Instructions for Changing the Front Sprocket on an RSV Mille

Instructions for changing the front sprocket on an RSV Mille

For the record, here is the step by step sequence for removal of the old sprocket and fitting of the new one. Easiest done with the bike on a paddock stand. Takes about 30-45 minutes.

1) remove left fairing side panel

2) undo left lower fairing mounting to footpeg to allow lower fairing to drop a bit for easier access

3) put bike in gear (making later sprocket removal easier)

4) note position of gear lever (I used some tape on the frame either side of the lever) and then remove gear lever by unscrewing allen bolt all the way out

5) remove the plastic sprocket cover by undoing the 3 allen bolts. sprocket is now exposed. you should now be covered in the slimy black chain lube gunk that has accumulated under the cover - lovely. Be careful of the two wires at the bottom of the cover which are set into guides. They can be slid out of the guides quite easily to remove the cover completely, but dont forget the refit them later

6) undo rear wheel spindle nut using 32mm socket

7) screw chain adjusters all the way in allowing rear wheel to move forward all the way slackening the chain completely

put gear lever back on (no need to bolt it on) so you can put the bike into neutral. Now rotate the rear wheel and unship the chain from the rear sprocket. I found it easiest to bring the chain to the outside of the rear sprocket rather than the inside (wheel side).

9) wiggle & fiddle around with the front sprocket & the chain to pull the front sprocket off its spindle. As mentioned in earlier posts, this is a bit fiddly as you have to maneouver the chain so it does not catch on the frame preventing you pulling the sprocket out.

10) NOTE which way the sprocket comes off. It is not symmetrical! Putting the new one on the wrong way round would be bad.

11) wrap chain round new sprocket and fit it on the spindle in a similarly fiddly way. Make sure you get the sprocket the right way round!

12) put chain back onto rear sprocket

13) make sure the chain runs smoothly

14) put the bike back into gear

15) tighten front sprocket to the required torque (37lb/ft) - I used a thread locking compound on the nut as well

16) remove gear lever again

17) put the plastic sprocket cover back on again. Make sure that you refit the two wires into the guides at the bottom of the cover properly.

1 put the gear lever back on and tighten the bolt up, making sure the gear lever is aligned with the marks you made previously so you get it back in the correct place

19) re-tension the chain using the adjusters making sure that both sides are equal and the rear wheel is straight!

20) tighten the rear wheel spindle nut

21) refit the lower fairing to the footpeg bracket

22) refit the left fairing panel

23) carefully go for a road test

24) re-check the rear wheel alignment, chain tension and adjust if necessary.

25) enjoy!