Chain & Sprockets
- 2020–2022 BMW S1000RR — stock gearing (17T front / 45T rear) | 520 conversion from stock 525
- 2023–2026 BMW S1000RR — -1T under stock rear (stock is 17T / 46T) | 520 conversion from stock 525
Product Overview
This is a complete chain and sprocket kit from Vortex's SSA Super Street Aluminum line, built around a 520-pitch drivetrain. It includes a 17-tooth front sprocket, a 45-tooth hard coat aluminum rear sprocket, and a 120-link Vortex RX3 520 X-ring chain with a rivet master link.
The BMW S1000RR runs a 525 chain from the factory. This kit requires a full 520 conversion — front sprocket, rear sprocket, and chain all change together. No 525 components carry over.
For 2020–2022 S1000RR owners, the 17/45 gearing in this kit matches the factory stock setup. You are converting chain pitch but staying at stock gearing ratio.
For 2023–2026 S1000RR owners, the factory stock rear is 46 teeth. This kit runs a 45-tooth rear, which is one tooth under stock. That is a gearing change in addition to the chain pitch conversion. See the Gearing section at the bottom for what that means in practice.
Key Technology & Design
The rear sprocket is aluminum, hard coat anodized, and lightened with radial holes. Aluminum reduces rotating and unsprung mass compared to a steel sprocket. The hard coat anodizing is applied to slow wear on a material that is inherently softer than steel.
The RX3 chain is a 520 X-ring chain with a tensile strength rated at 45.8 kN (10,300 lb). X-ring seals reduce friction compared to O-ring designs by limiting the seal contact area. The chain installs with a rivet master link.
Specs
| Front Sprocket | 17T |
| Rear Sprocket | 45T |
| Rear Sprocket Material | Aluminum — hard coat anodized |
| Chain Color | Gold |
| Chain | Vortex RX3 520 X-ring |
| Chain Links | 120 |
| Chain Tensile Strength | 45.8 kN / 10,300 lb |
| Master Link | Rivet |
| Seal Type | X-ring |
| Drive Ratio | 2.65 |
| Riding Style | Street |
Fitment
Year(s) — Make / Model — Stock Gearing — Stock Chain
| 2020–2022 | BMW S1000RR | 17T / 45T | 525 |
| 2023–2026 | BMW S1000RR | 17T / 46T | 525 |
Why Convert to 520
The S1000RR leaves the factory with a 525 chain. BMW chose 525 for its durability and service life under sustained high-load use. It is a sensible choice for a street bike with a broad range of riders.
A 520 chain and matching sprockets are lighter. The reduction in rotating mass is real — less weight spinning at the wheel and countershaft. For track riders and aggressive street riders who are already wringing out the motor, that reduction is noticeable. For a rider putting in daily commutes or occasional weekend rides, the difference is subtle and may not be physically felt.
The tradeoff is lifespan. A 520 chain is built with less material than a 525. Under the same conditions — mileage, maintenance, riding style — a 520 setup will generally not outlast a 525. If longevity is the priority, the stock 525 setup is the more practical choice. If reduced rotating mass matters for your riding, 520 is the direction to go.
Gearing — Staying Stock or Making a Change
2020–2022 S1000RR owners: This kit matches your stock 17-tooth front and 45-tooth rear. Installing it keeps your bike at factory stock gearing ratios, with the only change being the chain pitch conversion to 520.
2023–2026 S1000RR owners: Your stock rear is 46 teeth. This kit runs 45 teeth. That is one tooth under stock on the rear, in addition to the chain pitch conversion.
For both groups, here is the general gearing framework if you are considering a change. Going one tooth smaller on the front shortens gearing — quicker acceleration, higher RPM at highway speeds, reduced top speed. The effect is roughly equivalent to adding two to three teeth to the rear. Going one tooth larger on the front lengthens gearing — lower cruise RPM, softer pull from a stop.
On the rear, adding teeth shortens gearing. Removing teeth lengthens it.
Stock gearing on the S1000RR is well matched for general street use. Neither direction is right or wrong — it depends on how and where you ride.
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IMPORTANT: Please Review Your Owner’s Manual for Exact Amounts or Sizing of This Product!
Speak to one of our experts today:
469-490-3577
Vortex
SKU:1230-1516
Description:Vortex CKG7615 SSA Super Street Aluminum Chain & Sprocket Kit – BMW S1000RR
Main Fitment:
- 2020–2022 BMW S1000RR — stock gearing (17T front / 45T rear) | 520 conversion from stock 525
- 2023–2026 BMW S1000RR — -1T under stock rear (stock is 17T / 46T) | 520 conversion from stock 525
Product Overview
This is a complete chain and sprocket kit from Vortex’s SSA Super Street Aluminum line, built around a 520-pitch drivetrain. It includes a 17-tooth front sprocket, a 45-tooth hard coat aluminum rear sprocket, and a 120-link Vortex RX3 520 X-ring chain with a rivet master link.
The BMW S1000RR runs a 525 chain from the factory. This kit requires a full 520 conversion — front sprocket, rear sprocket, and chain all change together. No 525 components carry over.
For 2020–2022 S1000RR owners, the 17/45 gearing in this kit matches the factory stock setup. You are converting chain pitch but staying at stock gearing ratio.
For 2023–2026 S1000RR owners, the factory stock rear is 46 teeth. This kit runs a 45-tooth rear, which is one tooth under stock. That is a gearing change in addition to the chain pitch conversion. See the Gearing section at the bottom for what that means in practice.
Key Technology & Design
The rear sprocket is aluminum, hard coat anodized, and lightened with radial holes. Aluminum reduces rotating and unsprung mass compared to a steel sprocket. The hard coat anodizing is applied to slow wear on a material that is inherently softer than steel.
The RX3 chain is a 520 X-ring chain with a tensile strength rated at 45.8 kN (10,300 lb). X-ring seals reduce friction compared to O-ring designs by limiting the seal contact area. The chain installs with a rivet master link.
Specs
| Front Sprocket | 17T |
| Rear Sprocket | 45T |
| Rear Sprocket Material | Aluminum — hard coat anodized |
| Chain Color | Gold |
| Chain | Vortex RX3 520 X-ring |
| Chain Links | 120 |
| Chain Tensile Strength | 45.8 kN / 10,300 lb |
| Master Link | Rivet |
| Seal Type | X-ring |
| Drive Ratio | 2.65 |
| Riding Style | Street |
Fitment
Year(s) — Make / Model — Stock Gearing — Stock Chain
| 2020–2022 | BMW S1000RR | 17T / 45T | 525 |
| 2023–2026 | BMW S1000RR | 17T / 46T | 525 |
Why Convert to 520
The S1000RR leaves the factory with a 525 chain. BMW chose 525 for its durability and service life under sustained high-load use. It is a sensible choice for a street bike with a broad range of riders.
A 520 chain and matching sprockets are lighter. The reduction in rotating mass is real — less weight spinning at the wheel and countershaft. For track riders and aggressive street riders who are already wringing out the motor, that reduction is noticeable. For a rider putting in daily commutes or occasional weekend rides, the difference is subtle and may not be physically felt.
The tradeoff is lifespan. A 520 chain is built with less material than a 525. Under the same conditions — mileage, maintenance, riding style — a 520 setup will generally not outlast a 525. If longevity is the priority, the stock 525 setup is the more practical choice. If reduced rotating mass matters for your riding, 520 is the direction to go.
Gearing — Staying Stock or Making a Change
2020–2022 S1000RR owners: This kit matches your stock 17-tooth front and 45-tooth rear. Installing it keeps your bike at factory stock gearing ratios, with the only change being the chain pitch conversion to 520.
2023–2026 S1000RR owners: Your stock rear is 46 teeth. This kit runs 45 teeth. That is one tooth under stock on the rear, in addition to the chain pitch conversion.
For both groups, here is the general gearing framework if you are considering a change. Going one tooth smaller on the front shortens gearing — quicker acceleration, higher RPM at highway speeds, reduced top speed. The effect is roughly equivalent to adding two to three teeth to the rear. Going one tooth larger on the front lengthens gearing — lower cruise RPM, softer pull from a stop.
On the rear, adding teeth shortens gearing. Removing teeth lengthens it.
Stock gearing on the S1000RR is well matched for general street use. Neither direction is right or wrong — it depends on how and where you ride.
