Sprockets

[Dustin22]

I was wondering if I wanted to have a little more top end speed without have the rpm's so high if I could just get a rear sproket with a little more teeth on it? Will this hurt anything by doing this?

[sheldonbourgeoi]

I believe that you would have to get a rear sprocket with fewer teeth, not more. And no, it will not harm the bike in any way at all, other than drop the rpm's down a bit at cruising speeds, and slightly slow down your acceleration. It may affect the chain as well as you may need a longer/shorter drive chain.

You can also change the the # of teeth on the front sprocket as well to change gearing, or both sprockets combined.

I'm sure some of the guys here know a lot more about it then me.

[Dustin22]

Ya thats right, (stupid moment). Cause at cruising speed 110 km/h (canadian) its sitting roughly at 4800 rpm.

[sheldonbourgeoi]

Drop the rear sprocket a few teeth, and you should be able to drop the cruising rpm's down to 4500rpm.

I really wouldn't expect anything drastic for a change, but a few hundred rpm can make a differance in cruising speeds, and better your fuel economy as well.

[DrKayak]

Going +1 tooth on the front sprocket (CS) is usually an option too. Less $$$ and easier to swap out than the rear.

[elr658]

Originally Posted by sheldonbourgeoi

I'm sure some of the guys here know a lot more about it then me.

AND HERE I AM.
It's DESIGNED to run that RPM. Leave it alone.

[MFolks]

If you really want to change the engine speed/road speed, here's a website that may help: Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Gearing Ratio Sprocket RPM Speed Chain Calculator

A list of chain and sprocket makers:

SPROCKET SPECIALISTS-Sprockets for all makes of bikes.
SunStar
http://www.rebelgears.com/
Schnitz Motorsports, Inc
JT Sprockets: Motorcycle & ATV Sprockets
Precision

[herk]

What bike do you have & what sprockets are on it?
FYI: the diagrams at Kawasaki.com will show the number of teeth on the stock sprockets.

[steell]

Go up one tooth on the front sprocket and see how you like it, there's usually enough adjustment in the chain to allow that. If that's good enough then get a new rear sprocket and chain and you're good.
If that's not enough, then get a new rear sprocket with three more teeth and a longer chain. Sprocket Specialist will custom make a rear sprocket for you if you can't find the size you want.

Do anything you want to the bike, it's your's isn't it??

[northernman]

try 1 up on the countershaft.
The chain has a slightly less tight radius to make then as well.
Just be sure there is sufficient clearance for it.

[Dustin22]

yeah, Ill try that. Thanks for the answers, I have to change the sprockets and chain anyways this winter, so I just wanted to incease my fuel milage. Got alot of bike trips planned next year through the mountains (not alot of gas stations). Thanks again.

[StarGate]

I needed new sprockets and chain a couple of years ago so I decided to do the 630 to 530 conversion and I wanted to change the gear ratio at the same time to try and improve MPG. I contacted Jeff at Z1enterprises, told him what ratio I had and what I was trying to achieve. After we discussed a few options, I selected a setup/ratio and and ordered it. My MPG went from 30ish mpg to a pretty constant 42mpg. Before the change, at 4k rpm I was doing 60mph and now at 4k rpm I'm doing 70mph. I notice that it takes a little longer to wind out in all gears and it's a bit slower off the line if I want to make a fast start from a standstill but I love the changes.

[herk]

What bike do you have & what sprockets are on it?....

try 1 up on the countershaft.
.... Just be sure there is sufficient clearance for it.

As mentioned, check w Z1Enterprises.