42t Sprocket Weights for Vitpilen 701, Svartpilen 701, and Duke 690

[Sofauxboho]

Frustrated that everyone claims to be "the lightest" without publishing actual weights, I purchased several of the main sprocket options for the 701/690 in the popular 42 tooth size and weighed them myself.

Results:
Stock 2018 Vitpilen 701 steel 40t: 1.084 lbs
OEM KTM steel 42t (part 75010051042), $68.01: 1.306 lbs
Dirt Tricks skeletonized steel 42t, $117.75: 1.074 lbs
SuperSprox hybrid aluminum / steel 42t, $89.96: 1.352 lbs
Sunline all aluminum 42t, $14.99: 0.638 lbs

Album with pictures of all sprockets on the same scale, one at a time:

Vitpilen 701, Svartpilen 701, Duke 690 sprocket weights · Nov 1 – 19, 2021 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

(Note that the scale was zeroed each time. In the photos with a paper towel under the sprocket it was zeroed with the paper towel on and no sprocket, then the sprocket was added in order to tare the weight of the paper towel. All shown readings are the weight of the sprocket alone.)

Results:
The SuperSprox hybrid sprocket is shockingly heavy and in no way worth the significant cost.
The OEM KTM 42t steel sprocket weighs less than the SuperSprox at about 2/3rds of the cost. However, the original 40t sprocket is much lighter. Adding two teeth (5%) adds 30% to the weight!
An all-aluminum sprocket is cheap and weighs half what the other options do, but this isn't really an option for anyone who racks up a reasonable number of miles. And it only saves half a pound.
If you aren't cost sensitive the Dirt Tricks sprocket may be your best bet. It isn't lighter than stock, but it at least lets you move to 42t gearing without gaining weight or losing durability. Otherwise the KTM OEM sprocket is a good way to go. It's also black, which is nice.

I went with the Dirt Tricks sprocket, myself. Though I'm still tempted to try the all-aluminum sprocket and see how long it lasts.

 

[bartiger]

esjot 43t sprocket all Aluminium = 0.595 ibs
4000km and still in mint condition.. I use motul Chain paste

 

[Ben Oldschool]

You might try looking for a lighter 520 chain.

 

[Sofauxboho]

You might try looking for a lighter 520 chain.

Is there much weight difference between 520 chains? I'd assumed they all weighed roughly the same.

 

[Ben Oldschool]

If you're counting grams, then I'm sure some chains are marketed as being lighter than others.

 

[Sofauxboho]

Interesting! I’ve kinda blown my wad buying and weighing these sprockets, but if someone is willing to document chain weights I for one would love to see the results.

We clearly can’t count on manufacturers’ claims!

 

[BISavage]

I have had a few different ones on my 401, and I jotted down the weights for comparison... the DID vx3 should be the right strength for a 701, the lighter mx ones are only rated to like 70hp max so im not sure how well they would hold:

• 1704g - 112 DID VX3 (x-ring)
• 1747g - 114 DID VX3 (x-ring)
• 1858g - 114 CZ ORM (o-ring)
• 1914g - 118 CZ ORM (o-ring)
• 1915g - 118 Esjot HCR (non-sealed)
• 1598g - 114 RK MXU (uw-ring)
• 1544g - 112 RK MXZ4 (non-sealed)

 

[BISavage]

After writing the post, I was wondering myself if the 70hp (off road racing) rated MXU would hold on a 701 without snapping...

It will probably wear a bit faster than the normal 700cc / 150hp rated chains, but it does have a very high tensile strength.

 

[Max Kool]

I think you’ll be fine. Offroad chains have a harsher life, right?

 

[BISavage]

Does the stock CZ chain have any other markings on it to determine which one it is?

 

[BISavage]

Does the stock CZ chain have any other markings on it to determine which one it is?

I would assume its a 520 DZX

ČZ Řetězy s.r.o. - Street

ČZ Řetězy s.r.o.

www.czretezy.cz

 

[Max Kool]

It’s a CZ ORH chain.

 

[Vatte]

This is a wonderful idea! I had the same problems with not available weight informations.
In the end I went with the JTR89742 (EAN 824225316186) because it ist cheap, durable (steel) and looks nearly like the OEM 40 teeth sprocket.
In addition the JTF190215RB15 (EAN 824225209372) 15 teeth goes in as front sprocket.

• JT steel 42t, € 20.47 ~ $ 23.03: 520 g ~ 1.1464 lbs
• JT steel 15t, € 10.32 ~ $ 11.79: 198 g ~ 0.4365 lbs

 

[BISavage]

I was looking at the kits available from Husqvarna, and they only list a 40 tooth rear sprocket.

Interestingly enough, they offer 3 Original Front Sprockets for the bike...

 

[BISavage]

So I will probably install this one once I choose what I wanna do with the chain; cost about 20 bucks.
0.44 lbs. / 40 Teeth (42 sold out... wierd...)

 

[BISavage]

So, I decided to pick up one of these:

 

[BISavage]

So, here is the Stock Chain removed with 0 miles; 4.24 lbs. (the bag weighs 8 grams)

Notice in Pic 2 the "X-Ring" from the stock chain... I am no expert, but that is the most peculiar "X-Ring" I done seen.

 

[svartron]

Probably an economy OEM variant of the CZ ORH chain.
They call it Active-Ring, announce it as X-Ring but it looks like an O-Ring.

 

[Max Kool]

Lol

(O-ring is still ok of course)

 

[BISavage]

Lol

(O-ring is still ok of course)

Unless it was supposed to be unsealed...