Any Good Reasons for a Sprocket or Chain Change ?

mharrison · 08-07-2007, 09:27 PM

Well, I need a new chain, so I'm planning to get sprockets too. Since this would be the time for different sprockets, I have a few questions regarding changing the gearing.

If I'm happy with my bikes performance, is there any good reason to adjust the gearing? I mean, I'd like to launch a little harder, but I also enjoy my top end.

If I adjust the sprockets for a better low-end response what will I lose at the top of the RPM's? (It drops off towards the top end of the RPM range anyway.)

What would I lose top speed-wise? I very rarely run her up that high, but on occasion I do.

Also, what are the pros/cons of a chain size conversion?

I'd appreciate any thoughts since this is my first chain drive bike.

The CyberPoet · 08-08-2007, 12:01 AM

(A) Given what you had to say, I would recommend sticking with the stock gearing, or possibly increasing the rear sprocket size one or two teeth (and nothing else). If you increase the rear tooth count, you'll need a longer-than-stock chain (more teeth = more links required).

(B) Pro's of size conversion - a little bit of weight loss on the rotating mass of the bike. On a 512 lb bike, it's not likely to make any performance difference in terms of acceleration, braking. In terms of $$, it's penny-wise and dollar-foolish.
Con's of size conversion - lifespan of the chain, sprockets. Smaller chains (520's) have narrower rollers (less heat dissipation) narrower sprocket teeth (faster to deform & wear).

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

mharrison · 08-08-2007, 08:43 AM

So if I go with a 15/47 combination, what length chain would I need ?

I've decided I'd rather launch harder than hang on to my top speed. (I almost NEVER go there!)

**ZukiFred** · 08-08-2007, 10:30 AM

15/47 would be a 118 link chain.
This should be easy to find as a set also, for some reason the 750's came with the 15/45 and some came with the 15/47.

The CyberPoet · 08-08-2007, 11:41 AM

For a 15/47 combo on a 98+, order the 98+ Kat 600 kit (the 600 had a default sprocket combo of 15/47)

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

Fredd · 08-08-2007, 08:30 PM

I put the 98+ Kat 600 kit on my '06, 750.
Going from 15/45 to the 15/47, you do feel more pull. Not a real big change but enough to notice when you turn the thottle.

mharrison · 08-08-2007, 08:54 PM

What kind of change could I expect to see RPM-wise and what kind of fuel & top speed changes would this create?

Also how much do you think it would throw off my speedo?

Sorry for so many questions. Still new to chain drive bikes.

The CyberPoet · 08-08-2007, 10:15 PM

My 47-Tooth Katana Sprocket webpage has the exact percentages of changes you can expect, etc:
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/kata...sprockets.html

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

bubba · 08-09-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mharrison

What kind of change could I expect to see RPM-wise and what kind of fuel & top speed changes would this create?

Also how much do you think it would throw off my speedo?

Sorry for so many questions. Still new to chain drive bikes.

My rear sprocket is -2 (43 tooth) and the speedo is exact. So I'm guessing it would throw it about 10 mph off since stock is about 5.

chatty katty · 08-13-2007, 11:31 PM

How does changing the gearing affect the speedo? The speedo cable is on the front tire on my 94.

08-07-2007, 09:27 PM	#1
mharrison Mr. "Slick" Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 691 iTrader: (2) My Garage	Any Good Reasons for a Sprocket or Chain Change ? Well, I need a new chain, so I'm planning to get sprockets too. Since this would be the time for different sprockets, I have a few questions regarding changing the gearing. If I'm happy with my bikes performance, is there any good reason to adjust the gearing? I mean, I'd like to launch a little harder, but I also enjoy my top end. If I adjust the sprockets for a better low-end response what will I lose at the top of the RPM's? (It drops off towards the top end of the RPM range anyway.) What would I lose top speed-wise? I very rarely run her up that high, but on occasion I do. Also, what are the pros/cons of a chain size conversion? I'd appreciate any thoughts since this is my first chain drive bike. __________________ -2005 Katana GSX750F *SOLD* -2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R RideGear.com (I keep shooting, but they won't DIE!)

08-08-2007, 12:01 AM	#2
The CyberPoet Cloud Rider Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tampa, FL, sometimes Germany... Posts: 26,619 iTrader: (168) My Garage eBay ID: MotorcycleAnchor, and TheCyberPoet	(A) Given what you had to say, I would recommend sticking with the stock gearing, or possibly increasing the rear sprocket size one or two teeth (and nothing else). If you increase the rear tooth count, you'll need a longer-than-stock chain (more teeth = more links required). (B) Pro's of size conversion - a little bit of weight loss on the rotating mass of the bike. On a 512 lb bike, it's not likely to make any performance difference in terms of acceleration, braking. In terms of $$, it's penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Con's of size conversion - lifespan of the chain, sprockets. Smaller chains (520's) have narrower rollers (less heat dissipation) narrower sprocket teeth (faster to deform & wear). Hope that helps. Cheers, =-= The CyberPoet __________________ Remember The CyberPoet

08-08-2007, 10:30 AM	#4
ZukiFred Put a stick in it. Supporting Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gray Court, South Carolina Posts: 1,427 iTrader: (0) My Garage October 05 KOTM	15/47 would be a 118 link chain. This should be easy to find as a set also, for some reason the 750's came with the 15/45 and some came with the 15/47. __________________ You can't fix stupid with a stick. Help Support Katriders.com via Motorcyclegear.com

08-13-2007, 11:31 PM	#10
chatty katty Katrider Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver Co Posts: 102 iTrader: (1) My Garage eBay ID: rustytcup	How does changing the gearing affect the speedo? The speedo cable is on the front tire on my 94. __________________ "Do not look to deeply into anything I say, I'm a very shallow person."

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08-08-2007, 08:43 AM	#3
mharrison Mr. "Slick" Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 691 iTrader: (2) My Garage	So if I go with a 15/47 combination, what length chain would I need ? I've decided I'd rather launch harder than hang on to my top speed. (I almost NEVER go there!)

08-08-2007, 11:41 AM	#5
The CyberPoet Cloud Rider Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tampa, FL, sometimes Germany... Posts: 26,619 iTrader: (168) My Garage eBay ID: MotorcycleAnchor, and TheCyberPoet	For a 15/47 combo on a 98+, order the 98+ Kat 600 kit (the 600 had a default sprocket combo of 15/47) Cheers, =-= The CyberPoet

08-08-2007, 08:30 PM	#6
Fredd Squid Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Rydal, Georgia Posts: 32 iTrader: (0) My Garage	I put the 98+ Kat 600 kit on my '06, 750. Going from 15/45 to the 15/47, you do feel more pull. Not a real big change but enough to notice when you turn the thottle.

08-08-2007, 08:54 PM	#7
mharrison Mr. "Slick" Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 691 iTrader: (2) My Garage	What kind of change could I expect to see RPM-wise and what kind of fuel & top speed changes would this create? Also how much do you think it would throw off my speedo? Sorry for so many questions. Still new to chain drive bikes.

08-08-2007, 10:15 PM	#8
The CyberPoet Cloud Rider Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tampa, FL, sometimes Germany... Posts: 26,619 iTrader: (168) My Garage eBay ID: MotorcycleAnchor, and TheCyberPoet	My 47-Tooth Katana Sprocket webpage has the exact percentages of changes you can expect, etc: http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/kata...sprockets.html Cheers, =-= The CyberPoet

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