sprocket sizing

[MRBIGZ]

                      
                                                                                                                                                                        

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]

                     
                                                                                                                                                                        

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]

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]

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

[vettetr]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.