Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories 19T sprocket opinions

I was thinking of going with a 19 tooth front sprocket, but I am looking for some reviews before I do. First of all, is it going to make my bike a pig off the line? I know it won't get up and go like it does now, but is it a huge drop-off? Is it worth it on the top end? Hoping that those of you who have made the change will chime in with your thoughts.

I live in an area that has hills that folks East of the Mississippi swear are mountains, I tried a 19T and ended up continually downshifting. I settled on a 17T for my travel out bike and a 16/43 for my bobber. These motors were designed to spin, not lug around. Near stock H.P. and torque with a 19T: Thumbs Down

A 19 will make all your gears taller. You will not be looking for that elusive 6th gear. I highly suggest you try one out. I have never had a regret from it. You will cruise at 75 at under 4000 RPMs. Its a great gear. (Unless you are drag racing) No hole shot but once moving its a real work horse.

Most who use it never acclimate to the the different ratio because they have this need to be high into the gears like it used to be. It also works fine two up.

I rode it all around the Mountains in Arizona had no real problems keeping up.

Whats standard?

My '05 came with a 16 and a 17 on my '06, IIRC, Both are Speedies

KaiserSoze's bike came standard with a 17. Speedies came standard with 16.

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Absolutely! Night and day difference, very quick and easy install. Our bikes have great pull off the line anyway so even the hole shot is still respectable.

Going up or down a tooth by changing the counter shaft sprocket is fairly easy to do and is not expensive. Do it and see for your self. My 09 America had an 18T when new. After some mods allowing the motor to breath a good bit more I have settled on a 17T. Very happy & prefer cruising on the interstate around 4500 RPM still having a responsive throttle. The more miles I put on the motor the more it seems to want to run at higher RPM's.

My 07SM 865CC came stock with the 18T. I've been running the 19 for over a year now and really like it. I don't know about jumping outta the hole, but I can easily hit above 80mph in 3rd, over 100mph in 4th, not redlining either one, I haven't really pushed 5th to hard cause of traffic but I've seen above 110 very easily and on several occasions.

Also on a side by side comparrison my 04AM 790CC has a 18T and gets along just fine, haven't pushed her to hard yet but the rpm's seeem to be about 500'ish more for the same indicated speed.

Normally I just take it easy but... there are times when I like to get "spirited"!

I say go ahead and give it a try, sprockets are cheap and easy to change out.
I may end up putting a 16T on the SM and a 19T on AM.

You can pick up a new name brand fr. sprocket on EBay for $25 delivered, just buy one and do your own eval. I never go much faster than 80 MPH, so I appreciate and use the low end, off the line power the lower ratio has to offer, if I lived in Flatbush, Florida, with mainly straight roads, a 19 T might work just fine for me. No offence intended to Floridians, but it's the flattest place I have ever been.

I say you will not like it at all.

No offence Scott, but you are big for that bike and it will be a total dog with the 19T. No bottom end. Are you looking for top speed? mileage? If none of those things then go to a 16T, it will be more fun.

Opinion from Flatistan; I like my 19 except when 2-up (790).

The good news is that front sprockets swaps are cheap, so after you experiment you can inexpensively swap back for an 18T...

i had the 16, 17 & 18. the 17 was my favorite. i could actually run faster on top end with a 16 than i could with the 18.

i prefer the 18, still ok on the hyway, the bikes likes to run around that 4-4500 rpm range all day long, and good for the city which is where most of my riding is done.

My '05 790 America came with a 17. I switched to a 16 for acceleration around Central Florida (flatlands).

For the out of state trips, I went with a 19.

After getting back, I've forgotten to change back to the 16. Why, Well I believe that my bike MAY actually accelerate quicker with the 19!

If not, I can't seem to tell a difference in acceleration , IF YA'LL CAN BELIEVE THIS, between the 19 and the 16!!!

It MAY be because my bike is SO ridiculously light, usually one up, and usually tached to the rev limiter.

One thing I know for SURE! I DO notice the lack of shifting into sixth gear, only to NOT FIND IT!

Keep in mind the OP has a 904...

Mine came stock with a 17, went to an 18 a few yrs ago. I was looking for a more comfortable cruise on the highway.

I think you might be right Micah, I may be pushing it with the 19, I don't want to eliminate the fun factor, just looking for 6th gear...

if you'd get a tiger you would have 6th gear but then you are searching for 7th

You could add a 6th gear to your tranny. It has been done before. A lot of work and you need to find a donor triple to provide the guts.

Or get a t bird, it comes with a 6th gear!

I do not understand this need/desire for the "Holy 6th Gear" with our motors as stock, the base ratio would have to be lowered to somewhere around 16/45 and 1st would be as useful as the granny 1st gear on a old GMC truck. Somebody please explain the need to me. Wheelies in the parking lot or would 6th gear be a minuscule higher than 5th and drop RPM by a whole 250 spins, tell me?

Cause it's fun to tinker.

Wheelies! Don't forget the burn outs too.

Come to think of it, I like wheelies and burnouts too. But I'll get there some day with a power upgrade and leave my tranny alone.

I hated the 19 tooth front sprocket, gave up way too much off the line for my taste. I went back to the 16 and will stay with it. I also travel long distances on the slab at 80 to 90mph all day and when I want I can bury the speedo with plenty of grunt all the way. I saw no reason to keep the 19 and couldn't understand why anyone would want one.

Only cuz you axt:

I believe the 19 is too tall, and you will hear the con rods rattle when you launch. I did anyway.

For the highway though - very sweet ratio

'round town - I think if Triumph would become non-secretive to their customers, (i know - that's a good one...) you might get a driveline engineer to allow as how 19 is mighty tall for these little engines / torque curves.

Just my ought 2...

Great info. I just came into possession of an 05 BA with the 904 kit. It has a 17 on it and seems to me to tach a little high. I think I will go to the 18 that I received extra with the bike. Not real mechanical but I love to tinker. The swap doesn't seem to be to much trouble I guess.

Don't forget these bikes love the higher rpm range and most people don't use enough of it. To get a lower cruise rpm, you create taller gearing and give up quicker starting. I tried the 16, 17, and 18. Pros and cons to each. Ended up back at the original 17 which seemed the best compromise. I should add that I ride 2 up a lot and higher gearing becomes way more noticeable. Never ever considered a 19 which seems awfully high, but everyone's different.

Glad you're enjoying the new bike.

Edit add: I guess I should update my signature line since bike is gone.

Thanks. I am definitely enjoying her. Just finished a little run earlier today. Hope the new Trophy is all you expected.