Hi. Looking into infamous sprocket upgrade and was wondering is it something it can be done in a garage or by “specialist” mechanic. I’ve left and right hand and know how to remove back wheel. Are there any vids available. Thanks in advance.
Use the search function top of page and put in Sprocket upgrade. That’ll get you started. Loads of stuff on forum.
I'm looking at it too. I think the limiting factor is that the rear nut for the sprocket is V V tight! If you've got the tools to remove those nuts then job should be straight forward. Don't even have to remove the rear wheel.
It's pretty straight forward, but the sprocket nut, whilst not usually tight as the one on the wheel, can be a pain to remove. If you buy a mains-powered impact gun, you'll make light of it and it's there when you need it. Sealey Mains 240V 300NM 1/2" Drive Impact Wrench Nut Gun Drill + Sockets, IW230V 5054511414479 | eBay
Just ordered up my kit after recommendations on this site: (was out of stock for a while) DID Chain & Sprocket Kit DU-1260S+2 for Ducati Multistrada 1260 S in Chain & Sprocket Kit (carpimoto.it) I'll worry about the fitting after it gets here. I've only got 5K on the bike, but hopefully this will make slow/urban/village riding a bit more of a pleasure.
It’s an easy thing to do for most. Ime the chain can also stay same length, just about, but will affect ride height a little if you keep standard chain. Not enough to worry about imo.
Agreed, 42 is an easy job, hardly changes economy and gives a noticeable extra punch under hard acceleration. Supersprox looks by far the best.
I don't own a chain tool, which I'll need? The good ones (DID?) are like £100? Don't want to buy one, don't know anyone to borrow from so may just pay to get my kit fitted by a bike garage.
If i'm correctly reading between the lines here: The question is whether a +2R is a DIY project? For me it was not as I had to buy a longer chain and had it cut to size. Now if the OP 's question was about the benefit of +2R then my answer would be 100%. One of the biggest bang upgrades for the bucks. Short levers (for me) and GPS bracket being a close second and third.
I changed the chain and sprockets myself but I do have a good impact driver (DeWalt DCF899, 950 Nm max.) and a torque wrench (Britool, 70 to 330 Nm) and I purchased a couple of chain tools (DID and AFRAM). To be honest, if you don't have the tools then get it done by a bike garage, it doesn't have to be a Ducati dealer providing they have the appropriate tools.
I brought one of these when fitting a new C&S to my 1200 - worked great: https://chainsandsprockets.co.uk/products/did-style-chain-breaker-tool I used a Dremel to cut the old one off first - much quicker and easier.
Yes, that was my question. I know the upgrade is worth doing. I’m quite confident with tools and tinkering, hence was wondering if there are any nuances and possibly videos I should learn before cracking the nut. From what everyone had chipped in, I need Pop-eye’s arm and chain tool. Am I right?
I’m with @steveb123 - without an impact wrench that front sprocket is likely to be a proper pain! The rear isn’t too bad. I fitted up a new front sprocket + 42 Supersprox rear + DID VVMZ (116) chain a couple of weeks back by myself. It’s not a hard job overall assuming you have decent tools etc. Getting everything off is easy (with an impact wrench). The hardest part was re-torquing the front sprocket. I tried with just the rear brake but couldn’t hold it. Had to use first gear and the rear brake - easy enough that way The rear nuts can be torqued just with the rear brake engaged. The rest is straight forward assuming you have a decent chain tool, a torque wrench that goes up to 230NM, a small hammer / mole grips to unbend & refit the front sprocket locking washer and some thread lock for the rear sprocket retaining / cush drive nuts. I’ve done quite a few chains in my time so already had the right tools already. As has been mentioned, if you’re buying all the tools to do the job it’s unlikely to be cheaper than getting a bike shop to do it…….but you’ll have the tools for another time of course which is how I’ve always looked at generic tool purchases
Almost….I didn’t need an impact driver to remove mine. Tbh some of the Cush drives were harder to get out than the nut! If you replace the chain, a chain tool is very handy, you can just get a cheap one, long as you realise it may only last the once. But how often do you change the chain?! Btw my eBay Seeley copy special, about £15 iirc, lasted a few chains and only failed due to user error…! But with a cheap one, chances are you’ll need to angle grinder the chain off.
If it wasn't for cutting the new chain down to size, I would have done it myself as I have tools including torque wrenches and an impact wrench which I find invaluable for removing the rear axle nut. I just didn't want to risk ruining a new and very expensive chain because of my lack of chain tool and experience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ About the rear socket tool if you don't already have one: This info has been posted probably ad-infinitum but worth repeating to avoid searching for it. Do get a steel one. Moreover, I would suggest one where both sockets sizes are on the same side like this: The one I have , although is ok but has the front socket on the backside of the rear socket thus my impact wrench doesn't quite seat all the way into it. It works but could be better.
This may not be relevant although important to note that the chain length between the 1200 and the 1260 are not the same.
