Front Sprocket

[jgreth]

I'm thinking of going with a 14T from a 16T. The guys from the GSTwins ( where everyone has the same bike ) forum say it is pretty easy to do and not only gives you more power by changing the ratios a bit but it also raises the top speed of the bike since the bike is limited by power and not by RPMs. ( can't wait to get my FZ1 )

$15 and shipping, and takes roughly 15-20 min to install... the only downside is that I would lose 5-10 miles per gallon roughly on commuting but... meh I dun care.

[themeatmanlandry]

An increase in power and top end?

I thought a larger sprocket would increase power and torque, but top end would suffer . . . and vice versa. I know stunters use larger rear sprockets, and I assumed that it was for more power (and torque) at the rear wheel to get the front wheel off the ground.

[jgreth]

The thing is with this bike, the bike doesn't pin out the RPMs in 6th gear... it's strictly power-related. When you lower the ratio and raise the RPMs, you are higher in the power band in 6th gear and can actually get to a bit higher speed.

It's like it just can't go past 8000 RPM in 6th gear. With the sprocket changed, it goes almost to redline while actually being able to top the bike out on RPM at top speed.

[Clint]

Just keep it in fifth!

Seriously, many bikes drop top speed when upshifting to top gear. That's not uncommon, since top gear is often about cruising efficiency rather than top speed.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Just keep it in fifth!

Really, seriously. Dropping the front 2 teeth is a LOT. I don't think you will like the result. First gear will be almost useless; fastest thing in town, from 0 to 10. You'll be asking the engine to do things it probably shouldn't be doing.

Then there is the chain: two extra links might max out or exceed the adjustment. If you don't have to change it now, you certainly will have to sooner than you expected.

At most, I'd drop it one tooth but honestly 6th is mostly an "overdrive". See what it will do in 5th. You might be surprised.

Oh, btw, what's your top speed now in 6th?

[Aussie Steve]

Dont forget changing one tooth at the gearbox equates to three teeth at the rear sprocket... changing two at the front may be one too many IMHO. I went the other way and only uped it one. The difference was quite good for what I wanted.

[themeatmanlandry]

Doh!! You know, I'm so retarded I can't tell the difference between a 14 and a 41. We're talking front sprockets here. Duh!!

Now, losing two teeth on the front sprocket will result in an increase in low-end power and a decrease in top end if I understand correctly. That said, your reasoning as far as placing the horsepower curve where you want it (with respect to the bike's gearing and ground speed) sounds perfectly doable to me. You're offering more power where you need it when you're in sixth. I say it's worth a shot. But remember, you're a big guy (folks, he's like 6'2" or more) that likes to corner, so I'm not sure you're going to be happy with results in the middle of the powerband!! But you're talking with people on a GS-specific forum, so I'm sure this has all been tried and pounded to death.

Also, be advised that chains oftentimes do not like smaller front sprockets. The angle of the bend the chain has to make gets more severe and I've heard of people killing chains that way.

[jgreth]

Yeah I may go to a 15T ( which is highly recommended ) the 14T was just tried by a few. They say a 15T is the perfect fit and won't need any chain work whatsoever ( meaning it won't damage anything ).

BTW, my top speed in 6th is about 110. With a 15T they say you can get to 120'ish since it moves it in the power band a bit more. FWIW I've tried maxing out 5th gear and it redlines at 100 or so. I need 6th to get that last bit of speed but it takes a bit getting there since it's a power issue and not RPM capped like I said. Once you drop the ratio a bit ( just a BIT 15T versus 14T ) it puts it right at ideal RPM for top speed and lets you cap out the power w/ the RPMs.

[KD57]

Smaller front sprocket will also accelerate chain wear, and as mentioned before, you may run out of adjustment on the swingarm. It's usually better to swap the rear, but it is cheap and easy to do the front, and if it works, next time you change out everything, go back up on the front then add to the rear instead.
I usually go up or down on the front just to see where it goes, then add/subtract from the rear as needed. Dropping one tooth on the front will be a change for sure, 2 is way too much. One on the front equals 3-4 on the back. You can really dial it in if you work w/ both ends. Here's an example:

Say you are running a 15/35 combo. You need lower gearing, first is too tall.
Drop front to 14. You go ride and it's too low. First gear is a tractor.
Ok, go back to the 15, and raise the rear to 38.
Still a tractor? Drop rear to say a 37. Perfect.
I know it takes time and money to dial it in, but once you do, you will enjoy perfect the gearing to suit your needs.

[jgreth]

That's true!! Now all I need is money lol