Tonight I installed my new 17 tooth front Kawi sprocket,and switched out the rear with a new Driven 43 steel.All went well-no probs.The swingarm adjusters are all the way forward(but adjusted into the axle blocks).The axle is set at one line and just a hair more.Chain fit perfectly without any mod to it.Chain play is just about one inch up and down.116 links.Now....some clear roads and I'm off!!!WoHoooo!!!

* Last updated by: blue07 on 1/15/2010 @ 3:05 AM *

Thought you had 16/43. You weren't digging the 16T front anymore?

Ya-I was likin the 16,but after remembering how it was before-with the high revs and stuff,I decided to go with the 17 again and the 43 rear.That gearing combo is quick(16/43)-yes,but it tears tires up too quick,and the fuel mileage goes to he#$.I'd rather have upper speed cruising ability than the bottom end rush.This combo now should give me the smoothness and the top end(with power in between)that will be okay.17/43 is somewhat aggressive.Better than stock-and comparable to the 16/42.

The swingarm adjusters are all the way forward

Blue07 wouldn't moving the wheel that far forward change the geometry of the bike? meaning the wheelbase would now be significantly shorter than stock. Why not just go -1 that would leave the wheel close were it suppose to be, it would give you more bottom end and wouldn’t hurt the top end that much. Your gas mileage wouldn't suffer to much either well as compared to 16/43. I don’t have a gearing chart in front of me but I bet 17/43 and 16/41 are close.

That's an excellent point there Willi-ya-shortens the wheelbase almost an inch.Is that gonna be bad? I don't need any tankslappers or drama.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 1/19/2010 @ 9:34 PM *

I was thinking it might corner easier but it will wheelie easier too. I would try it out. they wouldn't give you that long of an axle slot if it was out of the question to ride at minimum wheel base. Unless they just give us the extra inch to help remove the chain.

schnitzracing.com

your better off with 16/41 vs 17/43 if you looking for bottom end. 17/43 = 2.53 16/41=2.56

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 1/20/2010 @ 3:59 PM *

Ya Willi(and Rookster)-I'm hooked up with the 17/43 now.Gonna see how she does.17/42 didn't do much-barely noticed any change at all.16/43-tad bit buzzy,and top end really dropped(but I loved the low end)(roll ons and passing/decelerating for curves was great).Just too much of a good thing(if that's possible).Tire wear-ooops!Not good.

Geeze, yeah, I'm thinking 16/43 or 17/45 is not going to be good if the bike is used as a commuter vehicle every day with lots of highway miles.

I've really enjoyed my 17/43 since I put them on. I'm using 118 links on my chain. I never tried to fit the stock 116 chain, I just assumed that 2 more teeth mean 2 more links!?! From what I've read on the subject that 1" difference in the wheelbase would probably only be perceptable to a very experienced rider. (Read pro Racer) So who, better than Blue to comment on the difference?

I think I can feel a difference in the wheelbase some.At least she feels as wheelie prone with this setup as she did with the 16/42-even moreso.I didn't expect that at all.NICE!But very smooth in all areas.Good acceleration.Me happy!!!

NICE!But very smooth

Hi Romans!How you doin there.Hope all is well with you and the fam.I didn't try the 45 yet-waiting to get a new chain-which won't be till later this year.But I did find a place where they sell Ti-moly 45 sprockets for the zx.So that's covered.Around $80 something bucks.Will go with it come summer.

Geeze, yeah, I'm thinking 16/43 or 17/45 is not going to be good if the bike is used as a commuter vehicle every day with lots of highway miles.

With stock gearing 60mph = 3200 RPM. With 17/45 gearing, 60MPH = just a hair over 3500RPM. Really long trips I would stay stock. But as a commuter vehicle 17/45 is all I use now. I know this set up is not for everyone but I do not do 3000 mile trips, so gas mileage is not a issue. And what is 300rpm anyway. LOl

Blue07 link to where you got a 45 tooth rear. Is it steel?? Driven only sells a 44 steel even though webb site shows a bigger steel they do not sell it now. Looking for a 45 in a harder material than a Vortex.

Thanks
Louis

Louis-the site is-tell ya the truth-I don't KNOW what it is!!!!!Forgot to bookmark it!If ya Google Ti-Moly Motorcycle sprockets-it should take ya to the site.I'll check it out now.....Ya,okay...Krause Racing.That's the place.Also reinstalled my 41 rear.Me likes okay."Maybe" go to a -1,+2 after a while again.Jeffo Map makes her fly,that's for sure!

* Last updated by: blue07 on 4/16/2010 @ 5:38 PM *

Thanks running 17/43 and got a Driven 44 in steel but installed 190-55-17 rear Michelin pilot Power 2CT

they are taller than the Pilot Road 2 in a 190-50-17 but turns so much better. But the taller tire takes away 1 tooth on rear. So to keep up doing high gear roll on;s with friends geared like me I need a edge :-) or go with
the Kawasaki Zephyr 16 tooth front that has the damperner material on each side. Really want a steel 45 rear.

jeffo maps for my mods and tune??? Ivans aint bad. Tried several Brocks and a Muzzy that is made for the M14.
Ivans works Great on the street in any gear.slow in 3rd and hit it Smooth. Will check out Jeffo.

Thanks
Louis

Driven only sells a 44 steel even though webb site shows a bigger steel they do not sell it now. Looking for a 45 in a harder material than a Vortex.

Here is a pic of a 45 tooth made by Driven. Not what your looking for but I'm not sure why.

We called and was told Driven no longer has the 45 or 46 in stock?? I have the 43 and the 44 just like yours.

Lab, the sprocket in the picture have posted is Not Steel. I have owned 4 Vortex Aluminium sprockets and this is my first one Made by Driven. This sprocket was just installed last week so I have no long term test with the Driven name brand but I expect it will be fine. I have Never been able Damage one of these sprockets, so I'm not sure why they get such a bad rap. I know they will not last 50,000 miles but I'm sure I won't need it to, so for my purposes it will be fine. Nothing bad to report on the Aluminium.

I have not had good luck with Vortex, they only lasted about 5,000 street miles. I am tall and weigh 230 geared
up. And I do a lot of hiway road trips with soft bags and like the roll on feel with a little larger rear sprocket.

I am installing a set of Michelin Pilot Power 2CT in the 190-55-17. The taller rear tire will make you - 1 tooth on rear. So I wanted to be one more than friends who has same gear and now he too has the taller tire. Sure does turn
quicker. Different bike now in the mountains :-). May try a Driven like you have. A 43 Driven Steel lasted 15,000
on my friends 14. Chain was gone then too. Thanks for the info.

Louis

Dirt Roads ?

No dirt roads, a lot of Hard miles in the Ozark Mountains. On and off the throttle useing the engine to slow down before next turn.

I do clean and lube every 500 miles and do not over tighten the chain. I guess me being so heavy and just rideing it hard in the mountains.

I guess me being so heavy and just rideing it hard in the mountains.

We weigh in about the same(232lbs)lol Cheers.