08 Rear sprocket Up Date

I have been reading here and on the ADV mega thread about the 2008 only "padded rear sprocket" that was done away with in 2009. My 08 only has 700 easy miles on it from the original owner so when I did the first chain adjustment tonight I updated the failed design so hopefully my chain wouldn't start skipping as had been reported by many 08 owners.

I may or may not change the the stock sprocket sizes at some point, but I need to ride it in stock trim for a while to set a base line.

The process took a wood chisel and about 5 min. to complete.



That looks better



Trash can.



I adjusted my chain by having someone help me collapse the rear suspension to the point that the rear axle was on the same plane as the counter sprocket and checked for just minimal play. Got out the heat gun, warmed up the chain, and lubed with Chain Wax. Ready to Go!

I did nearly the same. But gently warmed the ring with a propane torch. Not too much, it melts into goo very fast.

Since I did the mod, and adjusted my chain using the "compressed suspension" method of chain adjustment I have not had a problem with "skipping" chain issues. On the kick stand the chain seems to be a little tighter than I would have normally set on other bikes, but when I check it with the suspension compressed it feels fine and not tight enough to cause damage to bearings and seals.
I keep my chain running smooth with regular cleaning, and chain wax. The swing arm guard is showing minimal wear.

this is the first I've seen or heard of this...


What a ridiculous design. The engineer who came up with that deserves a punch in the mouth.