XF200 Rear Sprocket Change

dmmcd · 08-23-2011, 08:47 AM

After 3000 km, I finally decided to drop the gearing down a little more on my XF. I already had the 16 T front sprocket for a while and it helped, but most of my riding is cruising between 50 and 60 mph, so it was still a bit buzzy and I wanted to drop the RPMs. So I got a 44 T rear sprocket (JTR809.44T) from BikeBandit.com for $15.89 and got around to installing it last night.

Installation was very easy. Lift bike, loosen rear axle adjusters, remove brake rod, take out axle, remove chain, remove wheel.

I used a flat screwdriver and hammer to flatten the retaining tabs around the sprocket bolts. Then remove and pull off sprocket. Put on new sprocket, a little blue locktite on the bolts, torque them down in a criss-cross pattern, then hammer the retaining tabs back into place. Put wheel back on bike and re-assemble.

Here is the comparison of sizes:

I was able to do this changeover without removing any chain links. However, with the old sprocket the axle was almost all the way forward in the adjustment range. Now it is almost all the way back. If you are somewhere in the middle to start, you might need to remove a link from the chain to get proper tension.

My ride to work this morning was nice. I didn't really know what to expect. I was worried that the drive torque would suffer, but I really didn't notice much of a difference in starting out and accelerating. The RPMs dropped nicely, and now at 60 mph (indicated) it runs around 5800 RPM which is decent. I did notice I had to downshift to 4th on a couple hills to hold 50 mph, but it easily climbs and accelerates in 4th gear. 5th is like the overdrive now. I still have stock carb settings. My next step is to play with the carb to get a little more mid range. I'm not ready to drop any money on an exhaust just yet.

So in summary, I went from stock 15/48 (3.2 final ratio) gearing to 16/44 (2.75 final ratio). It brought the revs down at cruising speed to a much more comfortable level. With stock engine and carb config it needs a little more power (or shifting) to hold speed on long steep uphills, but acceleration from stop is still good and I definitely recommend the change.

Weldangrind · 08-23-2011, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the report. What was the RPM @60 with the original setup?

dmmcd · 08-23-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thanks for the report. What was the RPM @60 with the original setup?

I don't recall exactly, but I think it was a bit over 6500 RPM stock. With the 16T front it was probably around 6100 or so. Hard to tell exactly on the tach, but in that range.

2LZ · 08-23-2011, 10:47 AM

I have the exact setup on my XP. It's GREAT for around town and back country road rides

It really relaxes it at high cruise....but it seems that anything above 2500-3000 feet elevation....it's a wee to tall for long uphills. One long, very steep uphill, I had to drop down to 3rd to maintain 40-45 mph. Glad no one was behind me! 8O ...but that was only the one occasion. 4th was usually sufficient. That's when it's screaming "I wish I was a 250!"

Also, 1st is now a tad to tall for the super-slow trail stuff. A little to much clutch slipping for my tastes. I'm thinking of moving the countershaft back up to the 16 when I go trail riding and see if that helps.

You're going to love this setup on the open flats and rolling hills!

2LZ · 08-23-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmmcd

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thanks for the report. What was the RPM @60 with the original setup?

I don't recall exactly, but I think it was a bit over 6500 RPM stock. With the 16T front it was probably around 6100 or so. Hard to tell exactly on the tach, but in that range.

My 16/44 setup is pretty much evened out now.
50 @ 5000rpms, around 6000r's @ 60, etc....

recracer · 08-24-2011, 08:48 PM

i have a curious question. so i can compare this gears to a lifaniod setup . Is the primary ratio for the qlinks listed or anyone know what it is ?

dmmcd · 08-30-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recracer

i have a curious question. so i can compare this gears to a lifaniod setup . Is the primary ratio for the qlinks listed or anyone know what it is ?

According to the English version owner's manual, the primary ratio is 3.158.

The 'final stage' ratio is 3.000.
1st gear: 3.00
2nd gear: 1.933
3rd gear: 1.438
4th gear: 1.095
5th gear: 0.913

trevort · 09-03-2011, 11:36 PM

I have always wanted to try a 42T rear but fear that it would make 5th gear completely flat and useless. Hope your out enjoying your Q Dmmcd

dmmcd · 09-07-2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevort

I have always wanted to try a 42T rear but fear that it would make 5th gear completely flat and useless. Hope your out enjoying your Q Dmmcd

I definitely am. Haven't ridden this week thanks to Irene and Lee, and couldn't ride last week due to a 'procedure', but looking forward to getting back on it. I just checked valves, changed oil, and adjusted needle clip in carb.

SpudRider · 09-09-2011, 12:17 AM

Sunstar makes nice sprockets, and you got yours for a great price, DM.

Spud

JTCAndrew · 10-02-2011, 10:30 PM

HI Guys - Have not been here in awhile becuase I've been enjoying the summer months riding my XF. I Have the NEW rear sprocket (44) but have not put it on just yet. After reading the above I'll probably get to it soon, as it sounds to be perfect for my style and area of riding. Thanks for the report. I'm also currently looking at a project bobber build 1978 Kawasaki kz650 (Cheep bike for $200) and she runs! more about this later. See you all in the coming months as my weather is changing here in PA Fast!

Andrew

08-23-2011, 08:47 AM	#1
dmmcd Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Souderton, PA Posts: 367	XF200 Rear Sprocket Change After 3000 km, I finally decided to drop the gearing down a little more on my XF. I already had the 16 T front sprocket for a while and it helped, but most of my riding is cruising between 50 and 60 mph, so it was still a bit buzzy and I wanted to drop the RPMs. So I got a 44 T rear sprocket (JTR809.44T) from BikeBandit.com for $15.89 and got around to installing it last night. Installation was very easy. Lift bike, loosen rear axle adjusters, remove brake rod, take out axle, remove chain, remove wheel. I used a flat screwdriver and hammer to flatten the retaining tabs around the sprocket bolts. Then remove and pull off sprocket. Put on new sprocket, a little blue locktite on the bolts, torque them down in a criss-cross pattern, then hammer the retaining tabs back into place. Put wheel back on bike and re-assemble. Here is the comparison of sizes: I was able to do this changeover without removing any chain links. However, with the old sprocket the axle was almost all the way forward in the adjustment range. Now it is almost all the way back. If you are somewhere in the middle to start, you might need to remove a link from the chain to get proper tension. My ride to work this morning was nice. I didn't really know what to expect. I was worried that the drive torque would suffer, but I really didn't notice much of a difference in starting out and accelerating. The RPMs dropped nicely, and now at 60 mph (indicated) it runs around 5800 RPM which is decent. I did notice I had to downshift to 4th on a couple hills to hold 50 mph, but it easily climbs and accelerates in 4th gear. 5th is like the overdrive now. I still have stock carb settings. My next step is to play with the carb to get a little more mid range. I'm not ready to drop any money on an exhaust just yet. So in summary, I went from stock 15/48 (3.2 final ratio) gearing to 16/44 (2.75 final ratio). It brought the revs down at cruising speed to a much more comfortable level. With stock engine and carb config it needs a little more power (or shifting) to hold speed on long steep uphills, but acceleration from stop is still good and I definitely recommend the change. __________________ 2008 Yamaha WR250x 2006 Honda CRF250R Sold: 2002 Suzuki SV650S, 2009 Qlink XF200
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08-23-2011, 10:15 AM	#2
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Thanks for the report. What was the RPM @60 with the original setup? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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08-23-2011, 10:47 AM	#4
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,101	I have the exact setup on my XP. It's GREAT for around town and back country road rides It really relaxes it at high cruise....but it seems that anything above 2500-3000 feet elevation....it's a wee to tall for long uphills. One long, very steep uphill, I had to drop down to 3rd to maintain 40-45 mph. Glad no one was behind me! 8O ...but that was only the one occasion. 4th was usually sufficient. That's when it's screaming "I wish I was a 250!" Also, 1st is now a tad to tall for the super-slow trail stuff. A little to much clutch slipping for my tastes. I'm thinking of moving the countershaft back up to the 16 when I go trail riding and see if that helps. You're going to love this setup on the open flats and rolling hills! __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
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09-03-2011, 11:36 PM	#8
trevort Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 141	I have always wanted to try a 42T rear but fear that it would make 5th gear completely flat and useless. Hope your out enjoying your Q Dmmcd __________________ Bikes: Yamaha 1974 Yz125a, Yamaha 1974 Sc500, Yamaha 1977 Rd400, Yamaha 1978 Yz125, 1988 Harley Davidson Xlh 883, 2006 Ktm 450 smr, Ekeleton 2006 Beast 200cc the worst bike I have ever owned
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09-09-2011, 12:17 AM	#10
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Sunstar makes nice sprockets, and you got yours for a great price, DM. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
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08-24-2011, 08:48 PM	#6
recracer Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charles Town W.V. Posts: 849	i have a curious question. so i can compare this gears to a lifaniod setup . Is the primary ratio for the qlinks listed or anyone know what it is ?
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10-02-2011, 10:30 PM	#11
JTCAndrew Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Jamestown, PA Posts: 589	Rear Sprocket HI Guys - Have not been here in awhile becuase I've been enjoying the summer months riding my XF. I Have the NEW rear sprocket (44) but have not put it on just yet. After reading the above I'll probably get to it soon, as it sounds to be perfect for my style and area of riding. Thanks for the report. I'm also currently looking at a project bobber build 1978 Kawasaki kz650 (Cheep bike for $200) and she runs! more about this later. See you all in the coming months as my weather is changing here in PA Fast! Andrew __________________ Andrew - Jamestown, PA 16134 YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/Jtcomp2009#p/u 2009 Qlink XF200 Supermoto 1982 Honda CM200 Bobber - SOLD 2003 JEEP Liberty SPORT = 3" Lift 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ - Family Cruiser
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