SpudRider |
07-14-2015 12:55 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyBoy1976
(Post 188676)
Hey Spud (and anyone else who might offer advice), forgive a rookie question, but does lowering the gearing affect the top end and cruising speed? I ask because I just added a slightly smaller rear sprocket to my TW200 in order to lower my RPMs at highway speed, and get a little less buzzing. It worked (mostly-I may get an even smaller sprocket). When I get my RX3, I too will be riding a pretty large range of elevations (5400-12,000 feet, likely), but I have to do some highway riding to get to the good stuff.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas
(Post 188680)
Matty, short answer is "Yes."
Dropping the front sprocket one tooth will cause the engine to rev higher at the same speed for the stock 14 tooth.
In other words, since the engine can easily pull redline with stock gearing, the lower gearing will allow it to reach peak rpm quicker although mph will be lower.
It's a compromise you will have to decide on.
Jay.
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In theory, Jay's short answer is correct. :) However, in this instance, I can actually go faster with the smaller, 13T C/S sprocket. This might not hold true for riders weighing 150 pounds, and living in Florida, Indiana, Illinois, et cetera. However, riding at high elevations, the smaller, 13T sprocket holds its speed much better while climbing long inclines above 5,000 feet in elevation. Therefore, I don't have shift as much, and I actually end up going faster. :tup:
Also, the bike doesn't want to stall while pulling away from stop lights in first gear. The bike accelerates better, and preforms better in all gears at all rpms. In my instance I can't find a single downside for switching to the smaller, 13T C/S sprocket. :) If you weight little, travel light, and live in the flatlands at sea level, you might want to keep the stock, 14T C/S sprocket. However, if you weigh more than 200 pounds, carry stuff in the luggage, carry a passenger, and/or regularly ride about 5,000 feet in elevation, I highly recommend the smaller, 13T C/S sprocket. Once you make the change, you will never want to go back. ;)
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