S4 chain pitch

[Drake]

Can I change the sprokets on my S4 to a 520 pitch (I have a brand new chain lying around) if so are all Ducati monster sprokets in this pitch compatable with my bike?

[Scotty]

well I wouldn't . might be ok for the 'half the bhp 600' or a race bike where it gets changed every other meeting but you pays you money and takes your choice

[jerry]

No it needs 525 or you will destroy the sprockets and the chain will snap as its probably not strong enough

[Kato]

Sorry Scotty / Jerry got to disagree with you both I only ever run 520 on my monster never had an issue and trust me every bit of its horsepower gets used..

Also know plenty of others with 520 conversions on very powerfull sports bikes with no issues, I'd say go for it.

[rac3r]

I think my ZX6 uses a 520

[Capo]

Its not pitch which is defined as the distance between the pins and is the same for the 520 and 525 chains, the difference is in the width.

I run a 520 chain on an alloy rear sprocket, with 138hp, no problems.

[Scotty]

right ok its not the power that would be my issue but the wear rate

you can't tell me that a 520 and alloy sprocket is going to last as long as 525 and steel

[gary tompkins]

Neither will last well unless they are cleaned, lubricated and adjusted properly

Something that gets overlooked by a lot of owners

[Drake]

The pitch is the distance between the pins surely. The chain is a brand new DID oring and is deffinately up to the job. Just asking are all Ducati sprokets interchangeable? I have run Dirt bikes all my life and I know all the pros and cons of steel vs alloy sprokets. alloy doesn't last as long. I would run steel by the way

[Dookbob]

Surely if you go from a 525 to a 520 chain , then you would need to change the sprockets from 5/16" to 1/4" thickness. Or is the play between the inner side plates of the chain not all that significant .

[gary tompkins]

The 520 or 525 measurement denotes both the pitch and width of the links

5 = .500" roller pitch centres

20 = .20" width between side plates

25 = .25" width between side plates

So a 525 chain is .050" wider than a 520, and will need matching 525 sprockets

Not all Ducati model sprockets are the same or compatible. Gearbox sprockets often have different offsets to allow for various engine/frame configurations. Rear sprockets can vary a lot in width, number of teeth and stud fixings ddepending on year or model. I upgraded to a 525 chain on the trike and used an S4 gearbox sprocket to get correct alignment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_chain#cite_note-MachinerysHandbook25epp2337-2361-9