RC46 gearing

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Norse, May 9, 2019.

  1. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    Hey.

    Looks like I'll probably need a new chain kit sometime this summer. So I was thinking about possibly changing the gearing at the same time. Maybe going up a couple of teeth in the back.

    I would like a bit better low speed functionality and a bit more acceleration wouldn't hurt either. But at the same time, I would like to not lose to much in the higher end or end up with too high RPM at motorway speeds (85'ish mph).

    Anyone have any input on this?
     
  2. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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  3. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    Thank you. But I understand the maths perfectly fine. I have done this on other bikes in the past.

    What I'm looking for is personal experience. Every bike model is different and maths alone is not enough to find the sweet spot.
     
  4. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    Oh, you want personal experience, now you've opened a can of worms :D j/k. I run a 520 conversion that I've been happy with for 6 yrs now, but I'd have to look and see if I'm running stock gearing ... can't remember off the top of my head (a function of aging).

    ACE
     
  5. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    -1 /+2. About 12% lower than stock. Needs Speedohealer for speedometer correction. Good for the twisties, a little more rev at highway speeds. If you are one of those folks that's always hunting for 7th gear, I suspect, you will find yourself doing it more often. If you spend most of your time at highway speeds, I would just stick with the OEM final drive of 16/43.
     
  6. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    What he said. I checked mine at lunch, front stock, 45 rear. Speedohealer synced to GPS. I have a gear indicator so no hunting for 7th :) ...

    ACE
     
  7. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    I mostly ride 50-55mph roads and a day on the highway every once in a while. Never with a pillion.
    Mostly I just want it a bit more balanced. Better acceleration is always nice, and midrange, you can never have too much of.
    I also find that when I'm need to do low speeds 20-30mph, the stock gearing is not ideal. Not that I do this a lot, but it's still annoying.

    Thanks for the heads up on the speedohealer. I had completely forgotten that.
     
  8. hondaman219

    hondaman219 New Member

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    went +2 on the rear on my 93 this season. OH MY GOD. those were my first words when i goosed it for the first time. It slid me back in the seat. So much more torque on the bottom end. I do not regret it. Also rebuilt the carbs due to leaking fuel. Throttle response is so much better. Its like a new bike... My speedo reads about 4 mph faster at 55. Cable drive so no healer for me. Just do it....
     
  9. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Gearing is the cheapest bang for the buck.
     
  10. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    If I go for the -1 +2 (16/45) sprockets. What would be the right chain length for a 2000 RC46?
    I'm thinking 110 links, but have not been able to verify this.
     
  11. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    problem with going 1 down in front is that you won't be using a honda sprocket, which is rubber-damped for quieter running and less vibration.
     
  12. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    Those are available.
    I just need to figure out the chain length.
     
  13. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    someone will correct me if i'm wrong, but i think +2 on the rear is within the chain adjustment range of the eccentric using standard length chain.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 16, 2019
  14. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    Even without pushing the chain adjustment to the limit? Even with a brand new chain, it should not be turned all the way in.
     
  15. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Just a chain that is a few links longer and then cut and rivet it to the length you need.
     
  16. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    The thing is, I prefer endless. It's easier and you have absolute knowledge that a less than perfect rivet job won't give you a few % higher risk of failure.

    That being said, I'm generally just against guesswork. I find it beyond hard to believe that no one knows.
     
  17. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I have riveted a shit ton of chains on 1000cc track bikes and a lot of dirt bikes with 0 failures . It is very simple and quick. A good skill to have. I would highly recommend you do it yourself.
     
  18. Doug7200

    Doug7200 New Member

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    No matter what you choose for gearing, riveting is not hard with a good tool.

    I have done more than I can remember, and zero issues.

    I use an RK kit, but have also used a DID, both work well, and work on any brands links.
     
  19. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    I know how to do it and I have the tools. Doesn't change the fact that I prefer endless. It's just personal preference.
     
  20. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    So Norse, what was the final verdict? Which gearing did you end up with, and what length of chain was correct?
     
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