Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech So the front sprocket IS already 18T..........

So I checked the front sprocket on my '06 Speedy. It is (as has been suggested) an 18T but I still feel like to could go up a tooth. I guess I'll try a 19T and see how that works for me and even think about going down a tooth on the rear (did I get that the right way round ??? ) )

Interesting. What is the rear?

42 (standard)

Maybe you should go on a ride with me/us before you go up a tooth

No secret, just a good view of my licence plate

I've had all three fronts, now - 16,18, now 17. Liked each of the first so much I really did not want to change, and now like the 17t so much i may just stick with it from now on. Gas mileage seems to be the same. Surprised me.

The 17 gives me that "hot rod" feeling again I never knew I was missing with the 18, and at all ranges. I'm happy.

Most of my time is over 50MPH. The 19t seems just fine for me.

Most of mine is over 70, 80 if I have a clear lane. All freeway, all the time, but mostly just here around Houston, lately.

Again - I liked the 18t just fine. But no better than I liked the 16t before that. You get used to whatever you have, and it's all good.

I want to add that the 17t keeps me from rowing the box as much as I did with the 18t. I rarely see much more than 5k rpm in 5th, unless I'm up over 90, but at speeds as low as 30-40, 5th pulls fine. If I'm going to have to stay below 50-60 for very long, I may drop to 4th, but don't have to. With the 18t, I dropped regularly.

I used to run boulevards with 35 mph limits in 2nd, but now a more relaxed 3rd pulls fine at lower revs.

Having gone from the 16 to the 18, and now back to the 17, I am totally adjusted to the fact that 5th over 70 mph is going to be pushing 5k revs, and glancing at the tach keeps me from "reaching" for 6th as much as I may have when I had the 16t. I know I still looked for 6th a lot with the 18t, but now I quit looking for it so much because she runs so well at 5k I just twist and smile. And hang on.

Like I said, you get used to whatever you have. It's all good. I am most impressed however, with the "non-effect" on fuel economy. I'm still hitting reserve at over 140 miles after fillup - no different than with the 18t. Just more grin factor, if that's possible.

I'm with Balckwind on this. Personally I think the 18 robs too much power. Would not even try a 19 myself. With the 18 I was constantly working the shifter. I have been on the 16 now and it is my favorite for my hooligan type of riding. But much of my riding is below highway speeds. After a recent long trip the 16 is a bit much for extended highway but I still appreciate the power. Plus I think these motors run best above 4-4500k. This is also my first cruiser so I am use to higher revs and more power. But I love cruising the twin at 4500k, which is about 77-78mph showing, probably 70 actual.

By the way my milage went up a bit going from the belt to the 16 and chain, not sure why but it may have to do with my riding style.

The only time the 18 robs power is in first from a stop. Otherwise, I just adjusted when I shift. I don't downshift a lot because I don't always go into 5th. Pretty simple. Lots of times I find myself cruising along at 70 in 4th. Great for passing

I think it comes down to this, if you do a ton of stop n go and ride two up and not much long distance, 16 or 17 is it. If you ride solo a lot, and aren't the type to always get into 5th, then the 18 is cool. It depends as much on shifting style as it does riding style.

weight may also factor in with reguards to shifting and acceleration

Frank

With the 18, I'm probably doing 75 or better (actual) at 4500 rpms. The bike seems the smoothest on the highway 4000-4500 rpms making the 18 an improvement over the 17 (I started with) on the highway. I like not looking for 6th and usually don't shift into 5th until 60 or so making it more like an overdrive. I don't feel like I shift any more around town as I'm mostly using 4 gears which are a bit taller.

The 18 would be my hands down favorite for solo riding (I weigh 160). But, when my wife rides (more and more) I do sometimes miss the 17, especially when riding with our HD friends who usually ride solo. When my chain gets near time to replace I may put the 17 back on for awhile and see which I want to go with. The 16 or 19 are both out of the question for me, each giving up too much of something I like.

Yeah well you lightweights can try to keep up with me anytime

hopefully i get the pleasure to try next riding season

Frank

My 3XL helmet makes a good windbreaker. You guys can draft me.

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LOL! Every ride behind a truck? Major mucho turbulence. You make it sound like your lid is truck sized!

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Didn't you see it at Pat's? Go to a shop and look at a 3XL sometime..... if they have one.

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No secret, just a good view of my licence plate

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some of us actually have to squint to get a good view