Stock Chain with +2 Rear Sprocket

Just as an FYI for everyone, I just installed a 45T rear sprocket on my bike with the stock chain and there was plenty of slack left in the chain. I have 0 miles on my Gen 6, so it hasn't even stretched yet. As you know, stock is 43T, so I'm sure that a 46T and possibly a 47T rear sprocket would fit using the stock chain. If you've got miles on your bike already, then I think the 47T would go right on.

 

where did you get the new sprocket?

i would ask if you noticed a difference, but with 0 miles, id say no.

also, just so i get this straight, a new sprocket is like putting taller gears in a car. you accelerate quicker but lose some top end?

 

I got the sprocket from www.sumofallparts.net

It's a Vortex aluminum sprocket and it cost me $55 plus shipping.

On my VFR750, I went up 1 tooth on the rear and it was noticeable, so I'm sure that going up 2 on the 800 will be noticeable once I get it out there.

And yes, by adding teeth to the rear sprocket, you are gaining acceleration, but loosing top end speed. To accomplish the same with the front sprocket you would actually remove teeth.

 

im also guessing you got the 530 pitch, not the 520

 

Yes, it's a 530.

 

How much speed are we talking about in the losing department then ?
If it only hits 230 km/hour Now - surely you dont want to remove much more ?
Ill bet acceleration though from that thing must be a blast ... please let us know what kind of improvement you are getting .

 

On my other two VFRs ('86 & '99), I went up a single tooth on the rear. The difference wasn't huge, but noticeable. I don't think I lost more than 5-10 mph. It seems that overall, the VFRs are geared pretty high. I'm willing to sacrifice top-end speed for quickness since I am almost never over the 100 mph plus mark.

 

i just bought a new sprocket, but my friend talked me into a 1 tooth smaller front. should be here today or tomorrow (along with my power commander), and will probably be installed this weekend.

 

Going down 1 on the front is the same as adding 3 or 4 to the rear. You will definitely notice it. Let us know if you think it is just right or too much.

 

i just looked at the gear ratio chart, and with a 16 tooth front and 43 tooth rear, the stock ratio is 2.69. with a 16F and 45R its 2.81. with the 15F and 43R is 2.87. so doing -1 in the front is almost like doing +3 in the rear. this chart is pretty cool for anyone looking to see the difference a sprocket will make

http://www.sprocketcenter.com/g/4156/gear-ratio-chart.html

BTW, i havent driven the bike much with the new sprocket and power commander, but it hauls @$$. i gotta be carefull about pulling a wheelie now:biggrin:

 

After tinkering with Quads now for 2 years - if the engine has the bones to pull the bike to top gear , then 1 tooth down on the front will be no trainsmash . What I do notice though , Is that it makes a radical difference On the speed , and , after going from 14-39 , then to 14 38 , and now 13 38 , I am convined now that the engineers got it right - 14 - 39 seems to be the most ideal (and by this , Im refferring to the Trx Honda , NOt the Vfr ! ).
I f I had to hazard a guess , then I'd say the stock gearing is more suited to do everything nicely . Changing the rear sprocket , becuase of its minimal Change , will always get my vote before Front sprocket changes .

 

Maybe a dumb question... Does adjusting the chain slack show any noticeable changes to ride stability. Assuming that adjusting the chain changes the geometry of the rear wheel. I also read somewhere that when going to 45 one should add two links to the chain... this must be to avoid an adjustment?

Thanks

 

Yes, adjusting the chain via the elliptical cam does change the wheel base slightly. I think you would have to be hyper sensitive to notice a change in stability coinciding with a chain adjustment. On the other hand I ride a VTEC bike so maybe my senses have been dulled :biggrin:

Action

 

Technically, by adding a larger rear sprocket, it would force the wheelbase to be shortened meaning that the bike should be easier to wheelie - but it isn't. Overall, there is no difference in stability. Now if you extended the swingarm, then that would be competely different.

No, this is not true. On my '07, I put the (45T) sprocket on when the bike had 0 miles on it and it just fit with the stock chain. I was afraid that I might have to run the bike with the stock gearing first to get the chain to stretch, but it just made it. I think if I went +3, then I would have had to stretch it first or add a link or two.

 

Remember, you can only add or subtract as little as two links.

 

An off the top of my head example.....

c=Pi*2*r

Adding a tooth increases the circumference of the sprocket, say 1/2".
Therefore the radial change in position of the ecentric adjuster would be about 5/64".

Make the change an inch in circumference and the radial move is just over 5/32" = Not a big deal.

 

I used this calculator when doing gearing on my Zuk
http://www.gearingcommander.com/