boatwhiskers:
As my bike closes in on 20k I am thinking of changing the sprocket ratio. I really don't have any complaints on power or acceleration but I have top end that I never use and I was looking for feedback on what others have done and what are the upside/downside some of you may have experienced. Also, my bike comes standard with 190/50 rear tire I changed to a 190/55 and It did seem to be a little lighter on initial turn in, or change of direction, although it could have been the tire compound difference from the stock Bridgstones BT 015 to the Michelin PR2/ PR3 (third set) I have also read some folks are running 200/50 or 200/55. Pros/Cons thoughts?
Deplorable, thank you!:
You have a 17T c/s sprocket-so you could go down to a 16T without too much strain in the way of making the chain turn around a tighter circumference and create more friction/resistance and wear components faster. But I always prefer if making gearing changes to make them in the rear. Add some teeth 2 perhaps to the rear sprocket when ordering your new parts.
As far as the tires go; A 190/55 vs 190/50 regardless of who's tires they are will have a steeper profile (more triangulated) and aid with turn in. Of course typically sport tires are more aggressive in this nature than sport touring tires. On you question of going up to a 200.....consult your tire manufacturers website for proper fitment. I am not sure Michelin offers either of the Pilot Road II or III in a 200 series?
Aprilian:
Don't forget that gas mileage drops proportionally to your steeper gearing change. If you have any buzzing that bothers you at cruising speed, that buzz will move relative to speed over ground. I agree that it is easier on the bike to go up in rear, but if you are not replacing chain and the original chain is not long enough to handle the +2 then modifying the rear is quite expensive. Modding the front sprocket is cheaper and lets you know that your existing chain will fit. Also it is easier to go back and forth on the front one vs. rear sprocket. I can do the front on my bikes within 5 - 10 minutes. Rear is slower.
Jvs:
I changed my gearing from +4 in the rear back to stock on my sv1000s. I like the acceleration but cruising rpms were way too high. After I changed it back, it felt like I had a whole nother gear to shift into.
If I rode more track I'd gear up more.
Looking at your profile it looks like this is gonna be done on a busa. Good luck keeping the front end down if you change gearing lol
GUZZI JOHN:
Leave it alone Weedhopper!! I thought you had a project bike to mess with. My Fut's similar to your bike and at 40k+ I won't change a thing-It might go 150+ but it can get 50mpg. So many folks(including me sometimes)think they know better than the factory guys. Leave it be or put a girder & hardtail on it-then post it on Ebay with a $30,000 reserve and watch the bidding war. GJ ::)