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Review of Sidewinder's Chain and Sprocket Set for the Honda 400EX
(written by PhilMoore@EXriders, Appended by ATVRiders Staff)

Sidewinder Sprocket

Sidewinder Chain

During a recent maintenance session with my 1999 400EX, I noticed the drive system was showing some wear. I have known about Sidewinder since about 1988, when I bought my first quad, a 1988 Yamaha Blaster. During hop-up fever, I was noticing the flashy advertisements Sidewinder was putting out with the "self cleaning" grooves machined in their sprockets. I never quite brought myself to purchase the expensive system, but always thought it looked impressive by the specifications and testimonials. Flash forward to 2003, and now they have the "Ti-Moly" sprockets that they claim to be super tough. In addition to the sprockets, they make a "QuadraMax Ti-Moly" O-ring chain that is rated at 14,000 pounds tensile strength, with Teflon O-rings, and larger pins. I had previously been in contact with an email friend who had purchased the Sidewinder System for his 400EX and had given glowing reviews of it. I have been hesitant to order the Sidewinder system because of the price. My stock chain and sprockets have been on the 400EX since new and they are nearly four and a half years old now. Could the Sidewinder system really last longer than that? I went ahead and gave Sidewinder a call…

The Sidewinder website reads like an "infomercial", but the real kicker was the casual, friendly manner in which the salesman answered the phone. Coincidentally, my salesman's name is Phil. I had previously browsed the Sidewinder website, and "thought" I knew what I wanted. Of course, the salesman immediately recommended the top-of-the-line "Ti-Moly" system, for "A little more money". I had originally intended on spending about $250 for the system. The salesman quoted me a price of $387 for the complete "Ti-Moly" system! I nearly dropped the phone, and after a short pause, told him I was only expecting approximately $250 according to pricing on the web. He immediately gave me a price of 287.95, which was still more than I wanted to spend, but this is for the "top-of-the-line". Whether they really needed the sale, or they are pulling the old Kirby/Home Shopping Network drop-the-price-and-they will-buy tactic, I am not sure. The salesman did get me to buy the more expensive parts! I recently read a Dirt Wheels review on this system, and they stated the Ti-Moly system cost $149.00! I felt as though I had been kicked in the gut. I emailed sidewinder, and received a reply from Vic Krause, the owner of Sidewinder, stating the price in Dirt Wheels was a misprint, and that price was for the chain only.

Two days later, I had my system via Fed-Ex. According to Sidewinder, the master link is specialized, and only fits the Sidewinder system, due to the large pin. When I ordered, I asked for only one extra master link. I was pleasantly surprised to find an extra master link in the box. So, in total, I have 3 clipped master links, and one regular/permanent master link that apparently will require the pins to be staked. Total cost with shipping is 303.94. This system better last for eight years, which would be double what my old chain and sprockets have lasted! [My initial inspection of this system left me quiet impressed with its fit and finish, I predict that it will last significantly longer than an OEM set, making Phil a happy man! - ATVRiders Staff.]

My first impression of the rear sprocket was "geez, this thing looks half worn already!" If you look at the side by side comparison of my four and a half year old stock sprocket with the new sidewinder, you can see the teeth on the new sprocket appear to have much less metal on them! I do not know what to think of this. The chain seems to fit properly with no slack.

Installation:

If you are only changing out the drive system, and not doing other maintenance, the most difficult part of the installation is removing the stock chain. The stock chain has no master link, so removing the swingarm is necessary. Fortunately, I needed to completely disassemble clean and re-lube my linkage, axle bearings, and swingarm bearings. I also had my stock shock serviced with new oil and a recharge.

The next most difficult task is removing the "packing" grease that coats the chain from the factory. The system instructions recommend removing the substance with mineral spirits prior to installing the chain, otherwise, system life may be compromised. It took me approximately 20 minutes of scrubbing with a toothbrush and mineral spirits to remove all the goo from the chain. Sidewinder sells it's own brand of chain lube for this system. I did buy a can with the system, but I wonder why they do not coat the chain with the standard lube, rather than use the white goo that must be removed before installation.

Installing the chain and sprockets is the normal procedure. The only difference being the master link assembles extremely easily, compared to others I have installed (Tsubaki, DID, RK). I was tempted to stake the permanent master link into the chain, but decided to go ahead and use the snap together master link because I do not have the tool to stake the pins. I believe Sidewinder should make up master link free chains, like the stock chain. I have a preference for the unbroken chain compared to one with a master link simply because there is no chance that your clipped master link will come undone.

Sidewinder Front Sprocket vs. Stock Weights and Measures:

Front Sidewinder: 7.25oz
Front Stock: 6oz (stock sprocket is drilled, thus reducing weight)
Rear Sidewinder: 14.75oz
Rear Stock: 19.5oz
Sidewinder chain pin: 0.209" diameter
Stock chain pin: 0.203"

Sidewinder Rear Sprocket vs. Stock



These weights are according to my postal scale. I do not have a scale that will weigh the chain accurately. You can see the Sidewinder chain pin is 0.006 larger than the stock chain, so it is imperative that you use the Sidewinder master link.


ATVRiders Staff Conclusion:

I feel that this system is an extremely high quality chain and sprocket set. I predict its durability to be stellar, consistent with Sidewinder's other prodcuts. Sure it is pricey but the bottom line is that this system should last a rider a very long time, and give them the security that only the Sidewinder name can offer. Vic Krause even included several cool Sidewinder decals and a great looking keychain shaped like a sprocket! No more worries about drive chain snappage, which leads to ultra expensive case cracks. This product is pricey but for racers and hardcore trail riders it is money well spent. Sidewinder also offers less expensive, high quality, chain and sprockets to fit any budget. Check out Sidewinder's website at: www.SideWinderSprockets.com. I give this product, and Sidewinder overall, 5 stars out of 5! Thanks Phil for the great review! - ATVRiders Staff.

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