Which gearbox sprocket,S/A b31

Started by Steve 80, 20 Mar, 2026, 20:30

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Steve 80

Hi,I'm having trouble in obtaining a 19t gearbox sprocket for my 1955 s/a b31, there are sprockets from places such as India but mostly 18t, could anyone advise on other sprockets may fit, my sprocket size should be 5/8×1/4 as rear chain,I have other sprockets which I think for A10/A7 but these are to thick, any advise would be appreciated, thanks in advance.



DAVE BRADY

Hi,

Try C&D Autos.  They do not have a website but advertise in The Star.  Their number is 01564 795000.

Dave.

Steve 80


DAVE BRADY

#3
Hi,


Yes. They will post to anywhere.
The B25 uses a 1/4" chain but I do not know about the spline for the shaft.

Dave.

Steve 80

Thanks Dave I'll try ringing tomorrow.

Ian C

I did a search on the BSA part number of 42-3016 and found the below which I hope helps.

https://www.britishbikebits.com/19t-gearbox-sprocket-bsa-b31-b32-b33-b34

limeyrob

What is your rear sprocket like?  The 1/4 chain and sprockets wear fast and if both sprockets are on the way out it may be easier to go up to the later chain.

neil1964

Quote from: limeyrob on 21 Mar, 2026, 10:50 What is your rear sprocket like?  The 1/4 chain and sprockets wear fast and if both sprockets are on the way out it may be easier to go up to the later chain.
I use the 520 chain on my Gold Stars (DID x-ring chain) with 1/4" sprockets and no issues with excessive wear (yet!)

Derek996

My Ducati Supersport (117bhp) and my Ducati Scrambler (74bhp) both use 520 chains, they have o-rings though. Chains and sprockets last around 17,000 miles.
1948 BSA ZB32 Competition
2015 Ducati Scrambler Classic

limeyrob

Its years ago but I did many miles on a 55 B31 with the 1/4 chain. I did find it needed more regular adjustment than the larger chain on the A10 and suspect that's why BSA changed.  My sprockets were wearing and had I not sold the bike I would have gone for the A10 set as it seemed to be easier to get the rear drum/sprocket.

Steve 80

Upgrading to A10 sprockets and chain crossed my mind but already having purchased 1/4 chain I would rather stick to original at the moment,rear sprocket is good,
Having mentioned earlier I had an A10? 19T gearbox sprocket I decided to make that fit my 1/4 rear chain so on the lathe it went I took off just under 1/8" and after dressing teeth it fitted perfect so now just have to fit primary chain and rear chain.

Derek996

In my experience gearbox sprockets tend to wear out twice as fast a rear sprockets. Not surprising when you consider that it is turning about twice as fast so each tooth engages with the chain twice as often.
1948 BSA ZB32 Competition
2015 Ducati Scrambler Classic

limeyrob

I always thought BSA had made a mistake using the smaller chain for these years. The rear chain runs about twice the tension in top (and a lot more in lower gears) than than the primary so it always made a lot of sense running a larger drive chain than primary on the basis of chain stretch and sprocket wear, and by 58 BSA came to the same conclusion.