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.

2-aught-12

Winter sucks. I want to be back on two wheels. Spring break is in a few weeks. I have a pile of parts to bolt on to the FZ1. I'm hoping to be done with various school assignments by then so I can have some wrench time.

I'm no mechanic but I think I can get the list completed in about twice the time it would take someone else. I'll be getting some help from the two blokes at Checkered Past Cycles, the new moto-restoration shop in Galesburg. They have graciously sublet their backroom to us Michigan riders who don't have bike storage and also allow people to wrench on their own machines at the shop. They have motorcycle lifts. In good condition, even. My bike and I have not known a finer location. If you're in the area take a look at the shop; the '60s MotoGP bike in the window will be a dead giveaway.

Pile 'o parts and maintenance awaiting the bike:
- Chain and sprockets - stock gearing and 530 chain.
- Crash bars
- Fuel filter
- Air filter check
- Rear brake fluid flush (and maybe pads while the wheel is off for the sprox)

C'mon spring.