- Joined
- Jul 27, 2010
- Messages
- 5,472
- Reaction score
- 648
- Location
- Blouberg, Cape Town
- Bike
- KTM 890 Adventure R
Beware all CRF300L owners. Pay special attention to how the OEM 14T sprocket fits on the drive shaft.
Fortunately I picked it up within the 18 months Honda guarantee, Honda replaced the driveshaft of my CRF300L with 4600km on the clock.
Reason: premature wear on the output shaft
Cause: poor fit of the OEM 14t front sprocket.
Till now I have not been able to source a proper quality aftermarket sprocket that will fit (the PBR sprocket for the CRF250L does not fit the 300). Unfortunately the new OEM sprocket that has been fitted after driveshaft replacement has the same issue.
How do you know that the sprocket is not a good fit?
1. I heard a bell like clinging sound from day one. A sure sign that the sprocket is not fitting snugly as it has too much free play on the shaft.
2. Physical inspection will reveal sideways play on the sprocket.
At the 1000 km service I pointed it out to the agents, but they assured me that it was ok. Not so as the output shaft had premature wear. I continued to ride and at 4600km the damage to the shaft was evident.
PS. I thought that my case is a once off, but Itchy Boots seem to have the same issue (albeit after 40 000+km) on her CRF300 Rally. Driveshaft has to be replaced due to excessive wear on the output shaft.
Fortunately I picked it up within the 18 months Honda guarantee, Honda replaced the driveshaft of my CRF300L with 4600km on the clock.
Reason: premature wear on the output shaft
Cause: poor fit of the OEM 14t front sprocket.
Till now I have not been able to source a proper quality aftermarket sprocket that will fit (the PBR sprocket for the CRF250L does not fit the 300). Unfortunately the new OEM sprocket that has been fitted after driveshaft replacement has the same issue.
How do you know that the sprocket is not a good fit?
1. I heard a bell like clinging sound from day one. A sure sign that the sprocket is not fitting snugly as it has too much free play on the shaft.
2. Physical inspection will reveal sideways play on the sprocket.
At the 1000 km service I pointed it out to the agents, but they assured me that it was ok. Not so as the output shaft had premature wear. I continued to ride and at 4600km the damage to the shaft was evident.
PS. I thought that my case is a once off, but Itchy Boots seem to have the same issue (albeit after 40 000+km) on her CRF300 Rally. Driveshaft has to be replaced due to excessive wear on the output shaft.
