 larger sprocket
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 42
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 42 |
I want to go to a larger sprocket since I am always looking for a 6th gear. I just don't know which one to go up a tooth on front or rear. Any advice?
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Go up a tooth on the front,whats on there now?
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 42
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 42 |
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
Move your front sprocket up one tooth for a higher gear ratio. I use an 18 tooth on mine and am quite happy with it.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I went from stock 17T to a 19T for a long highway trip. The difference was amazing, much lower vibration and RPM. Cruised at 75 MPH all day long. Had intended to change back to 17T after the trip, but stop and go traffic never presented issue, I just don't drag race anymore ( that is probably a good thing ). FYI, I weigh 205 lbs.
Front sprockets are fairly cheap and it only takes 20 minutes to change one out. So experiment and find your sweet spot. Good luck.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I have had a 19t for some time now. Will not go back lower. Gears are much taller and cruising is effortless at low RPMs. No looking for 6th gear.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51 |
19t here. World of difference.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
Still run my 16 tooth, tried the 19 and lost way too much bottom end. I ride my bike all day at 80+ mph on the highway on long trips across several states in a day. I like the torque too much to go up any.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
I think a lot of it will depend on your riding environment. If you're a flat-lander, 18 and 19 will probably never be a problem. I ran a 17 for 5 years until late this summer when I went to an 18. I love it on the highway and for rolling around town, but when I went down to Arkansas last weekend I definitely noticed it was different than in my other trips there. I might keep the 18 on there for the rest of the year and switch back to the 17 for the Arkansas Rally every fall. We'll see. I do like going 80+ in 3rd and over 100 in 4th and then still having another gear to really get gone with the 18.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I think a lot of it will depend on your riding environment. If you're a flat-lander, 18 and 19 will probably never be a problem. I ran a 17 for 5 years until late this summer when I went to an 18. I love it on the highway and for rolling around town, but when I went down to Arkansas last weekend I definitely noticed it was different than in my other trips there. I might keep the 18 on there for the rest of the year and switch back to the 17 for the Arkansas Rally every fall. We'll see. I do like going 80+ in 3rd and over 100 in 4th and then still having another gear to really get gone with the 18.
Yep Christopher, Dave in his above reply has hit on a very salient point. If your riding consists a lot of riding up hills, then you will notice that you'll be down-shifting a little bit more in order to stay "on cam"(i.e. in the sweet spot of your bike's rev-range...usually around 3800-4800 RPM on our machines) while going uphill.
I too have run an 18-teethed front sprocket on my BA(which came standard with a 17) for many years, and have found that it the best compromise for my riding habits.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
I ride pretty hard through the twisties of the Pocono mountains, quite a bit of up and down hills and love the power of the 16 tooth for that. It works well on the highway for me too but that's me. If I ran the slab more then maybe I would bump it up a couple teeth but I don't do that enough to warrant the change.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I want to go to a larger sprocket since I am always looking for a 6th gear. I just don't know which one to go up a tooth on front or rear. Any advice?
I think you'll be happier going up 1 tooth more on the front.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yeah, I know bigbill is still happy runnin' a 16 on his too, Ian. I just prefer to lower my RPMs a bit because, as I said, I like to keep my bike within that 3800-4800 RPM range when I'm on the Super Slab or out on some lonely stretch of highway.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
I only run about 4,500 RPM at 80mph give or take. I have talked with Bill about that and I know he is happy with it too.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Hell, I even went to a 44 on the rear as well. Works great.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
Might have to try that, my set is fresh right now with a 16 and a 42. What sprocket did you buy?
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Hey Ian, Bill told me that if you DO decide to go with that 44 on the back, it seems to runs best if you start occasionally cleaning and oiling that sprocket and your chain. (...yep, he said those two extra teeth back there almost demand that you start doing that for some odd reason...RIGHT BILL?!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
You are supposed to oil a chain? Isn't that messy?What kind of oil should I use? 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I'd consider going up one tooth (especially when riding with Dave) but my super steep private drive, with its "simulated moon surface", precludes that. It's all I can do to drive up it now!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Ian, I went with the JTR1332 from JT Sprockets. Yeah.  I use Maxima chain wax.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I'd definitely only go up one tooth at a time. It makes a noticeable difference in raising the overall ratio and making all the gears taller. I've been using 18/42 for 5 of the 6 years I've had my bike. I sometimes think about going back to the 17 as I really liked the more aggressive starts - probably why Ian likes the 16. Also, if you're not used to a bike that likes higher rpms, the tendency is to shift too soon.
A 19 tooth front sprocket would be way to high for me, but some here like it - especially for highway riding. Think of it like gaining a 6th gear, but always starting off in second. The point is that a little goes a long way. Try going up one tooth, but be sure you're not shying away from revs.
After 22,000 miles on the 18, I may just go back to the 17 when I feel like messing with changing it. I'd run a couple of hundred rpms higher on the highway but have more fun taking off - especially seeing I ride 2-up a lot.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
I love the aggressive starts and being able to pull away from much bigger displacement bikes off the line and I have no problem with high RPMs used to squeeze them out of my old Triumphs all the time, could rev those causing no harm as long as you didn't float a valve. With my SM I have a tough time not bumping the rev limiter.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
That looks like a nice light steel sprocket, had to go look because I don't want an aluminum sprocket.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Yep, steel is a requirement for me Lasts longer, costs less than aluminum; just a bit heavier which is a non-issue on all but race bikes.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Ian,did you say 4500+- @80MPH with 16 tooth WOW I'm running a 17 and at 80mph I must be pusshin 6000 rpm,what your secret. 
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
his chain is dry! chain lube is like riding with the brakes on. get all that stuff off toss in a can of seafoam & marvel mystery oil, side gap your plugs, put in a crankcase breather & run yamaha oil & your bike will gain 30hp. 
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
Ian,did you say 4500+- @80MPH with 16 tooth WOW I'm running a 17 and at 80mph I must be pusshin 6000 rpm,what your secret.
Pretty sure it is between 4500 and 5000 at 80 with my 16 42 combination. I run between 80 and 90 mph all the way to Fl when we go.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Ian,did you say 4500+- @80MPH with 16 tooth WOW I'm running a 17 and at 80mph I must be pusshin 6000 rpm,what your secret.
With my 16/44 setup, I'm turning 5300 at an indicated 80 mph, 6500 at 100 mph.
Your tach or speedo must be way off.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
I'm guessing at the RPM as I don't look at it much, I listen to my engine.maybe it's between 5500 and 6000. I'll pay more attention next time and see. I think the tach needle is around straight up at 80 mph. I was looking at a pic that shows my tach trying to see what RPM that would be.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
With my stock setup (17/42) I am pushing approximately 5000RPM at 80MPH, which is probably actually 76MPH since my Speedo is off by almost 4MPH at speeds over 70MPH.
I lube my chain about every 600 miles.....
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Yours sounds about right Ian. Mine was right at 5k at 80mph with the 16/42.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
I run the stock size rear tire too but in the IRC Wild Flare flavor, could be an over all dia. difference in the tire to account for part of the difference. If it is warm enough over the next couple days I'll run it up the highway and look to verify what it reads.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
I'm rumming 17/42 and my rpm reads 5000 @100kph or 60 mph.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
maybe I should lay off the rum 
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
I'm rumming 17/42 and my rpm reads 5000 @100kph or 60 mph.
Shift into fifth.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
Quote:
I'm rumming 17/42 and my rpm reads 5000 @100kph or 60 mph.
Shift into fifth.
No kidding, I know my RPMs are not even close to that high at 60.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Marty
I'm running an 18/42 sprocket combo and I'm at 3500 rpm at an indicated 100km/hr.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I'm rumming 17/42 and my rpm reads 5000 @100kph or 60 mph.
Quote:
maybe I should lay off the rum
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Yea, I thought it was high to.I'm gona take it out sunday when I'm home and make sure I'm not full of it.I'll report back,think I'll compare with Nanci's too.
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Re: larger sprocket
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,197 Likes: 56 |
It was nice this afternoon but ended up servicing my Jeep. Tire rotation, cool weather tire pressure adjustment, check brakes, check differentials and transfer case fluid levels, grease the front end, oil change, check trans fluid level, check power steering, fill washer fluid, etc... Then house work.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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