Connecting the ATV engine to the dirt churning wheels often requires a chain and sprockets. Consumers are demanding higher quality chains and sprockets, especially in racing circles, and some manufacturers are striving to meet their needs. A few are making it easy for consumers by offering a chain and sprocket kit with everything a rider needs in a single package. Others are willing to offer a chain or sprocket tailored to the customer's needs. This month we take a look at the latest in aftermarket chain products and sprockets in our Market Report.

Executive Vice President Robert Palmer of the Daido Corporation of America reports their latest chain product is the D.I.D 520 ATV Gold. He explains the chain is made from a special steel alloy, making it a super strong, high performance racing chain for ATVs. Palmer adds the chain also features D.I.D's low friction, long wearing X-Ring seal. He attributes the reason for the rise in chain sales over the past year to the increasing knowledge of the X-Ring seal technology, knowledge it was originally developed for World GP Racing and increasing customer demand for high quality chains. Palmer wants dealer/retailers to remember that D.I.D. continues to refine and improve their products.

Drive Systems USA President Brian Lewis tells us since the new ATV applications require a higher quality of chain and sprocket kit, he recommends their new premium kits for stock or highly modified ATVs. Their latest is the Drive Systems chain and sprocket kits with D.I.D Gold 520ATV X-Ring chain and both front and rear AFAM sprockets, according to Lewis. He notes the rear sprocket is available in either steel or alloy. The chain is cut to length and features a clip style master link, he adds. Alternatives are reportedly available such as extended chain lengths for extended swingarm applications. Lewis reports sales are up 34 percent from last year, which he says is due to their AFAM/D.I.D premium chain kits being available for street and MX motorcycle, as well as ATV. He wants dealer/retailers to remember that all Drive Systems chain and sprocket kits are made to order.

The new Black Diamond Sprockets from Esjot features an aluminum-ceramic fusion surface, which offers better chain wear and less drag, reports spokesperson Karl Schaette. All of Esjot's sprockets have diamond cut teeth and are the highest quality European products, says Schaette. Even though their product costs four times the price of regular sprockets, he explains they are worth it, as their sprockets last four times as long and help the chain last twice or three times longer. This, he believes, is the reason for the added interest of endurance riders, which resulted in increased sales over the past year.

KMC Chain is suitable for both the performance rider and the fun rider, says Sales Manager Susan Huang. She believes the recognition of their chain's great value by riders and dealers is the reason for the more than 50 percent rise in sales for KMC. More consumers are demanding colored O-ring chains for their ATVs and because of this, KMC introduces the new UO O-ring chain, she explains. According to Huang, this series of UO chain is made of a higher-grade steel material with a better grade of O-ring. All parts have been re-engineered for as much as 20 percent higher tensile and fatigue strength, reports Huang.

Motorcycle Stuff Buyer James Thomas tells us his company's latest product is the Economy O-ring Chain (520RO, 525RO, 530RO, and 520RO Gold). These chains are very durable with a high tensile strength, he tells us. Consumers are always looking for quality products, while keeping an eye on price, he notes. Dealers should remember these chains are an excellent product at an attractive price point, says Thomas. He adds Motorcycle Stuff's sales have risen 30 percent over the past year.

Good service kept sales steady over the past year, remarks Doug Chestnut, owner of Rebel Gears. He notes that the increasing demand for steel rear sprockets for the imported mini units has increased the interest in his company's steel rear sprocket for mini quads, so he hopes dealer/retailers will remember his company. “We don't know of anyone else making them besides us,” exclaims Chestnut.

Regina USA Product Manager Keith Foster tells us their latest products are the chain and sprocket kits for several Polaris ATVs. Foster reports Regina also introduces three new 520 conversion kits, eight OEM kits and the Power Up kits with black aluminum Vortex sprockets. The rear sprocket teeth count in these kits is increased by two over stock, he explains. All of the kits include Regina's gold series Z-ring chain, he says. The 520 kits lighten up the drive train to increase performance and the OEM kits include a steel rear sprocket for longer life, reports Foster. Even though sales were strong in their first quarter, Foster says sales are off compared to this time last year, but expects to catch up in the second quarter. Foster wants to remind dealer/retailers that Regina is very price competitive compared to other manufacturers and with their U.S.-based warehouses, special requests can be easily ordered and delivered fast.

Marketing and Advertising Manager Farrah Bauer reports that RK Chain introduces the GB520EW chain and the Non-Gold 520 EWX Chain. They both reportedly feature XW-ring seals composed of nitrile butadiene with three contact lips and two convex inner/outer stabilizers. Bauer proclaims the ATV/Offroad Kits contain an ultra-lite 7075 T6 Vortex aluminum rear sprocket and a drilled shot-blasted steel front sprocket in the race kits, while the OEM kits contain a drilled shot-blasted front steel sprocket and a premium steel rear sprocket. Both kits include RK's ATV specific 520EWX XW-Ring chain in either a gold or non-gold finish, Bauer says. With various distributors around the country, Bauer tells us it is quick and easy to order a RK Chain and Sprocket Kit. She extols sales of the chains increased this year due to the strong state of the powersports industry, their increased fill rates and the cutting down of shipping time to customers. Retailers should remember that chain and sprockets packaged as a complete kit reduces the errors associated with part look-ups and RK Chain and Sprocket Kits with their top-notch packaging and easy availability make them quick sellers, explains Bauer.

Sidewinder Sprockets and Chains (pictured in the header) President Vic Krause announced the Sidewinder Tri-Metal Sprocket is the latest product from his company. According to Krause, the sprocket features a lightweight inner core of heat-treated aircraft alloy to keep the weight low. The teeth are made of hardened tool steel for ultimate life without adding weight, he says. Krause believes riders understand the benefits of superior sprocket life over all-aluminum sprockets and greatly reduced weight over all-steel sprockets. Sprocket sales have increased almost triple from the first quarter of last year, says Krause. Dealers interested in Sidewinder products should contact them directly because they are the exclusive source for the sprockets, he explains.

Since consumers are looking for a lightweight, appealing aluminum sprocket that will last almost as long as a steel sprocket, Sunstar hopes to meet demand with their latest product, explains spokesperson Mike Ivers. The Sunstar Works Aluminum Sprocket is made of lightweight 7075 T-6 aluminum for superior quality and extended product life, informs Ivers. Sales of the sprocket increased steadily over the past year, he reports. Ivers advises retailers to keep in mind that the Works Aluminum Sprocket is a dependable, long-lasting and great looking rear sprocket that should keep customers satisfied.

The Hardcoated PTFE Aluminum Rear Sprocket is the latest to come from Vortex, reports Marketing and Sales Manager Josef Buxton. The sprocket features lightweight aluminum with a durable hard coat and friction reducing PTFE, making it lighter than stock sprockets for increased acceleration and deceleration, explains Buxton. Sales are up, he says, mainly due to the popularity of the Black Hardcoat PTFE sprockets. Increased advertising in consumer magazines, the sponsoring of high profile factory race teams, as well as the opening of several international locations have also helped sales, he adds. Dealers should remember these sprockets are designed for sport ATVs and because they are made in-house, customers can order any size they want, says Buxton.

Whether your customer is looking for a chain or sprocket or a packaged deal, these manufacturers aim to make selling their products as problem free as possible. At least one will go so far as to manufacture a custom sprocket, if they don't have what you're looking for. We hope this month's Market Report is helpful and be sure to check in again next month.

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