Topic: How long does a Vortex front sprocket last,compared to OEM?

[grcamna2]

I'm considering installing a vortex front sprocket this time because it has the tooth count I want.
How do Vortex shape-up for wear?  I always lube my chain regularly.

[Don R]

   I never wore one out. But to be clear I never wore any one sprocket out. Too many bikes too few miles. My main mileage accumulator has a driveshaft.

[seanbarney41]

Is it aluminum?

[grcamna2]

Is it aluminum?

No,a steel one;I think it's Made in USA?

[seanbarney41]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

[grcamna2]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

I have run the high quality Sprocket Specialists aluminum sprockets in the past.
They were originally located in Oroville,Ca. when I was living & working in Ma. and ordering them for different people and myself;a couple years ago the entire company moved to Utah. 

I see they still use the same 7075 T-6 aircraft aluminum and they did last quite a while on my GS1100E and VFR750 back in 2000'.
I liked that they had machined their alloy sprockets 'in house',Made in USA,back then.
I just looked at their site,but didn't see the Made in USA info on their pages;I might have missed it.

I saved this Sprocket Specialists 630 rear 43T(stock is 42T)alloy sprocket since the late 90's;it has the Titan Tough hard anodized coating and was on my 82' GS1100EZ for 2200 miles w/ just a hint of wear.
 I would sell it for $25+ shipping to a GS1100E owner who want's a bit quicker acceleration.

[willbird]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

I have run the high quality Sprocket Specialists aluminum sprockets in the past.
They were originally located in Oroville,Ca. when I was living & working in Ma. and ordering them for different people and myself;a couple years ago the entire company moved to Utah. 

I see they still use the same 7075 T-6 aircraft aluminum and they did last quite a while on my GS1100E and VFR750 back in 2000'.
I liked that they had machined their alloy sprockets 'in house',Made in USA,back then.
I just looked at their site,but didn't see the Made in USA info on their pages;I might have missed it.

I saved this Sprocket Specialists 630 rear 43T(stock is 42T)alloy sprocket since the late 90's;it has the Titan Tough hard anodized coating and was on my 82' GS1100EZ for 2200 miles w/ just a hint of wear.

I was tempted to get a 520 set for my K2 but they do not sell X ring chains ?? Only plain chains ?? I have an X ring on the bike now. Have a K3 I am working towards re assembling so was going to shift the 530 set over onto it's pile of parts.

[grcamna2]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

I have run the high quality Sprocket Specialists aluminum sprockets in the past.
They were originally located in Oroville,Ca. when I was living & working in Ma. and ordering them for different people and myself;a couple years ago the entire company moved to Utah. 

I see they still use the same 7075 T-6 aircraft aluminum and they did last quite a while on my GS1100E and VFR750 back in 2000'.
I liked that they had machined their alloy sprockets 'in house',Made in USA,back then.
I just looked at their site,but didn't see the Made in USA info on their pages;I might have missed it.

I saved this Sprocket Specialists 630 rear 43T(stock is 42T)alloy sprocket since the late 90's;it has the Titan Tough hard anodized coating and was on my 82' GS1100EZ for 2200 miles w/ just a hint of wear.

I was tempted to get a 520 set for my K2 but they do not sell X ring chains ?? Only plain chains ?? I have an X ring on the bike now. Have a K3 I am working towards re assembling so was going to shift the 530 set over onto it's pile of parts.

Which brand X ring chain did you choose ?

[willbird]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

I have run the high quality Sprocket Specialists aluminum sprockets in the past.
They were originally located in Oroville,Ca. when I was living & working in Ma. and ordering them for different people and myself;a couple years ago the entire company moved to Utah. 

I see they still use the same 7075 T-6 aircraft aluminum and they did last quite a while on my GS1100E and VFR750 back in 2000'.
I liked that they had machined their alloy sprockets 'in house',Made in USA,back then.
I just looked at their site,but didn't see the Made in USA info on their pages;I might have missed it.

I saved this Sprocket Specialists 630 rear 43T(stock is 42T)alloy sprocket since the late 90's;it has the Titan Tough hard anodized coating and was on my 82' GS1100EZ for 2200 miles w/ just a hint of wear.

I was tempted to get a 520 set for my K2 but they do not sell X ring chains ?? Only plain chains ?? I have an X ring on the bike now. Have a K3 I am working towards re assembling so was going to shift the 530 set over onto it's pile of parts.

Which brand X ring chain did you choose ?

Niche industries 530VM-X, ordered chain and sprockets from Amazon. Gold colored chain.

[HondaMan]

I was tempted to get a 520 set for my K2 but they do not sell X ring chains ?? Only plain chains ?? I have an X ring on the bike now. Have a K3 I am working towards re assembling so was going to shift the 530 set over onto it's pile of parts.

If I can sway you...don't use 520 chains in the 750 setup unless it's just for weight savings, like for dragrace reasons. The 750 is/was the original 'chain eater' of all bikes, and has long been known to still be pretty hard on its chains and sprockets, all else being equal. This is partly due to its being the first bike of its speed and distance capability for sure, and partly to the swingarm's geometry and the way it unevenly spreads the 2 sprockets over the full travel, but we're pretty much 'stuck' with that.

I witnessed the mess that a 520 chain on a 750K1 left behind when it let go in a [serious] street race in 1973. The chain had less than 1000 miles on it, and was well oiled when it let go, NOT at the master link. New cases were needed.

[grcamna2]

I just received my order of a vintage Made in USA Portco(hard steel)530 rear sprocket;I like their short tooth design.
I like finding deals on good quality vintage parts.

[willbird]

I was tempted to get a 520 set for my K2 but they do not sell X ring chains ?? Only plain chains ?? I have an X ring on the bike now. Have a K3 I am working towards re assembling so was going to shift the 530 set over onto it's pile of parts.

If I can sway you...don't use 520 chains in the 750 setup unless it's just for weight savings, like for dragrace reasons. The 750 is/was the original 'chain eater' of all bikes, and has long been known to still be pretty hard on its chains and sprockets, all else being equal. This is partly due to its being the first bike of its speed and distance capability for sure, and partly to the swingarm's geometry and the way it unevenly spreads the 2 sprockets over the full travel, but we're pretty much 'stuck' with that.

I witnessed the mess that a 520 chain on a 750K1 left behind when it let go in a [serious] street race in 1973. The chain had less than 1000 miles on it, and was well oiled when it let go, NOT at the master link. New cases were needed.

You can buy a 520 chain today rated for a 150hp 1000cc bike.

[Tracksnblades1]

I have not found much difference in the durability of steel sprockets...they are gonna last longer than the chain but need to be replaced with the chain for maximum durability...have not compared the finish quality of Vortex brand to others.

I was curious because I have been running a Renthal aluminum rear sprocket on my dirtbike and expected it to have worn rapidly...quite the contrary...it is marvelously crafted and is holding up fabulously for more than 2 seasons.  Wondering if I could have one last on a street bike?...

I tried a renthal aluminum 49t on my 01 Cr500r. It didn’t last long where we ride at Brushy Ridge. It appeared the teeth got longer and longer with each ride.. Brushy has some sand and water on the way to the Mx tracks. Lot of trails, woods, single track, and straight up hills with rocks and roots…

Went back to a rear steel and never looked back. My son rides our Cr250r had a crotch rocket 520 Regina chain on it for years.
He changed it to a did x ring chain a while back and started spitting rings out after the first sand and water crossing encounter. Pitch is still ok for now but it’s not “if” now it’s just “when”…

I use the RK 520mxz5 on the 500 and 420mxz4 on our Cr85r that my nephew now rides..I won’t keep a chain much longer than the second or third adjustment after the initial break in  adj….depends how far back the wheel is getting…Once the pitch starts getting long, the dirt, sand, water, and grit eats them up and quickly rolls the sprocket teeth..

Chains are kinda like oil. Everyone has their favorites.. I never strayed too far from Honda’s OEM choice for long before returning.  The Regina chain is as tough as an RK though…IMO