Gearing change, how will it affect performance?

I recently purchased a good used chain & sprocket set just to experiment, I am running the stock configuration now 14/45. The set I purchased is a 15/48, what kind of change can I expect in performance? This set up was used on a 87' VFR700 that was set up for flat track racing.

 

If I remember correctly you'll get higher top end while robbing the bottom.

Personally I prefer more "bottom" than "top" as I find no need to go beyond
220 km/h (140mph) and the extra grunt off the line is nice.

 

Actually, since you are increasing the drive sprocket along with the wheel sprocket, you will not notice a difference.

14/45 ratio is .311 to 1

15/48 ratio is .313 to 1

However, if you went up on just the REAR sprocket to 48...

14/48 ratio is .291 to 1

... this would increase your bottom end, but you would lose top end.

However, if you went up on just the FRONT sprocket to 15...

15/48 ratio is .333 to 1

... This would increase your top end, but decrease your low end.


When I think about sprockets, I compare it to riding my mountain bike. If I go up to a larger gear on the front sprocket, how much harder is it at low speed? at high speed?

And the same reasoning for the rear sprocket.

 

So if I leave my my stock 14 tooth on the front(one of my spares as I want to leave my current set intact) & install the 48 rear I would have to remove one link from the chain I received w/ the 15/48 set up; I am I correct in my thinking?

 

Yes - if you want the axle to stay in the same spot.

For experimentation purposes, you can adjust the axle forward or back to fit the chain - or you can use the original chain if it's stretched enough.

Quick calculation to find the difference in chain length needed when comparing sprockets:
Measure the diameter of the rear sprocket.
Now multiply it by 1.57.
This result is the 1/2 the circumference of the circle or the distance the chain needs to travel around the sprocket.

Now do the same with the other sprocket. The differences in the two results is how much chain (approximately) you'll have to remove/add.

 

has anyone else made similar modifcations?

after my first couple hundred miles i was thinking about going down a tooth (14 to 13).

i thought that the bike was geared a little tall and that loosing the tooth would allow me to play more in the upper range and enjoy the horsepower.

anyone else feel this way? (04 vfr)