Hello everyone,
I decided to fit a 17 tooth (+1) front sprocket to my GS500E to see if it will be better for my motorway commute. This may or may not have the desired benefits I'm looking for but thought it is worth a try.
I have just removed the old sprocket without issue, but on fitting the new one I noticed that there is a massive gap between the front sprocket face and where the circlip is supposed to engage.
I then looked at the old sprocket I removed and realised that the previous owner had also had this problem with thier sprocket. Their solution was to weld a spacer made from another old sprocket (see photos).
I was wondering if anyone knew if I am either:
Missing a spacer/spacers
Have the wrong sprocket
Have the wrong way to retain the front sprocket
My other thought is that it has had an engine change at some point and a sprocket from a newer model might be correct.
I appeciate all your help.
Thank you.
https://postimg.cc/gallery/RzKj39M
I can't remember when they started using the sprockets with the shoulder, but I want to guess around 1996. In theory, you shouldn't need the shoulder because the sprocket should self align on the shaft. I don't know if the shouldered sprockets are okay to use on the older bikes. I wouldn't use what the previous owner did as a guide for what's right. Even on my 2006 with the shouldered sprocket, there is still some side to side play. I think the shoulder was added for more surface area in contact with the splines to limit spline wear. It wasn't added to limit side to side movement. I would order an OEM Suzuki 16t sprocket that is for your bike's year so you can compare your 17t to what Suzuki intended for your bike.