I tried to get a book, but its going to take a week to come in and I have the sprocket now :) So, can anyone give me a somewhat detailed description on how to change my front sprocket? Anything to be wary of? I am putting on the 16T and have no experience :( Is it difficult to get the chain tightened correctly?

Undo the bolts that hold the gaurd that is around the front sprocket area. There will be like 6 I think. 2 top, 2 bottom then 1 on the side and one that shares the clutch mechanism. Once it's loose, then wiggle and the cover will come off (side fairing is best to be removed for easier movement). Then grab a big ass socket and put it on the bolt. Make sure your bike is in a low gear. I usually use an extension bar to get the leverage. I assume you already have the chain off, cuz you wouldn't be changing the sprocket without changing the chain, likely. Otherwise, you'll have to loosen the chain so you can get it off the front sprocket. Pull the sprocket off, and reverse the steps to put it on. Use some loctite on the big bolt that holds the sprocket on.

Thanks for the info. And no, I don't have my chain off.

Should I replace my chain? I only have 5k on it. My plan was to put the new sprocket on and call it good for awhile.

Leave the chain, but you'll need to replace the front sprocket again when the chain's worn in another 5-15K, depending on use and maintenance.

don't use a torque wrench (or be careful doing so) on the cover bolts - i twisted one in half :shock:

btw, you'll love the upgrade!

What did you try torquing them to? :shock:

I always use a torque wrench, and have never had a problem. If the bolt is 6mm thread, then torque to 108 lbs/in, or 9 lbs/ft, and you won't have a problem.

Check the manual to be sure of those numbers, but that's a general rule for a 6mm fastener.

I figured since this thread got old, i'd take over it. For those folks who have taken that sprocket cover off you can probably visualize this joy easily.

as i mentioned above, i over torqued one of the bolts to the sprocket cover and broke it, thus leaving a bolt that secures the sprocket cover AND the clutch thingy empty.

well, i've ridden the bike 10k + since this and haven't noticed a thing until this morning, i'm playing with the clutch lever and notice that the clutch thingy is actually moving! i think, damn, now i got to dig in there and figure out where the bolt broke. (i had already bought a new bolt from roneyers.com using their microfiche :grin: )

1) worse case scenario - i'm thinkin the bolt secures both the cover and the clutch thingy and that it broke in the middle, thus permanantly bolting on - wasn't the case, in fact, it's impossible
2) second worse scenario - bolt broke off inside the thread and i can't get ahold of it to back it off.
3) best case - bolt is jagged and extending out of the threaded portion - yay!....

so i take one of those sockets that has a one-fit-all set of pins in the middle of it, place it slightly off center and kind of chip away at the broken off bolt... i'll be damned, i got it out!....

she's all buttoned up ready for her 150 mile commute tomorrow :grin:

told my wife - see, i told you i was gonna use that socket gadget thingy eventually

Quick word of advice...leave the chain on while loosening and tightening the front sprocket bolt...I just did sprocket/chain replacement last month and found The nut to be very hard to break loose with the chain off

i 2nd that, i did it with the chain on, and it was a piece of cake :grin: