Quote:
Originally Posted by footer
that first link didn't work, and the second was way over my head. basically anything i get done to the bike, i would have someone else do. just trying to find out things i can get done to it if i want to sup it up. I'm sure the basic set up will be fine for my purposes but trying to learn what is out there to do. so I'm askin what the advantages of different sprockets, tires and wheel sizes etc.. also, i saw somewhere about changing the spark plug? is the spark plug that comes with it not so great? heard if you buy a certain kind they perform better? stupid things like that is what I'm looking for. basically, I'm getting the bike i found on the internet, and wondering what things you guys do to them to make them better. only i need it in very basic terms. such as - if you change you sprockets to this size, this happens. etc.
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A 21-inch front wheel will perform as well on pavement as an 18-inch front wheel. In addition, a 21-inch front wheel will perform better off road than an 18-inch front wheel. Therefore, I suggest you keep the 21-inch front wheel, and forego the considerable effort, and expense, to convert to a smaller front wheel.
Changing the sprockets changes how the engine delivers power to the rear wheel. A larger rear sprocket increases torque for off road riding, but increases engine rpms at all speeds and reduces top speed. A smaller rear sprocket does the opposite. It reduces torque, but decreases engine rpms at all speeds, and allows for higher speeds.
The front sprocket works exactly opposite. A larger front sprocket decreases torque and increases top speed. A smaller front sprocket increases torque and decreases top speed.
You can alter either, or both sprockets, to achieve the combination of torque and top speed you desire. Divide the number of teeth of the rear sprocket by the number of teeth of the front sprocket to determine the sprocket ratio. A higher sprocket ratio gives more torque, but higher rpms with a lower top speed. A lower sprocket ratio gives more speed, with lower rpms, but less torque.
If you ride technical, off road, you want more torque to climb steep hills at lower speeds. If you ride more on pavement, you want more speed with lower rpms to reduce engine wear, and allow you keep up with the traffic flow on busy streets.