Gearing, Chain And Sprockets...

So I have read through the 23 pages of discussions searching for the ultimate answer to the sprocket and chain issue...think I might be more confused...seems to be a six in one, half dozen in the other situation.

I need a new chain on my new to me 99 5th gen that is now at 41300 km. There seems to be an on going debate on new sprockets with new chain...some say every time others say not needed. I am guessing these may be original as I can not find the pinned master link in the chain (which has an 50 RHF stamped on the side plate).

So I am looking at new chain and sprockets..decided from all of the forms here that Honda OEM front with the added rubber is best with Sunstar steel rear as I read they are the OEM (only like
Y cheaper as an aftermarket purchase than from Honda).

I am struggling with the arguments of the new metalology and the 520 vs the original 530. I believe the new metal in the 520 today has a higher tensile strength than the 530 had when she came out of the plant yet this seemed to be an interesting read in the older posts.

Stay stock gear 17/43 or do the common mod of 16/45? I don't think I can legally use the 200+kmh here in Canada so loosing a little top end speed will not be an issue. Curious to know of those that have switched to the 16/45 if they saw much of any, or any change on fuel mileage?

Has the group come to a consensus on 520 vs 530 (I am looking at DID zvmx)?

Stock or popular -1/+2 sprocket? Any change in fuel consumption?...mostly commuting to work know (looking for the road less straight) but in the summer I would go 250-300 km rides just because the day ended in "y".

Thoughts.....

I'm at 39,000 miles, and on my second chain now and probably going to need a new one pretty soon, but haven't done any adjusting so I'm good so far IMO. I usually change when I start having to adjust the chain more than a couple times. I've got nearly 20,000 miles on this chain and had 19,300 miles on the original chain, it's a 530 DID, but I can't remember if it's the high zoot one But I don't think so because I'm a cheap SOB.

The stock countershaft sprocket is the original and I put a 45 tooth rear sprocket on at 35,000 miles. It didn't seem to change the gas mileage enough to be noticeable. The engine turns 5500 rpm at 70 mph now. I got a little over 50 mpg on a road trip a couple weeks ago traveling at 70-75 mph and I consider that to be okay. Your speedo is going to be off by quite a bit and your odometer will be off by about 5%. I use a bicycle computer as a speedometer now and it works fine.

http://i256.photobuc...uff/Cockpit.jpg

I've never changed the chain and sprockets at the same time. I usually try to run 2 chains to one set of sprockets, but that's me. A lot will depend on your frequency of chain lubing, what you use, how you ride, and what kind of weather you ride in. I use a HawkeOiler and 140-90 gear lube. I try to be smooth when shifting and don't ride in the rain much anymore. YMM(Literally)V.

Thanks for the input on the speedo and ball park on the od....going slower than the speedo reads might make us closer to the speed limit :).

LOL