Sprocket Change Questions??????

[jb5371]

I stumbled upon a high-end 44T sprocket(stock is 43T) very inexpensive for my 01 VFR800. Can I simply install it using my existing chain as it is in excellent condition? What kind of performance changes can I expect from going up 1 tooth in the rear? How dramatically will this throw off my speedo?
I appreciate the advice!!!

[reg71]

I doubt it will offset your speedo dramatically, but I think changing the sprocket and not the chain my cause wear issues. I have not done it myself so I can't say for sure.

[stewartj239]

I have 3 different Interceptors 500 / 750 /800. On the 500, I went up 1 tooth on the rear and noticed a slight improvement, but it wasn't overwhelming. I did use the chain that was on there since it was in great shape and have experienced no issues after 4500 miles.

For the 800, I've decided to go up 2 on the rear, I have the sprocket, but haven't taken delivery of the bike yet, so I have no feedback as of yet.

The change will throw off your speedometer reading a little bit. To compensate for it, you can order a SpeedoHealer which automatically corrects the factory error as well as the gearing change difference. I bought one for the 800 and it was under $100.

I think that changing the stock gearing is one of the best ways to improvement performance. Most of us don't need to go 150 mph. I'd rather reduce the top end speed and gain some quickness through the gears for a minimal investment.

[jb5371]

Received and installed sprocket this evening. Looking forward to a road test to see acceleration difference if any, as well as speedometer error if any. Will post results....

[jb5371]

Road tested my VFR with the +1 Rear Sprocket with positive results. Subtle, yet noticeable acceleration gains with barely noticeable speedometer error as opposed to stock. Now, I'm toying with also going -1 in the front.

[philm]

what do you plan to do, pull stumps ? -1 tooth up front is like +3 out back that will make a noticable difference in speedo error. but look at it this way you wont need 1st gear anymore

[reg71]

Road tested my VFR with the +1 Rear Sprocket with positive results. Subtle, yet noticeable acceleration gains with barely noticeable speedometer error as opposed to stock. Now, I'm toying with also going -1 in the front.

I agree with philm, that might be a bit much. you'd be shifting from first instantly. it would be crazy low. maybe for a stunter, but not for my everyday ride...

[chesthing]

-1 in front along with +2 in rear is an extremely popular mod - doing both makes the chain length between sprockets and wheel base about the same as stock. -1 +1 isnt anything like "stunter" gearing, it would provide noticeable accellaration gains, with the negatives of probably 500 -700 rpms higher at 70 mph and slightly less fuel mileage. I'd say go for it if that's what you're after.

[reg71]

-1 in front along with +2 in rear is an extremely popular mod - doing both makes the chain length between sprockets and wheel base about the same as stock. -1 +1 isnt anything like "stunter" gearing, it would provide noticeable accellaration gains, with the negatives of probably 500 -700 rpms higher at 70 mph and slightly less fuel mileage. I'd say go for it if that's what you're after.

I'm trying to figure this out in my head here... it's been said on here many times, that dropping a tooth on the front makes the bike much lower geared. now, granted, I haven't changed mine from stock as I seem to like it well enough. Now, going up on teeth in the back has also been said many times to make it lower geared. It stands to reason to me that if you do both, then you will be much lower geared. Now, I am no stunter, but I was guessing from the little bit of that Superbikes show and the low speed stunts I saw that they run low gearing so how is it that lowering your gearing two different ways ' isnt anything like "stunter" gearing'? that is exactly what it seems like to me at least from the outside and not really being one of the 'stunter' crowd.

[Rouse]

heres what stock gearing on a 6th gen looks like
16 43 2.687 stock
16 44 2.75
16 45 2.812 not as cost effective
16 46 2.875 not as cost effective

15 43 2.866 best bang for the buck. $25
15 44 2.933 would be nice, but increased cost in rear sprocket
15 45 3.000 gear ratio starting to get to low
15 46 3.066

stunter gearing looks more like this
16 60 3.75
15 60 4.00
some stunters run rear sprockets up to 78 or so teeth. damn near the size of the rear rim.

5th gen
17 43 2.529

hope this helps

[chesthing]

I'm trying to figure this out in my head here... it's been said on here many times, that dropping a tooth on the front makes the bike much lower geared. now, granted, I haven't changed mine from stock as I seem to like it well enough. Now, going up on teeth in the back has also been said many times to make it lower geared. It stands to reason to me that if you do both, then you will be much lower geared. Now, I am no stunter, but I was guessing from the little bit of that Superbikes show and the low speed stunts I saw that they run low gearing so how is it that lowering your gearing two different ways ' isnt anything like "stunter" gearing'? that is exactly what it seems like to me at least from the outside and not really being one of the 'stunter' crowd.

Stunter sprockets go up to 75 teeth - they are HUGE. -1,+2 like I said, is a very popular performance mod for street riders looking for more accellaration. First gear is very useable, it just tops out at like 50 instead of 60, for example. I've gone -1 in the past on a bike and the difference was pretty small, and I've gone +2 on another bike in the past and the difference was about the same - combined it would be noticeable accellaration gains but nowhere near what could be called stunt gearing.
Edit - sorry Rouse, didnt read your post before replying - nice info.

[reg71]

Holy crap! I had no idea they went that low with their gearing. I knew they had to be low as slow as I saw them playing around. Those bikes would be virtually useless on the street I'm guessing. I stand educated. Now I know. Thanks for the info, guys.

[Rouse]

dont forget a speedo healer.

not only will your speedo be off.
your going to run your odometer up.
you probably wouldnt want your odo to read 5-10% higher.

even if you only go 1 tooth you should consider the speedo healer.
you can always recalibrate it. if you wanted to change ratios again.

personally im going -1 up front right now.
but when i change my chain im going to do -1Front +1 or 2 Rear

[jb5371]

Ordered a 16T(stock is 17T)front sprocket-will be in Tuesday. I really like the added acceleration of +1 in the rear, but would like a bit more thus -1 in front. I'll report the results. Next purchase-Speed Healer!

[Bayou Buck]

Ordered a 16T(stock is 17T)front sprocket-will be in Tuesday. I really like the added acceleration of +1 in the rear, but would like a bit more thus -1 in front. I'll report the results. Next purchase-Speed Healer!

Who makes the best chains and sprockets? Can smaller front and larger rear be ordered from Honda? Can someone reccomend from experience a good product? Have heard some aftermarket front sprockets dont fit well on the splines. Info appreciated. Thanks BBuck

[jb5371]

Received and installed 16T(stock is 17T)front sprocket. With the -1T front,
+1T rear sprockets, the acceleration is noticably stronger and highway ride quality minimally affected. Not a radical change, but definitely a noticable one. Very Happy! Will be adding a Speedo Healer soon.

[RacerX]

on my 2006 I dropped one tooth in the front .adjusted the chain witch gave me a tiny bit more wheel base now I can twist the throttle from 55 without down shifting. The gear I got is a little bit thinner than the stock one and all steel
the stock one is like a rubber mounted one or something but it seems ok.
. my speedometer went from off to way off. about twenty miles an hour. so I need to get a speedo healer . I have a bicycle speedo hooked up so I can tell how much it is off .

[chomper]

some great info!! not sure Rouse what all those #mean but they look impresive
i find i need little more torque when riding 2up what kinda of sprocket change would you guys recomend and would make much difference?
thanks smile:

[sebring]

Who makes the best chains and sprockets? Can smaller front and larger rear be ordered from Honda? Can someone reccomend from experience a good product? Have heard some aftermarket front sprockets dont fit well on the splines. Info appreciated. Thanks BBuck

I bought a DID chain with 2 sprockets. It was there "performance" set, which included -1 tooth up front and standard rear, along with gold X Ring chain. Very nice set, works great and looks pretty good too. So far, very satisfied. I would advise going to their website and then contact their customer service and tell them what you want. The package deal saves you some money.

[Bayou Buck]

Appreciate the information SEBRING. Will see what they have.

[Jake]

I beleive that substituting a 6th Gen Honda front sprocket on a 5th Gen will get you one less tooth... I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. :)

I went down a tooth on the front (aftermarket sprocket) on my 5th Gen and it made a noticeable difference in acceleration. However, when you add the sprocket error to the stock speedo error, the speedo ends up WAAAYYY off--I'm talking 15 MPH fast at highway speeds... I installed a Yellow Box speedo corrector to take take care of it.


HTH,
Jake