PBI Sprockets

PBI Sprockets: Five Decades of Precision-Engineered Drive Components

When it comes to motorcycle sprockets, few names carry the weight of history and craftsmanship that PBI does. Sprockets are the unsung workhorses of any chain-drive motorcycle — transferring power from the transmission to the rear wheel with every twist of the throttle. Get the sprocket wrong, and you sacrifice efficiency, accelerate chain wear, and risk drivetrain damage. Get it right with PBI, and you gain a component engineered to outlast the competition.

A Legacy Built on Quality Materials

Since the mid-1970s, PBI has been synonymous with high-quality sprockets. Today, PBI operates as a division of Chris Products Inc. — a company with deep roots in the motorcycle aftermarket — and all PBI sprockets are manufactured in the USA. That domestic production isn't just a badge of pride; it underpins the tight tolerances and consistent quality that have kept riders coming back for decades.

PBI's lineup breaks down into two primary product families:

• Front / Mainshaft (Countershaft) Sprockets: CNC machined from high-grade 8620 chromoly steel, then heat-treated and finished with an electroless nickel plating. The electroless process deposits a uniform layer of nickel regardless of the sprocket's geometry, delivering consistent corrosion and wear resistance across every tooth and spline. Each sprocket is broached specifically to maximize spline-to-shaft contact area, which translates directly to superior load bearing and reduced stress on the transmission output shaft.
• Rear Sprockets: Manufactured from 7075-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum — a grade that surpasses common steel in tensile, yield, and shear strength while dramatically reducing unsprung weight. Most rear sprockets are provided with lightening holes machined from full-thickness aluminum billet for maximum structural integrity. For riders who prefer steel, PBI also offers steel rear sprocket options across select applications.

One-Piece Construction, Computer-Controlled Precision

Every PBI sprocket is a one-piece, heat-treated unit machined on computer-controlled lathes. That means no welds, no press-fit assemblies, and no weak points — just a single piece of premium alloy shaped to exacting tolerances and hardened for long service life. This philosophy is consistent whether the sprocket is destined for a classic 4-speed Big Twin or a modern 6-speed Dyna.

Wide Compatibility: Harley-Davidson and Beyond

PBI's catalog covers an impressive breadth of applications. On the Harley-Davidson side, coverage spans classic 4-speed Big Twins from 1936 through 1979, 5-speed models from the mid-1980s through 2006, 6-speed models from 2006 onward, and the full Sportster and Buell lineup. PBI's offset mainshaft sprockets — available in multiple offset configurations (0" up to 1.310") — allow riders to run narrower 520 chains or accommodate wider rear tires with minimal drivetrain offset. Beyond Harley-Davidson, PBI produces sprockets for Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, and other major manufacturers, with proven durability across disciplines including motocross, GNCC racing, WORCS racing, woods riding, and desert off-road racing.

Whether you are replacing a worn OEM part or dialing in a custom belt-to-chain conversion, explore the full selection of PBI products and browse all available Sprockets to find the right fit for your machine.