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New Clutch Cable and Chain/sprocket suggestions

166 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  SilicaNinja, 
S
Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new clutch cable (current one lets the lever flap in the wind like a bird) and was wondering what the community suggests. I'm between the Spears and the OEM. Open to suggestions as I don't have my heart set on anything.

Next question, my chain has a tight spot :( and I need to replace it. Am I better off bringing it to shop to do or should I do it myself? Should I order sprockets with it or just the chain? The sprockets look to be in good condition so I'm unsure if I should go all out.

Advice on either front would be extremely helpful. TIA!
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J
I would replace the sprockets when you do the chain, if your chain needs changing your sprockets probably arent far behind even if they don't look it. They wear with the chain (obviously) and will shorten the life of your new chain if you put a new chain on old sprockets as far as I know. You can get front and rear JT sprockets (I've used them for years and they work great) for about $15 each on amazon right now.

On the clutch cable, I always get oem on stuff like that. An oem cable isn't expensive and they seem to be just a little better quality in general IMO. Either will work fine though I bet...

Have you adjusted your clutch cable? You know there is another clutch cable adjustment down by the clutch actuator arm on the clutch cover? I use that one for "coarse" adjustments and the adjuster on the lever for "fine" adjustments...
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jjmaine said:
I would replace the sprockets when you do the chain, if your chain needs changing your sprockets probably arent far behind even if they don't look it. They wear with the chain (obviously) and will shorten the life of your new chain if you put a new chain on old sprockets as far as I know. You can get front and rear JT sprockets (I've used them for years and they work great) for about $15 each on amazon right now.

On the clutch cable, I always get oem on stuff like that. An oem cable isn't expensive and they seem to be just a little better quality in general IMO. Either will work fine though I bet...

Have you adjusted your clutch cable? You know there is another clutch cable adjustment down by the clutch actuator arm on the clutch cover? I use that one for "coarse" adjustments and the adjuster on the lever for "fine" adjustments...
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Great, thank you! Intuition told me I should do them at the same time, but I wanted to get an expert opinion on the matter. I can understand the dynamics/maintenance of four wheels, but two wheels are still new(er).

Again, still a new concept to me. I wasn't sure how the aftermarket faired with reputable brands and such.

I have been adjusting it intermittently between the two (when lever runs out, switch to down by the cover, repeat as necessary) and I have run out of real estate...on both ends. Das boot at the cover is pretty scrunched which signaled me that it may be time for a new one. My fault for not clarifying that there was no more room!

Thank you for the advice @jjmaine!
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J
No problem! All I can tell you is what I would do in your case but I am far from an expert! Like I said, on many of the regular maintenance/wear items, unless aftermarket is much cheaper or it adds some value that oem doesn't, then oem usually is a pretty good bet. That said, no problem with aftermarket either.
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jjmaine said:
No problem! All I can tell you is what I would do in your case but I am far from an expert! Like I said, on many of the regular maintenance/wear items, unless aftermarket is much cheaper or it adds some value that oem doesn't, then oem usually is a pretty good bet. That said, no problem with aftermarket either.
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Expert or not, greatly appreciated! As far as a chain goes, would you recommend a DID x-ring w/ the JT sprockets? Or go back to OEM here too?
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J
I’d get the D.I.D. X-ring, they are great. That’s what I just put on my bike last summer anyway. :)
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jjmaine said:
I’d get the D.I.D. X-ring, they are great. That’s what I just put on my bike last summer anyway. :)
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Sounds like a biased review if you ask me lol... I'm kidding, sounds like some great suggestions.
I know that I definitely won't be ordering parts at work tomorrow...
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