dont use vortex all I'm going to say, go with something steel. hit up 58 cycle they have good prices
I have heard Vortex had some problems with their rear aluminum sprockets also... Im running Driven sprockets with an RK GXW 520 set. Thousands of miles, still looks new besides some very minor surface corrosion on some of the plates. I get caught in the rain from time to time so thats life, I am pleased with the quality thus far.
I would use a Stealth sprocket combo. They are steel ringed sprockets with an aluminum center. I use one and love it. Aluminum sprockets wear too much for my tastes, and you'll be changing them more often. Chains are a toss up, I currently use a RK XW ring chain with mine, but DID and others make good chains too.
Motomummy actually suggested running an aluminum rear, his logic made sense to me. He suggested that the rear sprocket will be the weak "link" in the driveset. When it starts to wear its time to change the entire set. This is the first 520 driveset I have ever tried and thus far (2nd year and over 10K miles) its been rock solid. Only had to adjust the tension one time, after the initial 100 miles or so.
Even though I am very pleased with my driven set, I am leaning towards the Stealth rear next time. They are awesome looking and obviously strong. I am curious how the riveted joint will endure as I see solid rivets wear in aluminum aircraft that are under heavy varying loads...
I'm running right now 15, 41 which is -2, stock and with your bike regardless I know its a first gen but how bad is your top end cut down by your gearing? I have a speedohealer and by bike geared down two teeth in the front my bike went from 180+ to now just 169mph, a lot of top end dropped out of my bike but I know I really dropped 5+ teeth all togethsr, jw on someones feed back with the same mod?
Im with you on this one, I'll gladly trade some top end for the increase down low. Its more street friendly IMO. Top end runs to 170+ are fun, but I'd prefer the umph down lower. Im running -1 +2 right now and am seriously considering spending 30 bucks on a -2 just to throw on and play with. -2 +2, fun fun...