Replacement sprockets and chains

[roadracer21]

Hi everyone
I've been lurking around for a while and now need your assistance. Here is the down low... I have a 1993 FJ1200 ABS that I bought in 1996 with 2000 miles, now I have 24,000 miles. Been the best bike I've owned, nothing major has ever been done to the bike. I adjusted the chain here the other day and it started to make noise. So time to replace! I did try a search and came up with lots of information but along with it confusion.
So, what would everyone recomend for replacement parts. Factory parts or aftermarket? Original sprocket sizes(16t front, 40t rear), original chain size(110)? What will be gained or lost? The bike is a ride to work when it's nice and a few 300-800 mile runs once or twice a year.
Thank you for your thoughts and input, It is greatly apreciated.
Kevin

[Arnie]

Get the strongest, heaviest O or X ring chain you can afford.
DID ZVM2, EK ZZZ, Tsubaki Sigma or a few others.
Use steel sprockets....no Aluminum gearing !!

If you are happy with your gearing, just replace it.  Stock is 17/40 for most years and countries, but Yam did put 17/39 on some late model bikes and 17/41 on some of the early FJs.  All of these sprocket combinations will work fine with a 110 link chain.

If you want more acceleration you could use a 16/42 setup, or if you want more relaxed touring 18/38 will work.

I would choose Suntour, Renthal, or other quality sprocket makers.  No need to spend the extra for Yam labeled parts here.

Arnie

[andyb]

Doublecheck that.  Original sprocket should be a 17 in the front.  

I personally like stock myself, as it's a nice compromise.  Last time I rode the FJ, it had 16/42 on it, and was a bit interesting to control, as the front wheel had a tenuous connection with the pavement!  18/40 is another popular configuration.

The stock front sprockets had a rubber thingy on them that made them a bit quieter, if that matters to you. 

[yamaha fj rider]

Andy is right put the 16 on to save on front tire wear but it's not easy on fork seals and rear tires. 

Kurt

[Capn Ron]

Our own RPM Randy has the OEM stock front 17 tooth sprockets (NEW!) for $15.  Fif-teen bucks!  That's less than a buck a tooth!   

Cap'n Ron. . .

[Alf]

And buy a good (and expensive) chain: no less than DID ZXVM or similar is a good inversion
Mine has died after 80.000 kms of hard work (and careful care) so another one is on the way
Regards
Alf

[Capn Ron]

Yeah...What Alf said.

I just finished a 17,000 mile trip and the bottom-of-the-line D.I.D. chain a dealer installed years ago was a joke.  I lubed it at the end of each day and had to adjust it every other day.  At 5,500 miles it was so loose and noisy I couldn't take it anymore.  I replaced both sprockets and installed an EK ZZZ chain.  Adjusted it twice in the remaining 12,000 miles...even then, it was only a slight adjustment.

When I pulled the D.I.D. chain I looked up the specs...It was a 530 chain meant for no larger than 400cc dirt bikes.  Freakin dealers.

Drop $200+ on a high end D.I.D. or EK ZZZ chain and ride with a quiet drivetrain...

Cap'n Ron. . .

[roadracer21]

Hey everyone
Thank you for all of the great input! I spent a couple of days surfing the net lining up prices and comparing prices. Thought I guess I should call the dealer to see what outrageous prices they really had. So I did at first he quoted me $311 for the chain. I said wow thats a lot higher than everywhere online. No sooner than I said that the price for it dropped $100 down to $211. Said he would throw in the two sprockets fo r $50 more and no shipping. So I told him to order them up. Yes it is the continous chain but this way I can drop the swing arm and everything out clean and check it. Since it has never been done.

So again thank you all for you help and input! Anyone want to come and help get greasy?

Kevin

[Arnie]

A box of 25 nitrile (not latex) gloves can be purchased for only a couple of bucks.
That'll keep your manicure clean and grease free.
They're  also great to have if you happen across an accident and choose to render first aid.

Arnie

[andyb]

Carb cleaner eats vinyl gloves in an instant.  Handy though.  Also useful for oil changes, while we're at it.