Has anyone tried the 17 tooth front sprocket?

[paulj]

I was wondering if anyone has tried replacing the standard front sprocket (16) with a 17? I am considering doing this to lower rpms in top gear for better fuel economy and especially range as I do a lot of sport touring.
Anyone have any experience? Does it help, hurt?

[scott2ride]

I wouldnt. i think it will drop you out of the power and you will end up using more throttle, which will use more gas.

In fact I think my gas mileage actually improved when I dropped a tooth to 15 in front.

Go figure!

[swannie007]

I must agree with the above findings of scott2ride. I went two teeth up on the back sprocket and the fuel mileage got a little better and the bike is a lot easier to ride around town. With an additional tooth up front, I reckon you will be slipping your clutch a lot more to take off, especially in town riding. Not a good thing.

[TheX]

I'm not sure about how it's geared stock but my RSV4 is turning about 6K in 4th doing over 70. I just ordered a 15T for it.

[Micah / AF1 Racing]

Some of us like tall gears, I say try it and see. As long as the efi is trimming correctly it "should" result in better fuel economy due to lower friction and pumping losses. I know on the RSV4 it makes the first gear very tall, the only real drawback I can think of. 177.8mph on the top end was the plus side of tall gear performance.

[scott2ride]

Hahaha... I pity the poor bastard that is hanging on to the bars of a Tuono at 177.8 mph!