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Sidewinder ATV sprockets and chain Heavy Duty DrivePublish date: Jan 1, 2003 By: Dean Waters Source: ATV at Off-Road.com If you have been following project Raptor you know that we have built it with the intention of desert racing. The desert and desert races are a brutal environment. We wanted a chain and sprockets that we do NOT have to worry about. You should always replace the chain and sprockets all at once. A worn chain with new sprockets or worn sprockets with a new chain will not allow everything to "wear" together as 1 unit. It will cause premature wear to the opposite component. An easy call for the whole setup? Vic Krause at Sidewinder Sprockets. Sidewinder has a number of different options depending on your application. We decided to go with the "Ti-Moly" ATV racing sprocket. Titanium and Chrome-Moly alloys are brought together in a complex composite material to produce a sprocket with a number of advantages. The sprocket is much lighter than a comparable stainless steel sprocket yet it has nearly twice the hardness of stainless steel without being brittle. You may have seen our reviews in the past on the stainless sprockets and now, thanks to this new technology from Sidewinder, we can go to the next level with the "Ti-Moly" sprocket. For a chain we chose the Quadra-Max "Ti-Series" O-ring Chain. This chain is built to handle the monster HP drag racing quads that some are building with a tensile stregth of nearly 14,000 pounds. While we are not putting out that kind of HP we wanted the strongest drive system we could get. As with all the Quadra Max chains it is built with heftier sideplates and larger pins than the standard motorcycle chain. The quadra max chain is built to minimize stretch and also has a one year warranty against breakage. For wet conditions, which we don't see much of in the desert, and minium friction losses the Teflon O-rings pass the most power to the rear tires. Installation .In preparation you will need to clean your new Sidewinder chain. It comes with a preservative grease on it that should be removed. Mineral spirits are the recomended solvent for this process. We found a small pail just the right size to cover the chain with mineral spirits, then with the help of a small brush, we got the preservative grease removed. . Remove your current chain. If it is an original it may not have a master link and will require a chain breaker. You can pick one up at most tool stores or you could order one along with your chain and sprockets from Sidewinder. With the chain removed you can remove your front and rear sprockets. We had some difficulty getting our front sprocket removed even with required socket. We ended up enlisting the help of our local shop, SandTech Racing. We installed the new 41 tooth Ti-Moly sprocket on a GYT-R aluminum sprocket holder. With new sprockets mounted you will need to determine the proper length for your chain. If you are using the same size sprockets and same swingarm you may be able to use your old chain as a guide. Just take your time and make sure you don't cut it too short. You can always shorten it but you can NOT lengthen it. Since we had a complete new swingarm we installed the chain and marked the proper length. We then shortened the new Quadra Max chain to the proper length with our chain breaker. Now install chain and master link. Make sure to install the master link with the closed end pointing in the direction of rotation to prevent it from getting knocked loose. Also make sure the clip is all the way in the groove. With chain installed you can set the proper tension on the chain. Move your suspenion through its complete range of motion to make sure you have chain properly adjusted. Summary The Sidewinder sprockets and chain should last us a longtime and a lot of miles in the desert. We can concentrate on the terrain and not worry about our drive system. The Sidewinder Titainiam series chain and sprocket are not cheap but if you have a high HP quad or you are racing and want something you can rely on then then we believe this is a good option. Sidewinder does have other options if you are on a tighter budget. "Ti-Moly" Series Rear Sprocket - $149.99 Front Srocket Quadra-Max "Ti-Series" O-ring Chain - $129.99 as part of package By: Dean Waters Source: ATV at Off-Road.com |
Remove sprocket guard to access front sprocket |
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| Independent Product Reviews By Editors and Staff of Top Enthusiast Magazines Re-printed From: WWR Dual Sport .COM Sidewinder Sprockets and Chain Written by HighFive Finally carved out some time this evening to work on my gearing changes with my Sidewinder stuff. Here's the goods: Both the sprocket and chain appear to be impressively made. Very high quality components. But, get your pad out and take some notes as I've learned a few things here. You must order a matching Sidewinder masterlink (I knew that). And, I (now) highly recommend ordering Sidewinder's custom made, super good, purposed built mounting bolts for the rear sprocket (I didn't know that). The sprocket has beveled holes at a particular angle that requires an exact matching bolt bevel to mount firmly (forever). I couldn't find a match for the bevel angle at my hardware store. I had to re-order mounting bolts and wait a couple more days. I will say the bolts from Sidewinder are magnificent fit and really heavy duty service. Appear stronger than the stock bolts. I also learned that masterlinks I received would NOT assembly easily! The flat plate would not slide onto the prongs very well. I had to file the holes a little bit bigger so that I could get the clip snapped in....which you know is a pain in the butt on O-ring chains even when they fit correctly. I had two Master Links. Both were the same situation. Here's a comparison of the rear sprockets mounted: Oops...just remembered something else IMPORTANT I learned tonight. The Sidewinder chain and sprockets are made to match. I thought I would try the Smart Chain on my stock sprockets to see if I could fit a 110 link on the bike with adjusters (they go way back....if you've noticed). It fit on the countersprocket ok, BUT I COULD NOT GET IT TO ROLL AROUND THE STOCK REAR SPROCKET. The links were hanging up on the teeth. Wheel would not turn. Spacing between links and sprocket teeth did not match. When I mounted the TI-2, the chain fit like a glove. Went on perfectly. So, that could be a BIG surprise if you didn't know better! Someone should probably buy me a milkshake for this golden nugget of advice. HF |
| The 10,000 lb "Smart Chain" in silver "half of forever" version |
| The TI-2 sprocket in 46 tooth "Forever" version. Weighed about 1/3 of stock. |
| Stocker |
| Sidewinder TI-2 |
| And, finally all buttoned up |
As promised, I put the original stock 13 tooth countersprocket back on. I didn't want to pull off the swingarm and all that jazz. So, I just busted a link out of my stock chain and pulled it off the bike. Wasn't planning on needing that thing again. This turned out to be tougher task than expected. Resulted in me gaining much appreciation for the heavy duty strength of the stock DID O-ring chain. |
Speaking of lube.....several wanted feedback on the Sidewinder Chain Lube specially made for O-rings. I've used it for a week of "hard service". Buy it! This stuff is good. Real Good! Goes on clear & clean. Softens up the chain in short order and does NOT dry out. My stock chain was constantly getting squeaky after a day or two of riding. Kept re-lubing with either WD40 or my old favorite PJ1 (clear for O-ring). Only lubed R² once last Saturday morning right before I headed to Camp Gruber for "hard" single track riding. Then, lots of pavement since. Put about 250 miles on the bike and she was still soft, quiet, lubricated, & ready to go. When I got the new Smart Chain installed tonight, it was stiff. I sprayed on the Sidewinder Chain Lube and it just relaxed and fell into place. Quit hanging up on the sprocket teeth and all that. I'm telling you....there's some kind of magic in this little can. It works as advertised. |
An update on the Sidewinder: new sprocket & chain performed great. The Smart Chain is the darn'dest thing. I've now run 450 miles on it, about half in the dirt & mud. It still looks freshly lubed! Rolls around the clock like its freshly lubed....nice & quiet, plus I can still "hear" that lubed sound. You know, that nice sound it has after you just lubed it. That's insane! How do they do this? I'm not telling anyone to go buy a Smart Chain. I just always wanted to try one & see if its as good as advertised. Time will tell, but so far WOW. My hope is to lube the chain and depart on a Friday evening for a long "pack-in, camp-out" with lots of hard trail riding. Usually we do over 500 miles on these kind of weekends. The chains get really dry & squeaky. Lots of mudholes & water crossings. I ain't packing chain lube in my bags. So, you see where I'm going with this test. Don't ya? I think its gonna do the trick. HF |
Click Here to See the Original Article At WWR Dual Sport .COM |
You need to bend tab back to allow removal of front sprocket. |
Remove sprocket guard to access front sprocket |
Installing the sidewinder "Ti-Moly" sprocketrocket. |
New Sindewinder sprocket and chain installed on GYT-R sprocket holder. |
Review of Sidewinder's Chain and Sprocket Set for the Honda 400EX
(written by PhilMoore@EXriders, Appended by ATVRiders Staff)
During a recent maintenance session with my 1999 400EX, I noticed the drive system was showing some wear. I have known about Sidewinder
since about 1988, when I bought my first quad, a 1988 Yamaha Blaster. During hop-up fever, I was noticing the flashy advertisements
Sidewinder was putting out with the "self cleaning" grooves machined in their sprockets. I never quite brought myself to purchase the
expensive system, but always thought it looked impressive by the specifications and testimonials. Flash forward to 2003, and now they have
the "Ti-Moly" sprockets that they claim to be super tough. In addition to the sprockets, they make a "QuadraMax Ti-Moly" O-ring chain that is
rated at 14,000 pounds tensile strength, with Teflon O-rings, and larger pins. I had previously been in contact with an email friend who had
purchased the Sidewinder System for his 400EX and had given glowing reviews of it. I have been hesitant to order the Sidewinder system
because of the price. My stock chain and sprockets have been on the 400EX since new and they are nearly four and a half years old now.
Could the Sidewinder system really last longer than that? I went ahead and gave Sidewinder a call�
The Sidewinder website reads like an "infomercial", but the real kicker was the casual, friendly manner in which the salesman answered the
phone. Coincidentally, my salesman's name is Phil. I had previously browsed the Sidewinder website, and "thought" I knew what I wanted. Of
course, the salesman immediately recommended the top-of-the-line "Ti-Moly" system, for "A little more money". I had originally intended on
spending about $250 for the system. The salesman quoted me a price of $387 for the complete "Ti-Moly" system! I nearly dropped the phone,
and after a short pause, told him I was only expecting approximately $250 according to pricing on the web. He immediately gave me a price of
287.95, which was still more than I wanted to spend, but this is for the "top-of-the-line". Whether they really needed the sale, or they are pulling
the old Kirby/Home Shopping Network drop-the-price-and-they will-buy tactic, I am not sure. The salesman did get me to buy the more
expensive parts! I recently read a Dirt Wheels review on this system, and they stated the Ti-Moly system cost $149.00! I felt as though I had
been kicked in the gut. I emailed sidewinder, and received a reply from Vic Krause, the owner of Sidewinder, stating the price in Dirt Wheels
was a misprint, and that price was for the chain only.
Two days later, I had my system via Fed-Ex. According to Sidewinder, the master link is specialized, and only fits the Sidewinder system, due to
the large pin. When I ordered, I asked for only one extra master link. I was pleasantly surprised to find an extra master link in the box. So, in
total, I have 3 clipped master links, and one regular/permanent master link that apparently will require the pins to be staked. Total cost with
shipping is 303.94. This system better last for eight years, which would be double what my old chain and sprockets have lasted! [My initial
inspection of this system left me quiet impressed with its fit and finish, I predict that it will last significantly longer than an OEM set, making Phil
a happy man! - ATVRiders Staff.]
My first impression of the rear sprocket was "geez, this thing looks half worn already!" If you look at the side by side comparison of my four
and a half year old stock sprocket with the new sidewinder, you can see the teeth on the new sprocket appear to have much less metal on
them! I do not know what to think of this. The chain seems to fit properly with no slack.
Installation:
If you are only changing out the drive system, and not doing other maintenance, the most difficult part of the installation is removing the stock
chain. The stock chain has no master link, so removing the swingarm is necessary. Fortunately, I needed to completely disassemble clean and
re-lube my linkage, axle bearings, and swingarm bearings. I also had my stock shock serviced with new oil and a recharge.
The next most difficult task is removing the "packing" grease that coats the chain from the factory. The system instructions recommend
removing the substance with mineral spirits prior to installing the chain, otherwise, system life may be compromised. It took me approximately
20 minutes of scrubbing with a toothbrush and mineral spirits to remove all the goo from the chain. Sidewinder sells it's own brand of chain
lube for this system. I did buy a can with the system, but I wonder why they do not coat the chain with the standard lube, rather than use the
white goo that must be removed before installation.
Installing the chain and sprockets is the normal procedure. The only difference being the master link assembles extremely easily, compared to
others I have installed (Tsubaki, DID, RK). I was tempted to stake the permanent master link into the chain, but decided to go ahead and use
the snap together master link because I do not have the tool to stake the pins. I believe Sidewinder should make up master link free chains,
like the stock chain. I have a preference for the unbroken chain compared to one with a master link simply because there is no chance that
your clipped master link will come undone.
Weights and Measures:
Front Sidewinder: 7.25oz
Front Stock: 6oz (stock sprocket is drilled, thus reducing weight)
Rear Sidewinder: 14.75oz
Rear Stock: 19.5oz
Sidewinder chain pin: 0.209" diameter
Stock chain pin: 0.203"
These weights are according to my postal scale. I do not have a scale that will weigh the chain accurately.
You can see the Sidewinder chain pin is 0.006 larger than the stock chain, so it is imperative that you use the Sidewinder master link.
ATVRiders Staff Conclusion:
I feel that this system is an extremely high quality chain and sprocket set. I predict its durability to be stellar, consistent with Sidewinder's
other prodcuts. Sure it is pricey but the bottom line is that this system should last a rider a very long time, and give them the security that only
the Sidewinder name can offer. Vic Krause even included several cool Sidewinder decals and a great looking keychain shaped like a sprocket!
No more worries about drive chain snappage, which leads to ultra expensive case cracks. This product is pricey but for racers and hardcore
trail riders it is money well spent. Sidewinder also offers less expensive, high quality, chain and sprockets to fit any budget. Check out
Sidewinder's website at: www.SideWinderSprockets.com. I give this product, and Sidewinder overall, 5 stars out of 5! Thanks Phil for the great
review! - ATVRiders Staff.
Copyright 2002-2008, ATV Riders All Rights Reserved - ATV Riders Forum - Message Board - Archive
(written by PhilMoore@EXriders, Appended by ATVRiders Staff)
During a recent maintenance session with my 1999 400EX, I noticed the drive system was showing some wear. I have known about Sidewinder
since about 1988, when I bought my first quad, a 1988 Yamaha Blaster. During hop-up fever, I was noticing the flashy advertisements
Sidewinder was putting out with the "self cleaning" grooves machined in their sprockets. I never quite brought myself to purchase the
expensive system, but always thought it looked impressive by the specifications and testimonials. Flash forward to 2003, and now they have
the "Ti-Moly" sprockets that they claim to be super tough. In addition to the sprockets, they make a "QuadraMax Ti-Moly" O-ring chain that is
rated at 14,000 pounds tensile strength, with Teflon O-rings, and larger pins. I had previously been in contact with an email friend who had
purchased the Sidewinder System for his 400EX and had given glowing reviews of it. I have been hesitant to order the Sidewinder system
because of the price. My stock chain and sprockets have been on the 400EX since new and they are nearly four and a half years old now.
Could the Sidewinder system really last longer than that? I went ahead and gave Sidewinder a call�
The Sidewinder website reads like an "infomercial", but the real kicker was the casual, friendly manner in which the salesman answered the
phone. Coincidentally, my salesman's name is Phil. I had previously browsed the Sidewinder website, and "thought" I knew what I wanted. Of
course, the salesman immediately recommended the top-of-the-line "Ti-Moly" system, for "A little more money". I had originally intended on
spending about $250 for the system. The salesman quoted me a price of $387 for the complete "Ti-Moly" system! I nearly dropped the phone,
and after a short pause, told him I was only expecting approximately $250 according to pricing on the web. He immediately gave me a price of
287.95, which was still more than I wanted to spend, but this is for the "top-of-the-line". Whether they really needed the sale, or they are pulling
the old Kirby/Home Shopping Network drop-the-price-and-they will-buy tactic, I am not sure. The salesman did get me to buy the more
expensive parts! I recently read a Dirt Wheels review on this system, and they stated the Ti-Moly system cost $149.00! I felt as though I had
been kicked in the gut. I emailed sidewinder, and received a reply from Vic Krause, the owner of Sidewinder, stating the price in Dirt Wheels
was a misprint, and that price was for the chain only.
Two days later, I had my system via Fed-Ex. According to Sidewinder, the master link is specialized, and only fits the Sidewinder system, due to
the large pin. When I ordered, I asked for only one extra master link. I was pleasantly surprised to find an extra master link in the box. So, in
total, I have 3 clipped master links, and one regular/permanent master link that apparently will require the pins to be staked. Total cost with
shipping is 303.94. This system better last for eight years, which would be double what my old chain and sprockets have lasted! [My initial
inspection of this system left me quiet impressed with its fit and finish, I predict that it will last significantly longer than an OEM set, making Phil
a happy man! - ATVRiders Staff.]
My first impression of the rear sprocket was "geez, this thing looks half worn already!" If you look at the side by side comparison of my four
and a half year old stock sprocket with the new sidewinder, you can see the teeth on the new sprocket appear to have much less metal on
them! I do not know what to think of this. The chain seems to fit properly with no slack.
Installation:
If you are only changing out the drive system, and not doing other maintenance, the most difficult part of the installation is removing the stock
chain. The stock chain has no master link, so removing the swingarm is necessary. Fortunately, I needed to completely disassemble clean and
re-lube my linkage, axle bearings, and swingarm bearings. I also had my stock shock serviced with new oil and a recharge.
The next most difficult task is removing the "packing" grease that coats the chain from the factory. The system instructions recommend
removing the substance with mineral spirits prior to installing the chain, otherwise, system life may be compromised. It took me approximately
20 minutes of scrubbing with a toothbrush and mineral spirits to remove all the goo from the chain. Sidewinder sells it's own brand of chain
lube for this system. I did buy a can with the system, but I wonder why they do not coat the chain with the standard lube, rather than use the
white goo that must be removed before installation.
Installing the chain and sprockets is the normal procedure. The only difference being the master link assembles extremely easily, compared to
others I have installed (Tsubaki, DID, RK). I was tempted to stake the permanent master link into the chain, but decided to go ahead and use
the snap together master link because I do not have the tool to stake the pins. I believe Sidewinder should make up master link free chains,
like the stock chain. I have a preference for the unbroken chain compared to one with a master link simply because there is no chance that
your clipped master link will come undone.
Weights and Measures:
Front Sidewinder: 7.25oz
Front Stock: 6oz (stock sprocket is drilled, thus reducing weight)
Rear Sidewinder: 14.75oz
Rear Stock: 19.5oz
Sidewinder chain pin: 0.209" diameter
Stock chain pin: 0.203"
These weights are according to my postal scale. I do not have a scale that will weigh the chain accurately.
You can see the Sidewinder chain pin is 0.006 larger than the stock chain, so it is imperative that you use the Sidewinder master link.
ATVRiders Staff Conclusion:
I feel that this system is an extremely high quality chain and sprocket set. I predict its durability to be stellar, consistent with Sidewinder's
other prodcuts. Sure it is pricey but the bottom line is that this system should last a rider a very long time, and give them the security that only
the Sidewinder name can offer. Vic Krause even included several cool Sidewinder decals and a great looking keychain shaped like a sprocket!
No more worries about drive chain snappage, which leads to ultra expensive case cracks. This product is pricey but for racers and hardcore
trail riders it is money well spent. Sidewinder also offers less expensive, high quality, chain and sprockets to fit any budget. Check out
Sidewinder's website at: www.SideWinderSprockets.com. I give this product, and Sidewinder overall, 5 stars out of 5! Thanks Phil for the great
review! - ATVRiders Staff.
Copyright 2002-2008, ATV Riders All Rights Reserved - ATV Riders Forum - Message Board - Archive
It's All Over!
Off-Road.com was pleased to bring you Project CRF 450 - Many Thanks to the Manufacturers who sponsored it! Our New Long Term Projects
take you down the road of Dual Sport Action & Desert Racing.
See: Project 525 EXC and Project WR450F!
For Inquiries on Project CRF 450 - Please Contact Us
Krause Racing, the parent company of Sidewinder sprockets has been around for a long time.
Sidewinder has long been associated with lightweight, durable, and innovative sprocket designs.
Vic Krause has really outdone himself this time with the implementation of titanium in Sidewinder sprockets and chains.
Impressions
We tested a 13 tooth tool-steel front sprocket, a 51 tooth rear titanium sprocket, and a 520 non o-ring titanium chain. The entire drive system
is definitely standing the test of time. After two months of hard riding the entire drive system shows absolutely no signs of wear and look just
as good as the day I bolted them on. The tool-steel front sprocket proved to be lighter and far more durable than the stocker. The CRF is a
rear sprocket eater. Within 1 ½ weeks of riding on the stock sprocket I noticed 3 teeth completely broke off. After two months of riding on the
Sidewinder titanium sprocket it is amazing to see no wear at all. Additionally, the chain proved to be equally impressive. Not only is it just as
light as the stocker but it is far more durable. After two months of riding I haven't even had to adjust the chain once. You heard me right,
these products are virtually indestructible.
Last Corner
The products do have a fairly hefty price tag when compared to other sprockets and chains. Bear in mind however, it will be cheaper in the
long run to purchase one drive system that is a little more expensive at the time, but will last many, many more lifetimes than that of other
drive systems. It just makes good sense and it's nice to have one part of your motorcycle that you don't have to worry about for a long time. If
you are hard on your drive system or you race MX or ride in sand, these are the sprockets for you.
Sidewinder Products
prices as tested:
Product Price
Tool-Steel Front Sprocket $ 39.99
Titanium Rear Sprocket $ 149.99
Titanium #520 Non O-Ring Chain $ 119.99
Holeshot Endo
Virtually indestructible drive system.
Light weight.
Stays looking nice
Slightly pricey
Sidewinder Sprockets/Chain
Rating System
1 = poor / 10 = excellent
Original Article at OFF-ROAD.COM
Off-Road.com was pleased to bring you Project CRF 450 - Many Thanks to the Manufacturers who sponsored it! Our New Long Term Projects
take you down the road of Dual Sport Action & Desert Racing.
See: Project 525 EXC and Project WR450F!
For Inquiries on Project CRF 450 - Please Contact Us
Krause Racing, the parent company of Sidewinder sprockets has been around for a long time.
Sidewinder has long been associated with lightweight, durable, and innovative sprocket designs.
Vic Krause has really outdone himself this time with the implementation of titanium in Sidewinder sprockets and chains.
Impressions
We tested a 13 tooth tool-steel front sprocket, a 51 tooth rear titanium sprocket, and a 520 non o-ring titanium chain. The entire drive system
is definitely standing the test of time. After two months of hard riding the entire drive system shows absolutely no signs of wear and look just
as good as the day I bolted them on. The tool-steel front sprocket proved to be lighter and far more durable than the stocker. The CRF is a
rear sprocket eater. Within 1 ½ weeks of riding on the stock sprocket I noticed 3 teeth completely broke off. After two months of riding on the
Sidewinder titanium sprocket it is amazing to see no wear at all. Additionally, the chain proved to be equally impressive. Not only is it just as
light as the stocker but it is far more durable. After two months of riding I haven't even had to adjust the chain once. You heard me right,
these products are virtually indestructible.
Last Corner
The products do have a fairly hefty price tag when compared to other sprockets and chains. Bear in mind however, it will be cheaper in the
long run to purchase one drive system that is a little more expensive at the time, but will last many, many more lifetimes than that of other
drive systems. It just makes good sense and it's nice to have one part of your motorcycle that you don't have to worry about for a long time. If
you are hard on your drive system or you race MX or ride in sand, these are the sprockets for you.
Sidewinder Products
prices as tested:
Product Price
Tool-Steel Front Sprocket $ 39.99
Titanium Rear Sprocket $ 149.99
Titanium #520 Non O-Ring Chain $ 119.99
Holeshot Endo
Virtually indestructible drive system.
Light weight.
Stays looking nice
Slightly pricey
Sidewinder Sprockets/Chain
Rating System
1 = poor / 10 = excellent
Original Article at OFF-ROAD.COM
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