I want to change my gearing: Difference between revisions

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====Does installing a new front sprocket make a significant difference?====

Changing the countershaft gear from a 14 to 15-tooth sprocket is the most common gearing mod, and it does make quite a difference. At first the bike might seem sluggish after the change; the ~~torqueyness~~ you were used to isn't really there. As you ride around town for awhile, it may seem that the bike isn't revving as quickly as it used to- this of course is to be expected, since the countershaft is now working harder. But the change in acceleration is really marginal; though the bike now takes longer to rev through the gears, each gear is putting out 7% more travel per revolution.

Changing the countershaft gear from a 14 to 15-tooth sprocket is the most common gearing mod, and it does make quite a difference. At first the bike might seem sluggish after the change; the torque you were used to isn't really there. As you ride around town for awhile, it may seem that the bike isn't revving as quickly as it used to- this of course is to be expected, since the countershaft is now working harder. But the change in acceleration is really marginal; though the bike now takes longer to rev through the gears, each gear is putting out 7% more travel per revolution.

So the twist on throttle has to be a little greater now to get a satisfying 0-60 run, but the high-speed cruising is noticably improved. Until you get used to it, you may think you're in sixth at times, when you're really still in fifth. This mod also makes first gear seem more useful.

[[How do I change the front sprocket?|It isn't too difficult a task]]: loosen the rear wheel, remove the countershaft housing, remove the 14-tooth sprocket, put the new sprocket in, torque the retainer bolts, replace housing, set correct tension to chain and torque rear wheel, and clean/wax the chain. The sprocket switch takes about an hour overall; just follow the process as outlined in the service manual. Popping the old sprocket off is a snap; putting the new one on takes a bit because the countershaft teeth are cut to very close tolerances. Cost= $15.

====Is there any advantage to installing a smaller front sprocket?====

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 ====Does installing a new front sprocket make a significant difference?====
-Changing the countershaft gear from a 14 to 15-tooth sprocket is the most common gearing mod, and it does make quite a difference. At first the bike might seem sluggish after the change; the torqueyness you were used to isn't really there. As you ride around town for awhile, it may seem that the bike isn't revving as quickly as it used to- this of course is to be expected, since the countershaft is now working harder. But the change in acceleration is really marginal; though the bike now takes longer to rev through the gears, each gear is putting out 7% more travel per revolution.
+Changing the countershaft gear from a 14 to 15-tooth sprocket is the most common gearing mod, and it does make quite a difference. At first the bike might seem sluggish after the change; the torque you were used to isn't really there. As you ride around town for awhile, it may seem that the bike isn't revving as quickly as it used to- this of course is to be expected, since the countershaft is now working harder. But the change in acceleration is really marginal; though the bike now takes longer to rev through the gears, each gear is putting out 7% more travel per revolution.
 So the twist on throttle has to be a little greater now to get a satisfying 0-60 run, but the high-speed cruising is noticably improved. Until you get used to it, you may think you're in sixth at times, when you're really still in fifth. This mod also makes first gear seem more useful.
 [[How do I change the front sprocket?|It isn't too difficult a task]]: loosen the rear wheel, remove the countershaft housing, remove the 14-tooth sprocket, put the new sprocket in, torque the retainer bolts, replace housing, set correct tension to chain and torque rear wheel, and clean/wax the chain. The sprocket switch takes about an hour overall; just follow the process as outlined in the service manual. Popping the old sprocket off is a snap; putting the new one on takes a bit because the countershaft teeth are cut to very close tolerances. Cost= $15.
 ====Is there any advantage to installing a smaller front sprocket?====