I know steel sprockets are the best for the 14, but majority of the bike I see have the vortex sprockets. Is there something I'm missing? Are they reliable enough to use without changing every two months?

I might be wrong, but it is possible some people are using them because they are lighter, and or want them to match their bikes paint jobs.

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/4/2012 @ 2:35 PM *

All the alluminium / billet parts i have purchased weigh approximatey 1/2 what the OEM parts weigh.

This is a larger 45 tooth v OEM 41 tooth

I would say that slightly more people cautioned me against using aluminum sprockets than encourage me. The reason is that aluminum is a lot less durable. Even so, I have used my Vortex for 5000 miles and there are no missing teeth. As far as I can tell the sprocket has not worn much. I don't expect it to outlast a steel sprocket but I will be happy with at least 2 or 3 years service. It is not too expensive to replace and it is not a hard job either. I am a believer in waring the sprockets with the chain and replacing all at once. If you go to aluminum sprocket, you will probably not want to do that because a chain is a lot of work to change and it costs a lot too. Oh well, the price of running aluminum sprockets is that they need changing more and that might lessen the life of the chain too. That is the other side of the modding coin, so to speak.

Vortex sprockets do look better too. If you are into modding, do it. Bigger sprockets look cooler and they pack a stronger punch.

There are aluminum sprockets with steel teeth. Expensive but prolly a good inbetween. I'm all or nothin' so I went aluminum. Google Supersprox to see their steel /aluminum sprockets.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/4/2012 @ 3:42 PM *

I have a 17 t Supersprox engine sprocket. That is all steel but it is still lighter than OEM.

I think Vortex makes an aluminum engine sprocket but I would not recommend that as it turns many X more than the rear sprocket and is sure to ware out quite soon---and is more work to change.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/4/2012 @ 3:41 PM *

I always stay with the oem front sprocket. It is amazing how much the rubber damper reduces chain noise.

I have the black hardened one.I still have it in my garage.Will put it back on after I top end this thing.
Craig

I always stay with the oem front sprocket. It is amazing how much the rubber damper reduces chain noise.

I did notice a whining noise starting right at 55 mph yesterday. Never heard it before this. The chain needed tightenning, perhaps that will quiet it.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/8/2012 @ 12:56 AM *