Chain sprocket replacment - when?

[tgdstar]

Got almost 10K miles on my 00 R1. I see a little slack on my chain so I thought of just tightening it. When should I replace it? Not too knowledgable in the chain dept so I was reading a lot about 520 and 530 conversion kits. Don't care much for changing teeth on the sprockets... up or down... it could be the stock size for all I care.

Should I upgrade to a better chain now or wait awhile. Wouldn't mind some gold bling bling chain with a new clear rear sprocket. Any if so, any recommendations? I'm not a wheelie maniac so I'm not too worried about the durability or stretching too much. :teeth

[drizz]

once it won't tighten anymore... and as far as sprocket, if you're not getting slippage, don't bother. Sprocket specialists has good prices on sprockets and DID has good chains. If you have the cash, go for it.

[luisimo]

Spin the rear tire until you find the thighest part. If the difference between such point and the rest of the chain is more than 3/4" replace the chain, If the chain is good but the sprockets are wear down replace them. (chain and sprockets)

On my R1 I changed my chain and sprocket for the 520 set. I droped three teeth on the back sprocket as I commute a lot and I hated the vibration that I got at speeds of 80 mph.

Look at the power band of your bike and think about your riding style if you want to change the gearing ratios. Most people agree that everyone has a preference on his/her own gearing ratio and normally is not the stock one. :nerd

[VentoGixxeRider]

Yep I went +2 in the rear and -1 in the front with a 520 chain at right around 10K.