Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Help with this whole "Sprocket" thing ??

Some say the 18t provides a more "relaxed" ride on the highway. So the rpms are lower. It gives the bike longer legs in every gear, though. I would be racing around in 1st or 2nd trying to get in and out of the neighborhood. I liked it, but I don't know now how "relaxing" that really was.

When I changed chains, I bought the America chain/sprocket set, (17/42). Now I may be running higher rpms in 5th, but she likes it that way, and I don't search for 6th any more than I ever did. The tach helps, as seeing 70 mph and about 5k, you know your in 5th already. Seeing 6k or more, I know I can shift again.

But the 17t IS more relaxing at lower speeds, as I can now cruise in 2nd,3rd, and 4th in a much more relaxed manor. The engine has plenty of grunt for that, and the shorter front sprocket means plenty of power on tap when you want to twist it up.

Now that I have had the 16t,18t, and now 17t fronts, I have to say the 17t is probably where I'll be staying.