New sprockets.

[HighRisk]

Hey guys, I've been thinking about changing my front sprocket -1 and my rear +3 I know the rear sprocket is 48 teeth so i'll want a 51 tooth sprocket for the rear but I don't know what size front sprocket to get? I'm trying to increase torque. I also don't know which chain to get, any suggestions? This will be my first time trying to change the sprockets. Thanks in advance!

[shpielers]

What size/year bike? Different ones have different sprocket set ups. I believe they all have a 15t front though.

Changing sprockets isn't too hard, the manual covers pretty much what you need to know. I'd suggest greasing up the worm gear on the shifter while you're in there and have it accessible. (http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.p...grease+bearing)

[Kreylyn]

I use a 15/50 setup on my 93 750. I wouldn't want to drop a tooth on the front or go much higher on the rear as it would get a bit too far into the no top end/high rpms at highway cruise speed for me.

If I did a lot of highway, I would change what I have now to be honest. Most of my riding is really curvy 2 lane back roads though, so this works for lots of speed changes with the curves and such.

GSXFjim at 7thgeardesigns.com does custom sprockets fyi... and they are priced at a very reasonable and competitive rates vs other non custom options out there.

If you change the tooth count much, your looking at a new chain too (if you were not aware).

Krey

[HighRisk]

Most of my riding is around 55 -75 MPH Highway riding and If it gets too bad i'll switch to the old sprocket. So I'm going to leave my 15t front sprocket on (I'll still open it up to clean it) Will I need a new chain moving up to a 50t? Or should I try my old one first? 98' Katana 600.

[Kreylyn]

Most of my riding is around 55 -75 MPH Highway riding and If it gets too bad i'll switch to the old sprocket. So I'm going to leave my 15t front sprocket on (I'll still open it up to clean it) Will I need a new chain moving up to a 50t? Or should I try my old one first? 98' Katana 600.

First...


Are you comfortable riding around in 5th gear (don't shift to 6th) at highway speed and normal riding you currently do? Try that first... then decide.


If not, you do not want to swap.


If you are, then... by all means, go for it.


If you do the swap, you will most likely need a new longer chain. Additionally, If the old sprockets/chain are still in good condition, keep them around as a set incase you find out long term that it isn't a good swap for you.


Most people that ride mostly highway find going down in the rear provides a smoother and lower rpm ride. Less buzz and such.


Krey

[shpielers]

First...


Are you comfortable riding around in 5th gear (don't shift to 6th) at highway speed and normal riding you currently do? Try that first... then decide.


If not, you do not want to swap.


If you are, then... by all means, go for it.


If you do the swap, you will most likely need a new longer chain. Additionally, If the old sprockets/chain are still in good condition, keep them around as a set incase you find out long term that it isn't a good swap for you.


Most people that ride mostly highway find going down in the rear provides a smoother and lower rpm ride. Less buzz and such.


Krey

+1

I went down 2 in the rear. Don't really notice a loss of oooomph, but lower rpms and less noise is definitely nice. Also made my speedometer almost spot on

[GSXFJim]

I agree with krey leave the 15t cs and change the rear. I have a 15/50 set in stock, the rear is aluminum w/black anodizing, stock style pattern.

[ratana 7fiddy]

Krey what revs are you running at when doing 70 ,thought mine were high ,but idea of riding in 5th may seem about right

[Kreylyn]

Krey what revs are you running at when doing 70 ,thought mine were high ,but idea of riding in 5th may seem about right

My current set up feels exactly as though I dropped a gear range. 2nd feels like first did, and top gear feels like 5th did. RPMs went up by 800 from prior at various speeds.


Krey

[crazycraven420]

My current set up feels exactly as though I dropped a gear range. 2nd feels like first did, and top gear feels like 5th did. RPMs went up by 800 from prior at various speeds.


Krey

so first gear is almost worthless then? lol

[Kreylyn]

so first gear is almost worthless then? lol

No, I wouldn't say that. But it's definitely... short... on fast take offs.


I'm a lot more likely to hit the limiter on fast accelerating because it comes faster than I'm used to.


Krey

[KAT TOY]

I have 15/48 with a 160/60 rear. tachs around 5k @ 58 mph[on GPS]. I wouldn't go any higher on rear.

[crazycraven420]

No, I wouldn't say that. But it's definitely... short... on fast take offs.


I'm a lot more likely to hit the limiter on fast accelerating because it comes faster than I'm used to.


Krey

Yea I could imagine! lol

[rk97]

Will a 16t fit up front?

Front sprockets are so much cheaper and easier to change, and also dont affect chain adjustment nearly as much. I was planning to experiment with 14/15/16 and stock rear. The 14 would be for city and track rides, the 16 would be for long trips, and the 15 would be for everything in between (like a long trip where I plan some twisty riding when I gets there)

[shpielers]

I've heard that a 14 really stresses the chain so it's not highly recommended. No personal experience though.

I've seen several people commenting that the 16 is possible, but needs some slight modification. There's several threads on it,so if no one else chimes in, a quick search should be able to answer exactly what needs modding.