Krause racing sprockets

[300shooter]

I need a new chain for my 03 and I figured while I was at it I'd go 2 up on the rear sprocket. I came across Krause racing sprockets and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them?

[Action]

No experience with Krause but I think you'll like going +2 on the rear. I just did mine a couple of week ago and like it.

Action

[300shooter]

Yeah, I think the bike needs a little more oomph to push my 210 lb. carcass around, don't really need THAT much top end.

[Spike]

just in case you hadn't noticed it, the lifetime warranty on the sprockets is only valid if you run one of their chains. Not a problem if you had planned to do that anyway, but if didn't and were counting on the warranty...

[Action]

I don't think you'll loose any top end speed. VFR's are drag (wind resistance) limited, not RPM limited so doubt you would see much difference. I don't have a track near by or I would find out. If you haven't already, check out the Gearing Commander site. You can put in all kinds of gearing combos and see what they get you. Going +2 on the rear sprocket only increases your RPM by 206 in 6th at 65.

Action

[powerslave]

I'm also due for a chain and sprockets...
I ordered a 45 (+2) tooth sprocket and my winter project for this year is to install my new chain and sprockets.
My question(s) for you (Action,or anybody else who went +2) is this:
Is +2 enough???
Are you satisfied with the improvement?
I have been thinking lately that going +2 is pretty conservitave,
Do you wish you had gone +3,4,or more?

Thank-you!

ps...slick 50 rules!!!!!

[hondabill]

dropping 1 tooth in front is roughly equal to going up three on the back and you can still use stock length chain

[steven113]

Originally Posted by Action

I don't think you'll loose any top end speed. VFR's are drag (wind resistance) limited, not RPM limited so doubt you would see much difference. I don't have a track near by or I would find out. If you haven't already, check out the Gearing Commander site. You can put in all kinds of gearing combos and see what they get you. Going +2 on the rear sprocket only increases your RPM by 206 in 6th at 65.

Action

I have no idea why most of these sites skip the 5th gen?Grrrrrrrr!

[NorcalBoy]

Originally Posted by steven113

I have no idea why most of these sites skip the 5th gen?Grrrrrrrr!

Because the 5th gen is apparently so awesome it doesn't need anything.

[Action]

Originally Posted by powerslave

I'm also due for a chain and sprockets...
I ordered a 45 (+2) tooth sprocket and my winter project for this year is to install my new chain and sprockets.
My question(s) for you (Action,or anybody else who went +2) is this:
Is +2 enough???
Are you satisfied with the improvement?
I have been thinking lately that going +2 is pretty conservitave,
Do you wish you had gone +3,4,or more?

Thank-you!

ps...slick 50 rules!!!!!

A lot depends on what you want. I am satisfied but about half my daily commute is on the slab and my normal speed is between 75 and 85 mph. With the new gears that puts me about 5.5 to 6K on the RPM (in 6th gear). Exactly where I wanted it. It also makes 2nd gear better for those 40 mph turns. Its not a big difference, if you don't do long interstate trips -1 in the front may be what you want.

Action

[300shooter]

Originally Posted by hondabill

dropping 1 tooth in front is roughly equal to going up three on the back and you can still use stock length chain

I thought about that too but was told that -1 up front really decreases the longevity of the chain due to the increase in movement on the links. Dunno.
Just FYI the Krause sprockets with a nickel plated chain, +2 in the rear, for a 6th gen. is 209.99 plus shipping, not that bad I thought , I'll probably order a set soon, that is depending on how much my 16k service hurts

[Interceptor1]

Originally Posted by 300shooter

I thought about that too but was told that -1 up front really decreases the longevity of the chain due to the increase in movement on the links. Dunno.
Just FYI the Krause sprockets with a nickel plated chain, +2 in the rear, for a 6th gen. is 209.99 plus shipping, not that bad I thought , I'll probably order a set soon, that is depending on how much my 16k service hurts

I was told that -1 up front is easier on the transmission.

[Action]

Any time you lower your gearing it's technically "easier" on the transmission because of the mechanical advantage a gearing reduction provides (like down shifting on you bicycle is easier on your legs)

300 - as far as increased wear, with -1 in front you are bending the chain around a slightly smaller circumference than stock but will have slightly less contacts per link per mile. I don't think that the difference in circumference between a 15 tooth and a 16 tooth front sprocket would make a huge difference in chain wear. However, riding the bike harder because it feels torqueier will wear the chain faster

Action

[powerslave]

I also agree with the previous posts who suggest that going bigger on the rear sprocket is preferred to going smaller on the drive sprocket.
My opinion is that more teeth engaging the chain is the way to go,especially if you are inclined to accelerate harder in order to appreciate the gearing change you've made.

[douglasthecook]

I went up +2 on the rear, and don't have any regrets at all!!! I don't really spend alot of time at higher speeds, but I definitely prefer the quicker acceleration!!!

[gwolever]

Originally Posted by powerslave

I'm also due for a chain and sprockets...
I ordered a 45 (+2) tooth sprocket and my winter project for this year is to install my new chain and sprockets.
My question(s) for you (Action,or anybody else who went +2) is this:
Is +2 enough???
Are you satisfied with the improvement?
I have been thinking lately that going +2 is pretty conservitave,
Do you wish you had gone +3,4,or more?

Thank-you!

ps...slick 50 rules!!!!!

I changed both sprockets and chain last Spring. I went with the Vortex CAT5 black aluminum 45T rear and an AFAM 15T front with a DID gold/black chain. This is the equivalent of about +5 in the rear. I am 6'3" and 260 lbs. and wanted more acceleration (and I'm not losing any weight to get it as I am in the gym lifting every day).

I was a little worried that this was going to be too much, but I love it. The acceleration is much better. I can easily lift the front tire through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (and probably in 4th, but I am going too fast by then to really want to push it at this point). I leaned back a little too far once in second gear taking off out of a turn and got the front up to 11 o'clock...racked my nards on the way down cuz I wasn't expecting it. I don't usually go past 100 mph, so I wasn't worried about losing top end. Since the mod, I have been up to 130 once, but let off cuz I don't like going that fast. But that tells me that I didn't really lose any top end. I hit VTEC on the highway at around 90-95 mph.

As far as chain wear, I have yet to put over 2000 miles on her since the mod, so I haven't noticed anything at all. The sprockets and chain look brand new.

[powerslave]

Thanks,gwolever....
btw,your bike looks excellent without the passenger footpegs!

[gwolever]

Thanks powerslave. Love the avatar btw.

[emptyskull]

two in back would be great .. I have not tryed kruase but have rk did and renthal and had no problems with them..I am sure as a sealed o-ring chain it will be a great combination as long as you use slick50 in your engine and rear shock