Question on chain & sprocket sizes

[todd4040]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I have a 2009 Suzuki DR-Z 400s. It has a full Yoshi pipe, a dyno-jet kit with a K & N filter but the engine is otherwise stock. It currently has the stock gearing with a 15 T front & 44 T rear sprockets. The bike has 4,500 miles on it and I think the chain is a little worn as it is currently on the #6 adjustment setting (out of 7). I ride 30% on road and 70% off road so I wanted a little more low end gearing. My plan is to replace the rear sprocket with a 48 tooth and leave the stock front gear at 15 tooth and also replace the chain while I'm at it. Can anyone tell me how many links the new chain should have? The stock chain is a #520 with 112 links and the way it is worn I believe it is plenty long enough. But I do intend on switching back and fourth between the two rear sprocket sizes and wasn't sure if a new chain in the 112 link length would be too short for the bigger sprocket. Any advice? Thanx!! -Todd  

[braaapopopop]

new chains often come with 120 links...  you'll need to cut it to size using a chain breaker tool.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-EK-SRO5-520-x-120-LINK-HD-GOLD-O-RING-CHAIN-BIKE-MOTORCYCLE/191044524986?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D22310%26meid%3D6762567028389100942%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D9700%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D150622564890&rt=nc

 

This is one of those measure 10 times and cut once kinda scenarios.  you should be 100% sure of the connection you're leaving after the cut is made, additionally you need to make sure you've got the right length for your two different sizes of rear sprocket.

[Uzmati]

I recently went from a 47 to 51 tooth when the chain arrived it was identical to the old one (shop determined length based on original setup). What I notice once installed is that the rear moved in about a 1/4 inch. Not a big deal as there will be some stretch in the chain after awhile. Chain was with in spec per manual.