Author Topic: sprocket sizing (Read 18464 times) Tweet

MRBIGZ · « **on:** August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM »

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

fvance · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2009, 06:01:54 PM »

The 1 to 3 is correct, or very close. I think gearing down is harder on chains. I have a 19/38 setup, the closer you get the sprockets sizes to the same size the more effecient they are.

Cookie · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2009, 05:50:38 PM »

Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

16/40 = 2.500
16/41 = 2.563
16/42 = 2.625
16/43 = 2.688
17/40 = 2.353 (Stock GenI)
17/41 = 2.412
17/42 = 2.471
17/43 = 2.529

MRBIGZ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2009, 06:06:14 PM »

Quote

16/40 = 2.500
16/41 = 2.563
16/42 = 2.625
16/43 = 2.688
17/40 = 2.353 (Stock GenI)
17/41 = 2.412
17/42 = 2.471
17/43 = 2.529

Where did you get this chart from?

FanaticalKilla · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2009, 12:34:02 AM »

Make it yourself all it is, is ratios. Simple formula Driven over drive. Check out gearcommander.com you can input everything and see what happens.

Cookie · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2009, 07:09:29 PM »

Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 31, 2009, 06:06:14 PM

Quote
16/40 = 2.500
16/41 = 2.563
16/42 = 2.625
16/43 = 2.688
17/40 = 2.353 (Stock GenI)
17/41 = 2.412
17/42 = 2.471
17/43 = 2.529

Where did you get this chart from?

Good tip. I got it from a AFAM sprocket computer.

fvance · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2009, 10:12:31 PM »

That chart goes the wrong way!!

Cookie · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2009, 04:16:03 PM »

So do I.

wildphil69 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:04:06 PM »

um no it doesn't??

fvance · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:45:46 PM »

Actually I was being kind of a smart ass, as you can see from my signature I run top end only. Sprocket sizes from 18/42 to 19/38. In answer to your question about which is easier on your chain, gearing down is always harder on the chain than up. That said it is probably better to go with a larger rear sprocket.

Fred

busa & 12lover · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2009, 06:40:04 AM »

Cookie · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2009, 12:39:09 PM »

Thank you, Captain Obvious,,, but I will continue using my abacus!

fvance · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2009, 01:32:23 PM »

Everybody I know runs a 19 or 20 on the front.

Fred

Cookie · « **Reply #13 on:** October 16, 2009, 02:12:42 PM »

What sprocket cover are you able to run, Fred? Is there a billet that will accommodate the 20 size?

fvance · « **Reply #14 on:** October 16, 2009, 03:36:06 PM »

Chris, I run a stock sprocket cover and a 19, it is my understanding you can run a 20 no problem. I beleive that the water pump is the limiting factor. Speed King/John Noonan could probably answer better than me on that.

Fred

Cookie · « **Reply #15 on:** October 16, 2009, 11:39:57 PM »

I see. Good stuff, Fred. What do you mean about the water pump? Is it not pumping enough volume? ,, or is the larger sprocket threatening its existence?

And,,, John is one that I would go to. He is and has always a great source of info with loads of expertise.

Cookie · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2009, 11:41:33 PM »

Oh yeah, congrats on that 219.09!

fvance · « **Reply #17 on:** October 17, 2009, 07:58:34 AM »

Thanks Chris. I think anything bigger than a 20 will hit the water pump, its a clearance issue not a functional issue. Still waoting for John to chime in!!

Fred

tat2busa · « **Reply #18 on:** January 30, 2010, 09:32:13 PM »

i run a 17/45 a hole lot of fun

miketurf · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2010, 08:16:08 PM »

Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

@ MrBigz it also depends on what u are trying to do with the bike, 16/42 or a 16/43 takes away from your top end speed and makes your low to mid range speed more aggressive, and vice versa 17/40 17/39 18, 19, and 20 will help you on the top end.

mike04busa · « **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2010, 07:23:40 PM »

Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

17/42 is a good street gear if you ride alot and do some commuting with the busa.I'd like to try 16/42 just to see the difference.

miketurf · « **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2010, 11:25:49 PM »

16/42 is awsome, my buddy has it on his 05 busa, the first gear redlines pretty quick but the bike is fun and more aggressive with that set-up and you can still do everyday riding with no problem.

busaboy18 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2010, 02:43:49 PM »

i ran a 17/45 forever which made the nose super light even running 90 down the highway... i backed off and went to a 17/43 which i think is perfect!

3cRider · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2010, 09:03:01 PM »

On bigger bikes I've always liked a mild re-gear to the tune of a +2 rear sprocket. It's just enough without making the bike tach-out on the freeway.

speed_pigeon · « **Reply #24 on:** September 02, 2010, 11:19:11 PM »

i really have no answers here, but there is one thing no one touched on.... i see a guy with the name "mrbigz" changing sprokets, i think he's trying to compensate for weight. (not saying he is, but that's where my mind goes) because i know i sure as hell am!! while all you gearing gurus are in one place, what would you do to a stock engine bike's sprokets to allow a 375lb man hold his own on the street and track with you skinny ass 150lb guys? i have no need to do 200 mph. hell, 150 top out would be fine for me for everyday riding!

but just in general, to compensate for A LOT of extra weight and try to improve the life of that poor little chain that has to pull around my fat ass, what would you do?

MRBIGZ · « **Reply #25 on:** September 08, 2010, 03:26:24 PM »

I'm actually 220lbs and was looking for a quicker low end without sacrificing to much top end speed. It seemed a lot cheaper to change out the sprokets than go messing around with the engine. I just want to pull off a little faster than my friends who all ride 1000's without having to catch up to them and pass them 300 ft down the road. As for what you should do, the only thing I can come up with is motor work. You are not really looking to go all that fast as you stated so the Busa should meet your needs. What do I know anyway... I'm only a half a@@ mechanic and there are way more qualified people who can help you out with what you are trying to accomplish with your bike than myself.

MRBIGZ · « **Reply #26 on:** September 08, 2010, 03:30:24 PM »

Quote from: MRBIGZ on September 08, 2010, 03:26:24 PM

I'm actually 220lbs and was looking for a quicker low end without sacrificing to much top end speed. It seemed a lot cheaper to change out the sprokets than go messing around with the engine. I just want to pull off a little faster than my friends who all ride 1000's without having to catch up to them and pass them 300 ft down the road. As for what you should do, the only thing I can come up with is motor work. You are not really looking to go all that fast as you stated so the Busa should meet your needs. Look into a turbo or some spray, that will give you a quick fix to compensate for the weight. What do I know anyway... I'm only a half a@@ mechanic and there are way more qualified people who can help you out with what you are trying to accomplish with your bike than myself.

vettetr · « **Reply #27 on:** October 09, 2010, 06:51:53 PM »

Quote from: speed_pigeon on September 02, 2010, 11:19:11 PM

i really have no answers here, but there is one thing no one touched on.... i see a guy with the name "mrbigz" changing sprokets, i think he's trying to compensate for weight. (not saying he is, but that's where my mind goes) because i know i sure as hell am!! while all you gearing gurus are in one place, what would you do to a stock engine bike's sprokets to allow a 375lb man hold his own on the street and track with you skinny ass 150lb guys? i have no need to do 200 mph. hell, 150 top out would be fine for me for everyday riding! but just in general, to compensate for A LOT of extra weight and try to improve the life of that poor little chain that has to pull around my fat ass, what would you do?

GOOD QUESTION!!! I'm glad I'm not the only big fucker riding these things

BATTMAN · « **Reply #28 on:** October 09, 2010, 07:53:03 PM »

For 375 pounds, I'd gear it at 17/46 or maybe even 48

vettetr · « **Reply #29 on:** October 11, 2010, 10:53:17 PM »

I'm right at 300, I was thinking of doing a 16/43...I assume I have to get a new chain???

any input?

boofoo · « **Reply #30 on:** October 19, 2010, 04:41:23 PM »

300# guy here I run a 16/42 and it's a fun little street gear to me, and I ride it almost daily. However my skinny buddies on 1000's can still jump me outta the hole, of course I can come back around them a little while later

Seems the bigguy rule of extra 100hp for extra 100lbs is about right too.

cora · « **Reply #31 on:** November 17, 2010, 04:01:38 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on August 31, 2009, 05:50:38 PM

Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

16/40 = 2.500
16/41 = 2.563
16/42 = 2.625
16/43 = 2.688
17/40 = 2.353 (Stock GenI)
17/41 = 2.412
17/42 = 2.471
17/43 = 2.529

the gearing i understand but what does the other number mean?????

fvance · « **Reply #32 on:** November 17, 2010, 04:19:21 PM »

one in the front is equal to about 2.5 in the back. Back is better. the other number is your final drive ratio, I think

Cookie · « **Reply #33 on:** November 17, 2010, 04:34:30 PM »

Quote from: cora on November 17, 2010, 04:01:38 PM

Quote from: Cookie on August 31, 2009, 05:50:38 PM
Quote from: MRBIGZ on August 28, 2009, 05:34:43 PM

I was looking for the answer to my question but I can't find it so I am looking to you guys for some help. Someone told me that if I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth it would be the same as going up in the back to a 43 tooth. Basically for every one tooth in the front equals 3 in the rear. Is this true? Does this make any sense to anyone out there? I would also like to ask which is better to do, the front or the rear sprocket in terms of the longevity of the chain? Any comments would be appriciated.

16/40 = 2.500
16/41 = 2.563
16/42 = 2.625
16/43 = 2.688
17/40 = 2.353 (Stock GenI)
17/41 = 2.412
17/42 = 2.471
17/43 = 2.529

the gearing i understand but what does the other number mean?????

That would be your final drive ratio, Cora.

Cookie · « **Reply #34 on:** November 17, 2010, 04:36:47 PM »

Quote from: fvance on November 17, 2010, 04:19:21 PM

one in the front is equal to about 2.5 in the back. Back is better. the other number is your final drive ratio, I think

Oops,,

didn't see your Q until I posted. Yup! You are correct, Fred. Can't pull anything by you!

Cookie · « **Reply #35 on:** November 17, 2010, 04:40:17 PM »

Quote from: vettetr on October 11, 2010, 10:53:17 PM

I'm right at 300, I was thinking of doing a 16/43...I assume I have to get a new chain???

any input?

You may indeed consider that as that will tighten past normal stock chain requirements. I don't know, you may be so far inside on the adjustment that it might be a stretch.

Changing away from the OEM chain is a bit of solid advise right out of the gate anyway.

cora · « **Reply #36 on:** November 17, 2010, 05:05:55 PM »

What will happen if the ratio is bigger than 2.5,2.6????
When should u change ur front sprocket to one tooth more???

Cookie · « **Reply #37 on:** November 17, 2010, 05:18:44 PM »

You should keep in mind that that demonstration/comparison was loosely based off of a 40 through 43 rear scenario.

It would probably be easier to ask you what is it that you are trying to achieve without going to extreme? The reason I am saying this is because you can achieve different or similar final drive ratios throughout the spectrum of high and low front tooth counts. Exmpl., 11 front 28 rear/ 2.545 or 16 front 42 rear/2.625.

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Author Topic: sprocket sizing (Read 18464 times) Tweet