A few questions about chain, sprockets and chain lubricant:

--I need to replace the chain and sprocket(s) on my 1997 BJ250E. It is difficult to find authentic parts in Hanoi that are not made in China. What chain brand do you recommend? D.I.D. is occasionally available here (real or fake is hard to know).

--My rear sprocket teeth are becoming sharp like an arrow. What sprocket brand should I use? (Again, many sprockets here are not authentic quality.)

--Finally, I am sure there are many opinions but what is the most common product used by forum members to clean/lubricate the chain?

(Interestingly, this is a local company that delivers oil-type products directly to your residence and will even change the oil for you. Mr. Oil http://www.mymroil.com/ )

Hanoi Star

Hi Hanoi Star!
DID is good!
Most sprockets are made by JT.
Quality Japanese Steel, made in Thailand.
If it's hilly in your Country, use the regular 15-teeth-sprocket.
Here in Northern Germany we prefer the 16-sprocket.
But be careful when replacing the sprocket.
The original one is thicker on the engine-side.
Try to compensate These millimeters with a 2.5 mm (?) part.
Sorry, I just don't find the right word.

Ciao
Soulie

Dear Hanoi Star!
i use the did 520 nz without any seals.
it is much more easy going,
this means more power ; - )
please, change every time the complete system.
(chain + rear and front sprockets)
my system to lubricant,
every 200 km with penetrating oil, like wd 40
or after a rain tour.
in austria the want charge 80 €euro for the chain kit
(plus shipping to your country 49,50 €euro......)
maybe you know a cheaper way for sending.
respectfully, alexander.

Thank you Soulie and Muz.

Follow up below:

>DID is good!
***Okay, I will look for the DID chain.

>Most sprockets are made by JT. Quality Japanese Steel, made in Thailand.
***If I can find the JT sprocket, I will get it. Are there any other recommended brands for sprockets?

>If it's hilly in your Country, use the regular 15-teeth-sprocket. Here in Northern Germany we prefer the 16-sprocket.
***This is tough. Hanoi itself is quite flat and so is the Red River delta area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_Delta "The Red River Delta (also known as the Sông Hồng), is a flat, triangular region of 15,000 square kilometers,is smaller but more intensely developed and more densely populated than the Mekong Delta." The city of Hanoi has a lot of stop-and-go traffic and millions of motorbikes. Already, I have had two accidents. So, I try to avoid driving in dense traffic (and the city) as much as possible. However, 40km north of Hanoi there is a lot of mountainous terrain and incredible scenic driving. But to address your point, 85% of my driving is in relatively flat areas. Do you choose the 16-sprocket because Northern Germany is flat terrain?

>But be careful when replacing the sprocket.
The original one is thicker on the engine-side.
Try to compensate These millimeters with a 2.5 mm (?) part.
Sorry, I just don't find the right word.
***"Spacer"? Do you mean the 16-sprocket is thinner than the 15-sprocket?

Muz (Alexander) is it common to use a chain with no O-rings? It reduces the life of the chain with no O-rings, doesn't it? Also, this is a very rainy climate with high levels of humidity. I wonder if O-rings would last longer? I think your system to use WD40 is great. I used it on my bike back home and my chain was still going strong after 40,000km. Thank you for the suggestion on ordering the kit from Austria. Do you also use 16-sprocket?

Hanoi Star

No, the aftermarket-sprockets are thinner than the original ones.
No matter how many teeth.
I think it's called washer, the device to compensate the different thickness.
But perhaps you are lucky, and your Estrella does not leak after replacing the sprocket.
But watch it!
Please use a capsuled chain, no matter with O or X-rings.
In rainy conditions the 'naked' chain will wear quickly,
and you will spend lots of time, changing chains.

Cheers
Soulie

Sprockets:

Here is a link to a site in Japan that ships internationally to the buyer.

This page lists several sprockets: http://japan.webike.net/ps/kawasaki+estr...procket&p.m=364

Soulie has me nervous to make sure I find one with the same thickness of the original sprocket. I don't want a leaking problem.

Which sprocket looks good?

Hanoi Star

To me they all look alike.
But the Prices are
I just paid 8,20 Euro for mine.
But this is a really good price.
I have no idea, what shipping from here to Vietnam costs.

To decide, which sprocket is the right one
you have to see both sides.
Or read how thick it is.
Mine looks like this,
and the rear / flat side lacks the 'washer'.

dear Hanoi Star!
it is more a "religion" thing.
with or without O or X-rings.
i use on all me motorcycles only "pur chains"
for example 520 ERS2 G&G (25,900 kn)
or 520 NZ ( 35,800kn )
and be sure, the O or X rings will waste 2kW!
and when it raining the water is enough lubrication
in dry situation use, penetrating oil, wd40.
i prefer Ballistrol to support my chain
and the JTF512T 15Z sprocket.
greeting, alexander

So, as luck would have good timing . . . I have a friend in Tokyo right now. He returns to Hanoi next week. I was able to order:

Sprocket
Manufacturer: SUNSTAR
Part Number: 334-15 Front
Rear RH112-38

Chain
Manufacturer: DID
Part Number: 520VX2 110L SV

But please don't ask me the cost. Nothing in Japan is ever cheap. I also ordered two oil filters and the Posh Barrel Grips (that have a nice retro look). http://japan.webike.net/products/21124562.html

Alexander, I think your price of only 80 Euros for sprockets and chain is really a good price. Usually, at that price I would expect the product is made in China. Thank you Soulie for the excellent pictures of the sprockets. Hopefully, I can get all installed without too much drama.

Now, I need to figure a way to show you all pics of my bike.

Hanoi Star

I am providing this information for future reference if anyone is looking for a source for sprockets and chain. Prices are not too bad.

- - - - -
Dear Customer:

Thank you for your inquiry.

When you up the tooth front sprocket, it increase speed and the acceleration becomes dull. As a result, you feel easy to cruise.

Front sprocket, we recommend: Sunstar
http://japan.webike.net/products/20402470.html

Rear sprocket
*we recommend this if you think about durability
http://japan.webike.net/products/20576161.html

*if you prefer light procket
http://japan.webike.net/products/20393152.html

Chain
*standard type
http://japan.webike.net/products/21205716.html

*this chain is hard to get rusted because it coated with gold
http://japan.webike.net/products/21205633.html

Both of them are clip type, so it is easy to put on.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

We look forward to serving you.

Best regards,
Webike staff

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Alexander, I think your price of only 80 Euros for sprockets and chain is really a good price.
Usually, at that price I would expect the product is made in China....

it is normal qualitat, made in ? original from DID.
nobody knows where the product manufactured....
regards alexander.
and thx for the webbike link : - )