Pros and Cons of gearing changes

[Mellow Matt]

I've been reading a bit about changing the gearing on bikes by changing the sprocket sizes, but I'm still pretty new to it. Essentially is it right that if you put on a smaller front sprocket or larger back sprocket this means the wheel's turning faster for a given RPM? Meaning faster accelleration and slower top speed?

Are there any big pros and cons for changing the sprockets? E.g. I read that putting a smaller front sprocket on increases the load on the chain as it has to bend more to get around it, is this something to worry about?

Ta
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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

[Polarbear]

A smaller rear sprocket - Wheel turns more for 1 turn of the front sprocket so you will go faster for the same engine revs. Worse acceleration

A larger rear sprocket - Wheel turns less for 1 turn of the front sprocket so you will go slower for the same engine revs. Better acceleration

A smaller front sprocket - Same efferct as larger rear.

A larger front sprocket - Same efferct as smaller rear.

Those are the mechanics of it.

The problems come matching changes and effects and I don't know enough about them (and they are motorcycle specific) to advise.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Deckx]

As said smaller front or bigger back lowers the gearing

I "think" one down in the front is same as 3 up on the rear.

I've done front one down on my track bike, completely transformed it as the original set-up was geared wrong for the track i use. Recently got a 41 back but yet to fit it ..

Not sure there is a huge advantage for everyday normal riding especially as it screws up your speedo, it will read higher and increase your milage (although you can get elctronic speedo healers)

[Kickstart]

[ms51ves3]

[Mellow Matt]

Ah cheers guys, got it mixed up.

I've just recently bought a TL1000R and the guy before me put a smaller front sprocket on (-1 tooth). I'm guessing the speedo will be out, does anyone know if this is the case with the TL?
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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

[V2]

quite a handy website, im sure i saw it on here but ill repost it anyway!

https://www.gearingcommander.com/

[Rob W]

[Alexio]

[Kickstart]

[Ghost]

Depends on your speedo drive, my ZXR has a speedo that's driven via cable straight from the front wheel, so it's always accurate and isn't affected by gearing. However if you've got a gearbox driven speedo it will be out.

[Mellow Matt]

After reading the manual it appears it's gearbox driven, ah well...
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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

[supZ]

you can get 'speedo healers' to remedy inaccuraces caused by gearing changes on electrical speedos.

my track bike runs a -1 front and +2 rear which retains the original chain length for better drive but on a road bike unless your gearing is particular 'off' for your style i wouldnt bother changing but, but thats just me
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CBR954RR - Daily toy
CBR600RR - Trackbike

[Mellow Matt]

Apparently it's a popular mod on TLs, I haven't ridden one with the standard sprocket so I don't know if it makes much difference.

I'll have a look into speedo healers, ta.
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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

[spiderwheels]

[Billy Balthorpe]

I had -1 front and +2 rear on my Ugly Streetfighter Blade. It was just a bit too much to ride fast on the road with, great for 3rd gear out of corner crossed up wheelies, but not actually for going fast. I was going on holiday with it and it felt like it was screaming a bit at cruising spped (90mph) so i went back to the standard front and it still wheelies for England, but not quite as bad on long motorway drives.
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M.O.B. Successfully taking the piss since 2014.