I need new sprockets on my GSX-R1, I've heard that alumnium sprockets wear out twice as fast as steel and the difference is not noticable
I find it hard to imagine the weight savings would ever be noticeable enough to justify using a less durable metal. You also need to figure the time spent replacing sprockets and it's possible a worn rear would cause early wear to the chain and then to the countershaft sprocket. You can also change your gear ratio easier by going down one tooth on the front instead. You just have to work the numbers. I've found it to be a simpler way to change the performance to meet that days needs. Keep it sunny side up!
i also have a gsx-r1000 06.. always change the sprockets and chain at the same time if you don't it will just wear out the chain faster. all you really need is to go down 1 on the front sprocket and 2 up on the back. stick with the steel sprockets they will save you money in the long run. if you like to wheelie all the time stay away from the aluminum it will wear out quicker.. they also make sprockets that are aluminum on the inside and steel on the outside.
The solution to your problem lies in what the purpose is of going up three teeth in the back... Are you hoping to gain more low end power and thus be able to race from 0-60 faster? If thats the case, Id go with aluminum and a 520 conversion on the chain. You WILL notice the difference in how fast the bike builds steam, because it will be easier for the engine to rotate the rear wheel having a lighter chain and sprocket set. Of course, this will wear out faster than steel - but the real question is, are you interested in going faster, or saving money? Speed aint cheap. Either pay for it, or stick with steel. Be careful going up three teeth on the rear without getting a new chain as well - your current chain may not have enough slack left in it...
I would stick with what was on the bike steal front/rear and same chain size. I'm not crazy about changing the gearing, but it's definately important to stick to the stock stuff. steal lasts longer and a stock size chain is likely to last longer. I got 25.5k miles out of my stock chain/sprockets on my RC51. I went with stock gearing vortex steel front and JT steel rear and the top 530 EK chain. I expect that I will get another 25k miles before the set is changed again. I'm so used to the tall first gear, and don't need quicker accelleration. I also don't want to mess up the displayed road speed and recorded miles.
