V-Strom 650 - front sprocket 14 tooth

[Red Brown]

Just a quick note...

I just changed the front sprocket on the V-Strom to a 14 tooth configuration (http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/) from the 15 OEM set-up. It makes for a more spirited ride and also helps riding on the slower dirt roads since the stock first gear is a bit long in torque.

With the front sprocket down one tooth, I pull about 6,800 rpm when cruising at 80 mph. Due to the new ratio, you lose about 10 mph off the top speed, but unless you plan to cruise at 100 mph, I strongly suggest this enhancement.

To get an idea of what changes will occur in top speed based on your bikes profiles, I suggest you take a look at this super sprocket calculator (http://www.xs4all.nl/~ator0437/gc/).

[RTL]

Watch your swingarm rub protector. Going to a smaller front sproket will make the protector wear out quicker.

[prhaussies]

I have always gone w/ the 1 front to 3 rear theory. I was actually considering lowering my back sprocket 1 or 2 teeth to improve fuel mileage at the sacrifice of acceleration. I don't ride my wee on many first gear roads.

[DFW_Warrior]

And just a side note here, if anyone wants to have one of the 14T sprockets in the DFW area I happen to have one that I mis-ordered for my DL1000. It's only got about 10 miles on the sprocket so it's basically brand new.

[Don_Alejo]

I am going the opposite way

16T on the front.

Wish me luck

Will report seat of pants and gps speed/gear/rpm's this week

[Red Brown]

I am going the opposite way

16T on the front.

Wish me luck

Will report seat of pants and gps speed/gear/rpm's this week

You can buy a 16 tooth sprocket from a SV650 and it should fit on the DL650 since they share very similiar engines. This will lower your RPM about 300 rpm on the freeway. You'll also lose around 6 percent of your rear wheel torque. For me, the 14 is a real joy to ride on any roads I don't go over 85. I get a really nice jump in performance and torque! Sometime at the next pie run you might want to test ride it.

At least one rider is using a 17 tooth counter chaft sprocket. This lowers your RPM by 13%, about 650 rpm on the freeway. The one rider doing this reports a noticable increase in gas mileage at 75-90 mph :)

Anyway, I don't think I will ever go back to the OEM setting. Perhaps if I cruise all day long on freeways, it may not be the best option, but for short commutes, twisties, offroad ds'ing, and non-super highway cruising, the fourteen tooth sprocket (http://www.holeshot.com/dl650/14t_cssprocket.html)makes the DL650 a real delight to drive.

The other nice benefit, is by having such a nice bump in torque, the need for an aftermarket exhaust is not needed, not that they improve performance that much say 1-2 lbs of torque. I like the quiet exhaust of the DL even if it sounds like a sewing machines according to some cynics.

Adios,

RB

[Don_Alejo]

You can buy a 16 tooth sprocket from a SV650 and it should fit on the DL650 since they share very similiar engines. This will lower your RPM about 300 rpm on the freeway. You'll also lose around 6 percent of your rear wheel torque. For me, the 14 is a real joy to ride on any roads I don't go over 85. I get a really nice jump in performance and torque! Sometime at the next pie run you might want to test ride it.

At least one rider is using a 17 tooth counter chaft sprocket. This lowers your RPM by 13%, about 650 rpm on the freeway. The one rider doing this reports a noticable increase in gas mileage at 75-90 mph :)

Anyway, I don't think I will ever go back to the OEM setting. Perhaps if I cruise all day long on freeways, it may not be the best option, but for short commutes, twisties, offroad ds'ing, and non-super highway cruising, the fourteen tooth sprocket (http://www.holeshot.com/dl650/14t_cssprocket.html)makes the DL650 a real delight to drive.

The other nice benefit, is by having such a nice bump in torque, the need for an aftermarket exhaust is not needed, not that they improve performance that much say 1-2 lbs of torque. I like the quiet exhaust of the DL even if it sounds like a sewing machines according to some cynics.

Adios,

RB

I raked 25k miles in one year, so there are my needs. Higway or megaslab eating monster.

I am somewhat proficient on dirt, and a slightly taller gear will not affect my mild dirt riding one bit.

In mud or slippery, another concern of mine, I would appreciate having more of a tippy toe gear.

My inner hooligan calls for a 14t, my accountant calls for 17th.

I think a 16T will be a decent comprommise

[Squeaky]

My inner hooligan calls for a 14t, my accountant calls for 17th.

And the chick on the back calls for a 25! :eek2:

[Don_Alejo]

And the chick on the back calls for a 25! :eek2:

No chicks on the back, backseat :pilot: women is more appropiate.

[Squeaky]

No chicks on the back, backseat :pilot: women is more appropiate.

I didn't want to ride with you anyway :whatever: