hey im taking my bike in for new tires soon and while its there I want to replace chain and maybe switch up my gear ratio. I was curious if anyone else has done tinkering with theirs and what worked best. I really just want a little more acceleration and pop, not top end. happy tuesday
It is best to use the stock size front sprocket and a bigger back sprocket- the chain will last longer and it puts less stress on the transmission shaft.
The EK brand 3D model X-Ring chain might be the best, and a Supersprox brand back sprocket- you want a back sprocket with steel teeth, unless you are racing and do not care if the back sprocket wears out a lot faster for a tiny weight loss. If you plan to ride at 75 mph at all, do not go too much bigger than stock for the back sprocket.
I plan to get a stock Kawasaki front sprocket because they often have more cushioning built in than aftermarket front sprockets.
It is best to use the stock size front sprocket and a bigger back sprocket- the chain will last longer and it puts less stress on the transmission shaft.
The EK brand 3D model X-Ring chain might be the best, and a Supersprox brand back sprocket- you want a back sprocket with steel teeth, unless you are racing and do not care if the back sprocket wears out a lot faster for a tiny weight loss. If you plan to ride at 75 mph at all, do not go too much bigger than stock for the back sprocket.
I plan to get a stock Kawasaki front sprocket because they often have more cushioning built in than aftermarket front sprockets.
Go to kawasaki, then ER, then the 09-10 or 15, they look the same, gearing wise. Play with RPM settings, gearing changes, etc. Can learn a lot about the bike and performance possibilities. tp
"What issues would I see if I went +3 in the rear and was riding over 75?"
Higher rpm, more vibration, and lower gas mileage in top gear. Some like it, and some switch back to stock or go to a smaller back sprocket. The top speed might be 115 mph instead of the stock 130 mph.
Plus 3 teeth for the back sprocket is not a huge change- the new chain for a bigger back sprocket should be a little longer than stock with the stock size front sprocket, so the back axle adjusters start in the same place, without the chain too tight at first.
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So would -1+2 give me the pop I want but still be able to cruise around 80 if I'm on the highway? I don't care much about topping out cause well...it's only a 650 anyways lol, but I don't wanna have legit problems I'm I'm at 80 or so
Many write that you should always change the chain and sprockets as a set, but if the front sprocket and chain are not used much yet I would not have a problem with adding a new back sprocket and maybe a few new chain links to the existing chain (preferably with rivets or screw on master links instead of clips) for a bigger back sprocket. Racers often have a stack of back sprockets in various sizes for different tracks.
A back sprocket with aluminum teeth will wear out much faster than with steel teeth. There are aluminum back sprockets available with steel teeth, and steel back sprockets with bigger cutouts, both for less weight. All aluminum back sprockets are really only worthwhile to try to save a tenth of a second per lap, while the sprocket does not last nearly as long compared to one with steel teeth.
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