Re-geared.

I was able to complete the FZ1's sprockets and chain replacement today. Process went WAY faster with power tools. Big thanks to Checkered Past Cycles.

I have no clue who owned the bike before me. Coulda been two, three, or eighteen owners before I bought it. Judging from the bike's miles, the chain and sprockets were almost guaranteed to be the original parts, and 30K miles is a good time to do a swap. I went with the stock gearing, since it's fast enough without adding a tooth or two. If anything, I feel like it could drop a tooth for more relaxed highway riding without giving up much acceleration. The front sprocket was very much in need of replacement. The back sprocket had some life left in it but the general rule for replacement is to do all three at a time.

I bought a chain/sprocket set from MotorcycleGear.com. The set is made by Regina Chain, an italian company. Italian means fast, right? Must be good. 

Whoever the previous owners were, they sure believed in prodigious application of chain lube.

This is what the front sprocket cover from a much-loved FZ1 looks like:

This is what the cover off my bike looked like:

Clearly a bit more...ahem...generous. I made some attempts to chisel off some of the buildup. Gave up after a while though, mostly because its not hurting anything and it was pretty well concreted on.

I purchased a Motion Pro PBR Chain Tool for the job, which is a three-in-one tool that can break, rivet, and press chains. Worked very well. Its a good deal for the money, since it does the job of three tools that you would otherwise have to purchase individually. Great job, consumer.

Anyways, finished result is a new chain. Its gold. Most high-end chains come with colored outer plates. Gold was the default with the Regina chains. I'm neutral about the gold. Looks better than the factory steel plates, and blue or red would be terrible.

Yay!

Life is good. I'm off for spring break. Weather looks good enough for a ride next week. Fingers crossed.