Sprocket Change Fuel Consumption

pmcq · Post by **pmcq** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 8:47 am

I am due a sprocket/chain change soon and was thinking of the -1 Front, +2 Back option but then it hit me that I might get even worse fuel consumption that there currently is! Anyone know if there is a bit difference in tank mileage after changing sprockets??

Bondy · Post by **Bondy** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:52 am

Wouldn't that decrease fuel consumption As you would be doing lower revs at higher speeds? Or am i getting confused.

pmcq · Post by **pmcq** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 12:44 pm

Er....haha... now I am confused! I think it would mean you get higher fuel consumption - coz the engine has to rev higher to get the same speed - as the ratio has changed. However, it does make it easier to pop the front wheel

Bondy · Post by **Bondy** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:04 pm

Your right it was me getting confused. I can't see it affecting you r fuel economy too much though and the extra sped off the mark has got to be worth it.

d.sharples · Post by **d.sharples** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:39 pm

yeah it does make the front lift a lot easier but you do sacrifice some top speed for it but it is worth it id never go bact to the stock ratio so much more fun this way

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:00 pm

long term experience showed that going either 1 smaller at the front or (not and) 2 larger at the rear slightly improved fuel economy as the engine in top gear is more efficient at slightly higher revs.

How sad am I, did 160 miles a day on my storms (had a few) for about 4 years and had to fill up a fair bit and looked at these kind of things,oh somebody shoot me.

marlbororman · Post by **marlbororman** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:31 am

Dont know about efficiency,but the Grin factor is great...I have gone 1 down on front, 3 up on rear,with standard length chain...

I never used to be able to wheelie properly,but i can now!!!

A few people have ridden my bike,and everyone of them has got off grinning!!!

Fuel wise,think im getting at least 100 miles before light comes on on dash,but it dont really matter how i ride it,but did manage 168miles to a tankfull when i first got it (2 up with luggage) ran out of fuel pulling up to pump!!

pmcq · Post by **pmcq** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:34 am

Many thanks for the replies lads.

Bondy · Post by **Bondy** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:43 pm

I'm due a new chain and sprockets soon. Any suggestions on what to go for??? 1 on the front or three on the rear or both??

Squiffythewombat · Post by **Squiffythewombat** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 5:31 pm

You wont notice any difference to be honest!

1) -1front/+2rear will make the bike much more responsive and it will raise its head in first and second with ease!

2) say that changing the sprockets means you loose one mile per gallon (which is loads) then over a year if you ride every day you would still only be about a tenner out of pocket!

3) the performance difference will out weight the cost!

4) if you can, change your chain at the same time (not that i would personally bother but your *ment* to lol)

marlbororman · Post by **marlbororman** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:46 am

Just a quicky though, if you go 1 down front 3 up rear, standard chain length will fit,any other combination, make sure you order right size chain for sprockets...

With mine as it is, it pulls the rear wheel right forward,but you can just squeeze it in. any others dont know.

Post by **sirch345** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:28 pm

My two pence worth is, I think putting a larger rear sprocket on is best, obviously how big you go is entirely up to you (do a search there's loads on the subject) If you go smaller on the front you are making the chain turn in a tighter circle (radius) therefore you will shorten the chain's life and put more wear on the chain guide/swingarm protector

Chris.

Bondy · Post by **Bondy** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:48 pm

Thanks fellas. The -1 front +3 rear sonuds like the easiest. I'm due new chain anyway this one's got 17000 on it

. Would the smaller front effect the chain wear badly or will it be fairly minimal?

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:04 pm

Are you fitting MT21's on too, that we be pretty low gearing, you will probably need to drop 1 link or too on the chain. You should be able to wheelie in 4th after this, standard storm will come up in 2nd easy without the clutch on a flat road. I just did +2 at the rear and left the front due to the (as said) reduced radi and the chain wear this causes.

Bondy · Post by **Bondy** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:07 pm

Don't know what mt21's are. I need to get to a wheelie school soon i'm still only able to bring the front an inch before i bottle it and drop the front down again.