Gearing

[TampaMille]

Would like some more low end out of my bike, but don't want to sacrifice a lot of high end. Does any one have an experienced suggestion?

[mfield2a]

Just change your rear to a 43 or 44. I run the 44, like many on this forum, and noticed a low end improvement right away. It takes soooo long to get the to top end I doubt you will mind the very, very slight loss.

[kzmille]

You really can't have it both ways. If you gear down you will lose top end which is probably not a problem but the down side is higher revs at cruising speed.

[TampaMille]

Is it better to change the rear or the front?

[mfield2a]

Rear. Not only will going down in the front to a 15 reduce the life of your sprockets and chain it also offers less flexibility. For every change in the front it's like changing 3 in the rear.

[TampaMille]

Was the stock 42 to 44 change noticable? Does this site offer the rears for sale? Do you have a manufacturer suggestion?

[Kam]

Just go to the forum mall...shop online at the top of the page and go under rsv 1000 mille. You'll find lots of goodies there.

[TampaMille]

I typed too soon before checking the site...found the rears. can anyone tell me if this is a noticable difference or a waste of time?

[davenet]

Just switched last Wednesday. Order the 110 link chain at the same time. The stock one should work (some have had trouble) but the adjusters are run all of the way in.

It is worth the money. Before I was only using 6th gear at 80+ mph on the highway. At speeds lower than that it felt like it was "boggy" & working to hard.

Now 80 mph comes at 4,750 rpm. It bumped up the rpm's around 1000 at that speed. In first & second gear the front end will get completely light under hard acceleration. A light tug on the bars will lift the front or leaning foward will keep it down. Stop lights are much less of a hassel w/ not as much slipping of the clutch. It will take you WELL to the other side of 100, but more importantly gives you grunt where you need it in the twistys. After 500 miles this weekend, I have no idea why the previous owner didn't do it. His loss.

To me, there was a very noticable difference. I'm sure the others who have changed will agree.

[RichL025]

agreed - I am running a 44t rear (bought here through the forum) with the stock chain length. My adjusters are almost all the way in, it made re-mounting a little tricky, but there was just enough slack to do it.

I also noticed better low-speed "grunt", slower speeds easier to manage, etc. Not to mention, the stock 42 tooth is a BOAT ANCHOR - the aftermarket is easily a couple of pounds lighter.

Less unsprung mass, less rotating mass = really good effect that I'm not enough of a rider to really take advantage of, but I sure sound good, huh ;) ?