Go to chain and sprocket?

Spooner
Posts
2430
Joined
1/8/2011
Location
Kansas City, MO US
1/20/2026 4:33pm

VX3 chain and Renthal twin rings for me.  I can get a ton of time out of this combo. What really sucks is how much all the chains have gone up the last few months.  The VX3 is like double what it used to be along with all the other chain brands.  

3
GPrider
Posts
743
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
1/20/2026 4:41pm
I’ve used the ERT3 for years but they are currently on back order, so I’ve started using the 520DZ2 chain back in November and it’s been...

I’ve used the ERT3 for years but they are currently on back order, so I’ve started using the 520DZ2 chain back in November and it’s been great. Definitely a better price point as well and I might stick with that chain as it’s worked well the first two rounds of Sx. 

DDC rear sprocket last a whole season for me

https://www.didchain.com

20% off chains

CODE: MotoSchools20


https://ddcracing.net

20% off sprockets

CODE: RideLikeScotty20

just tried the DDC code, doesn't work, bummer

1/20/2026 5:30pm
GPrider wrote:

just tried the DDC code, doesn't work, bummer

I just emailed them. Code probably expired on the website. They usually have to be renewed every 6 months or so

Meister
Posts
3201
Joined
3/21/2013
Location
Canton, OH US
1/20/2026 6:08pm
GPrider wrote:

just tried the DDC code, doesn't work, bummer

I just emailed them. Code probably expired on the website. They usually have to be renewed every 6 months or so

Unfortunately inventory seems low too. 

The Shop

Gmyersdork
Posts
321
Joined
2/16/2021
Location
Beverly Hills, FL US
1/20/2026 6:31pm
Meister wrote:

Whats your flavor on newer 450s? What holds up?

Cheapest and cheapest. They're all the same, why spend the $

1
1/20/2026 6:34pm
GPrider wrote:

just tried the DDC code, doesn't work, bummer

I just emailed them. Code probably expired on the website. They usually have to be renewed every 6 months or so

Meister wrote:

Unfortunately inventory seems low too. 

Not sure on inventory but I got the code updated 

https://ddcracing.net

20% off sprockets

CODE: RideLikeScotty26

1
Saz
Posts
248
Joined
7/27/2023
Location
E, FL US
1/20/2026 6:54pm Edited Date/Time 1/20/2026 6:56pm

Aren't Dirt Tricks sprockets the one that have a tendency to bend and explode? I've seen one rip clean off a hub and demolish it, and it was cracked in 3 pieces however I've only seen it once and heard of it from others.

1
ob
Posts
1751
Joined
3/14/2010
Location
Cardiff , CA US
1/20/2026 6:59pm Edited Date/Time 1/20/2026 7:01pm

Most people run their chains to tight. 
Chains don’t stretch. It’s wear in between the chain rollers pins and your sprocket. No stretching 
 

3
Timo
Posts
1400
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
1/20/2026 7:10pm
ob wrote:

Most people run their chains to tight. 
Chains don’t stretch. It’s wear in between the chain rollers pins and your sprocket. No stretching 
 

Yep, minimum chain play on my YZF is 50mm, I've had people come up and tell me it's too loose and I reply that it's actually at the minimum play, aka as tight as I can go. 

2
Camo383
Posts
54
Joined
6/22/2025
Location
Stouffville, ON CA
1/20/2026 7:51pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2026 7:08am

Had a buddy convince me to try Dirt Tricks back in 2017 and haven't looked back. Nearly bulletproof, 1-2 year warranty and one of the sexiest looking sprockets out there. Have consistently put 60-80 hours per sprocket and the only reason I don't go longer on them is because they stay with the bike after I sell them, though it's good to replace them at that point because I think they eventually eat chains quicker. They make a great countershaft sprocket too.

Also used the TM guides/sliders for quite a while but recently switched back to stock or rubber sliders. Noticed they keep the drivetrain quieter (especially if you wear ear plugs) and the chains don't flat spot as fast. It’s also hard to get ahold of TM products in Canada.

Gone back and forth between different heavy duty chains, but noticed the best results with the ERT3. Have a hunch that lighter chains are easier on countershaft sprockets but that’s just my experience.

1
MX558
Posts
1965
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
1/20/2026 7:55pm
ob wrote:

Most people run their chains to tight. 
Chains don’t stretch. It’s wear in between the chain rollers pins and your sprocket. No stretching 
 

I've run the erts , rentals and primary drive chains . I run them loose so they all last a while . I've seen people run them tight and snap a few . One guy did two in one day 

Vet57
Posts
2472
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
BRO Town, MA US
1/21/2026 12:09am

For me, Flo sprockets and ERT3 chains on any displacement. 

1/21/2026 3:56am

I run cheap aluminum sprocket with a ETR3 chain but i think im going to switch it up this time and go all steel with a oring chain

2
ithinkitsbroke
Posts
98
Joined
1/29/2024
Location
The Semi Frozen Tundra, MN US
1/21/2026 5:22am

OEM sprockets and Firepower HD (non o-ring) chains for me. Usually 25ish hours before I change the set, sell the sprockets cheap on Marketplace, and trash the chain. We do ride a lot of sand though...

One thing I think a lot of guys miss is making sure the wheel is aligned correctly. It's like some folks don't know what the axle block etch marks are for - and even those can be off a bit. It's worth throwing a tape or set of calipers down there and checking things out.

 

1/21/2026 6:38am
zippytech wrote:
I prefer Sun Stars that don't have mud cleaning grooves, to me cleaning groove sprockets never seem to last as long. As for chain I generally...

I prefer Sun Stars that don't have mud cleaning grooves, to me cleaning groove sprockets never seem to last as long. As for chain I generally spend about a hundred bucks 110 bucks on a non o-ring chain and like a 125 on an o-ring chain did, or ek.

 

X001 2.jpg?VersionId=KwYZ

Someone please explain to me the Sunstar situation. Are they not making sprockets all together, just not importing to USA anymore? Only making them for OEM?

I heard something about this, but don't know the full story. 

 

Timo
Posts
1400
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
1/21/2026 6:48am
zippytech wrote:
I prefer Sun Stars that don't have mud cleaning grooves, to me cleaning groove sprockets never seem to last as long. As for chain I generally...

I prefer Sun Stars that don't have mud cleaning grooves, to me cleaning groove sprockets never seem to last as long. As for chain I generally spend about a hundred bucks 110 bucks on a non o-ring chain and like a 125 on an o-ring chain did, or ek.

 

X001 2.jpg?VersionId=KwYZ
Someone please explain to me the Sunstar situation. Are they not making sprockets all together, just not importing to USA anymore? Only making them for OEM?I...

Someone please explain to me the Sunstar situation. Are they not making sprockets all together, just not importing to USA anymore? Only making them for OEM?

I heard something about this, but don't know the full story. 

 

I believe they went OEM only.

Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
1/21/2026 6:49am

I go with the DID ERT3 chain.....doesn't really matter which brand of sprocket but i stay with the aluminum.  I get about 40 hours before the sprocket needs replacement.  At this time....the chain is shot as well.  How are you guys using the same chain for multiple sprockets?  Assume perfect maintenance with cleaning, lubing, and tightening the chain.

What do the guys with multiple rear wheels for the same bike do?  I always get an extra rear wheel and never use it because the sprocket weaer doesn't match the chain wear.

Ddub171
Posts
22
Joined
3/11/2024
Location
Stanchfield, MN US
1/21/2026 6:58am
Moto520 wrote:
I go with the DID ERT3 chain.....doesn't really matter which brand of sprocket but i stay with the aluminum.  I get about 40 hours before the...

I go with the DID ERT3 chain.....doesn't really matter which brand of sprocket but i stay with the aluminum.  I get about 40 hours before the sprocket needs replacement.  At this time....the chain is shot as well.  How are you guys using the same chain for multiple sprockets?  Assume perfect maintenance with cleaning, lubing, and tightening the chain.

What do the guys with multiple rear wheels for the same bike do?  I always get an extra rear wheel and never use it because the sprocket weaer doesn't match the chain wear.

My MX34 tire wheel gets like 1/4 of the hours my MX14 does. I still throw a new sprocket on when i do the MX14 and throw the 34 sprocket in the "its got potential" pile never to be touched again. Even though it has half its life left and the "potential" pile is 6 sprockets deep. 

2
Meister
Posts
3201
Joined
3/21/2013
Location
Canton, OH US
1/21/2026 7:02am
Meister wrote:

Whats your flavor on newer 450s? What holds up?

Gmyersdork wrote:

Cheapest and cheapest. They're all the same, why spend the $

Because i have a broken chain phobia. I like my neck and my engine cases. Lol 

2
GPrider
Posts
743
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
1/21/2026 7:35am

I just emailed them. Code probably expired on the website. They usually have to be renewed every 6 months or so

Awesome, thank you! need a couple, appreciate it!

NLMB150
Posts
193
Joined
2/3/2022
Location
Dying out west, TX US
1/21/2026 7:46am

It blows me away with chains,  rmatv  and motosport has Did ert3s for $145, amazon has the same chain for $85….. been doing this for years, it’s ridiculous.

mpy
Posts
641
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Here or there... FR
1/21/2026 7:53am
moto-master-fusion-black-tilt

 

I don't think they get better looking than this,... and quality is excellent,

MXer391
Posts
416
Joined
2/10/2014
Location
Altoona, PA US
1/21/2026 8:00am
NLMB150 wrote:
It blows me away with chains,  rmatv  and motosport has Did ert3s for $145, amazon has the same chain for $85….. been doing this for years...

It blows me away with chains,  rmatv  and motosport has Did ert3s for $145, amazon has the same chain for $85….. been doing this for years, it’s ridiculous.

I've seen this several times and I am always concerned that he Amazon version is some sort of "knock off"

3
GPrider
Posts
743
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
1/21/2026 8:18am
MXer391 wrote:

I've seen this several times and I am always concerned that he Amazon version is some sort of "knock off"

iv'e actually heard that is the case. Make sure you are getting the real thing before you buy

GPrider
Posts
743
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
1/21/2026 8:27am

I just emailed them. Code probably expired on the website. They usually have to be renewed every 6 months or so

thank you! purchased!!

1
GPrider
Posts
743
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
1/21/2026 8:31am
Ddub171 wrote:
My MX34 tire wheel gets like 1/4 of the hours my MX14 does. I still throw a new sprocket on when i do the MX14 and...

My MX34 tire wheel gets like 1/4 of the hours my MX14 does. I still throw a new sprocket on when i do the MX14 and throw the 34 sprocket in the "its got potential" pile never to be touched again. Even though it has half its life left and the "potential" pile is 6 sprockets deep. 

so funny, I have the same"pile" of semi used sprockets that will never see the light of day. It got so heavy at one point it blew the self off the cabinet! 

 

TDC
Posts
388
Joined
8/4/2023
Location
HTown, TX US
1/21/2026 11:26am
A set of Dirt Tricks sprockets with a sealed chain (I use Firepower X-ring) is good for 100 hours or more.  They weigh less than twin...

A set of Dirt Tricks sprockets with a sealed chain (I use Firepower X-ring) is good for 100 hours or more.  They weigh less than twin ring sprockets, too.  No chain maintenance, either.  Just hit it with a little WD-40 after you wash the bike to prevent any rust.  I haven’t bought a can of chain lube in a decade.  My bike stays a lot cleaner, too.

Silicone spray won't breakdown xring rubber yo.

1
Timo
Posts
1400
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
1/21/2026 11:28am
Moto520 wrote:
I go with the DID ERT3 chain.....doesn't really matter which brand of sprocket but i stay with the aluminum.  I get about 40 hours before the...

I go with the DID ERT3 chain.....doesn't really matter which brand of sprocket but i stay with the aluminum.  I get about 40 hours before the sprocket needs replacement.  At this time....the chain is shot as well.  How are you guys using the same chain for multiple sprockets?  Assume perfect maintenance with cleaning, lubing, and tightening the chain.

What do the guys with multiple rear wheels for the same bike do?  I always get an extra rear wheel and never use it because the sprocket weaer doesn't match the chain wear.

As long as the chain rollers are round what are you worried about them doing to the sprocket? I mean I guess if they are worn down so small that the chain doesn't want to fit around the sprocket, but I'm my opinion then it's trash anyway. 

NLMB150
Posts
193
Joined
2/3/2022
Location
Dying out west, TX US
1/21/2026 11:32am
NLMB150 wrote:
It blows me away with chains,  rmatv  and motosport has Did ert3s for $145, amazon has the same chain for $85….. been doing this for years...

It blows me away with chains,  rmatv  and motosport has Did ert3s for $145, amazon has the same chain for $85….. been doing this for years, it’s ridiculous.

MXer391 wrote:

I've seen this several times and I am always concerned that he Amazon version is some sort of "knock off"

I’ve bought 8 of them within the last year.  Never got a “fake” or “knock off” chain.   Same packaging and chain as one off RM and motosport.   We talked to a dealer about it,  they said they can just ship them direct to consumers and cut out the middle man, and pass on the savings. 

2
50dippin
Posts
361
Joined
10/4/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
1/21/2026 11:41am Edited Date/Time 1/21/2026 11:42am
sandman768 wrote:
SuperSprox Or Dirt tricks, RK GBMXU sealed thin oring chains….the setup cost more but last 2-3 times longer and after first initial chain stretch, minimal stretching...

SuperSprox Or Dirt tricks, RK GBMXU sealed thin oring chains….the setup cost more but last 2-3 times longer and after first initial chain stretch, minimal stretching and adjustments. 

Another vote for the SuperSprox/RK x-ring combo. The sprockets (hybrid or all-steel) last forever and the chain seldom stretches after the initial break-in. 

Agreed, I've been running this combo of dirt tricks and the gb520mxu for years.  The xring I've found to be a bit wider and wear the sliders more. The UW ring is one of the best light weight sealed chains for sure.  

1

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