprocket-cbr-1000-f-87-00-]

I think I paid $206 shipped for a new DID 530 xring and sprockets from Sprocketcenter.com

http://www.vfrdiscus...t-sprocket-set/

I ordered the sprockets & chain. Thanks again everyone.