RPM'S at what mph? 600 Kat

[00jmc]

What rpm is your 600 Kat running at 60 and 70 mph? Mine is a 91 and is 5k at 60 and 6k at 70mph. I want to drop it for better mpg on the highway. Anyone running a taller gear set up that works well?

[foxox]

My gears are a bit taller (14/42) and it doesn't seem to make much difference (though I've also been without my main fairings for a couple of months so there is probably a lot of extra drag).

This site might help: http://gearingcommander.com/

It indicates the difference between 14/42 and 14/46 at 70mph is 3200RPMs versus 3500RPMs (which clearly does not correspond with real life where you are getting 6k at 70mph). 300/3500=8.6%, so that might translate to a similar savings in gas (which if you got 45mpg before, would become ~49 mpg). Obviously the calculation won't be perfectly true to how it works out in real life, but it might help.

Keep in mind chain/sprocket wear if that matters to you. My 14/42, 112-link setup is NOT optimal. It's too late for me to try to explain the math, but there are some good threads on it if you search around.

I don't know how far technically you can push the gearing... other people will probably chime in.

[scottynoface]

If you tach any lower you will be well out of the power-band should you need to get out of a situation quickly.

I would strongly rec. that you don't gear up. Besides, is 40mpg not good enough? The benefits of taler gearing will be minute at best.

[00jmc]

Thanks guys. I am not as worried about mpg as i am spinning the motor 6-7k down the highway for extended periods. I was thinking i could drop the rpm a little to help with wear and tear. My little Kat has 20k on her and I want to keep her around for a while longer. I don't ride 2 up and I am not looking for quickness so taking away some accel. wouldn't bother me. The po put a V&H exhaust on it, wish it were stock. I think it would feel less buzzy at those rpm's too.

[LAsunbird86]

My brother (who has a 94 katana 600) has a stock exhaust sitting in his garage he would LOVE to sell you for a deal. It is immensely quiet compared to aftermarket.

[00jmc]

Thanks if we were closer I'd like to see them. I have seen them cheap, like $20, just shippping is the killer. Like to find some in Michigan near me.

[Meeoww]

I did change the gear ratio on my '04 Katana. I, too, was running over 6K on the Interstate at 75mph, our speed limit. The guy that I bought my bike from had done a sprocket change to maximize low end torque for wheelies, burn-outs, etc. Although the power was nice, I do a lot of highway riding and the rpm's drove me crazy. I tried a 16 on the front, and it was too big - not sure why, so I had to go with a 15. On the back, I believe I used the 44. Getting a 2.9xx gear ratio worked perfect for me. I still feel the bike has lots of power, and I love the 1000 rpm drop at highway speeds. I think what I like the most, is the speed I get in the lower gears! I love it!

[flash007]

My gears are a bit taller (14/42) and it doesn't seem to make much difference (though I've also been without my main fairings for a couple of months so there is probably a lot of extra drag).

This site might help: http://gearingcommander.com/

It indicates the difference between 14/42 and 14/46 at 70mph is 3200RPMs versus 3500RPMs (which clearly does not correspond with real life where you are getting 6k at 70mph). 300/3500=8.6%, so that might translate to a similar savings in gas (which if you got 45mpg before, would become ~49 mpg). Obviously the calculation won't be perfectly true to how it works out in real life, but it might help.

Keep in mind chain/sprocket wear if that matters to you. My 14/42, 112-link setup is NOT optimal. It's too late for me to try to explain the math, but there are some good threads on it if you search around.

I don't know how far technically you can push the gearing... other people will probably chime in.

Thanks FOXOX the link is what i was looking for!

[00jmc]

Thanks all. Anyone know what the sotck gearing is on a 91 600?

[cintidude04]

Either 15/47 or 14/45, suzuki wasn't very consistant with that on pres so it could be one or the other. Mine was 15/47 on my '92

[coolbrotha23]

I'm sorry for ask this what do the sprockets set up do for the bike? And what the number mean like 42F T 530?

[00jmc]

My rear sprock is a 45 so I can guess it has a 14 if it is stock. I will look for a 15. Do they make a 16?

To answer coolbrotha, smaller front sprocket and larger rear = quicker accel. wheelies and such. Larger front and smaller rear = faster on top end but you loose the "quickness".

What is the tallest anyone has heard of being run? 15/42?

I know I will loose drag strip power but not what i am looking for. If it was I would not start with a kat 600. looking for highway comfort ie not buzzing at 6500-7000rpm for 30 miles

[jcobb]

My 89 kat cruises around 6500rpm at 70 with stock gearing, Ive got 92k miles and the internals still look new lol so i dont believe it does much wear and tear. Plus staying in the power band helps when a situation occurs

[Kreylyn]

Either 15/47 or 14/45, suzuki wasn't very consistant with that on pres so it could be one or the other. Mine was 15/47 on my '92

Most commonly the 15/47 is associated with the 750cc pre, and 14/45 is associated witht he 600cc pre.

I'm sorry for ask this what do the sprockets set up do for the bike? And what the number mean like 42F T 530?

42F T 530 = 42 teeth sprocket with 530 pitch.

OEM kats use a 530 pitch. The tooth count has been changed if your sprocket is only 42 count.

Krey