How much difference does changing the tooth count for the front and rear sprockets make, if I were to drop front by 1 and increase back by 1?

The front will make a whine noise if you go down one. I have 17 front but went with an aftermarket sprocket and I can hear a bit of a whine now after about 20K miles. There is a rubber dampered 16T front that is supposed to be quiet like the OEM rubber dampered sprocket. Grn14 knows exactly which one to get.

I have stock gearing on the front but 4 up on the rear. My engine runs at about 500 rpm faster to maintain speeds of ~30mph - 75mph. That gives you an idea of how much acceleration is enhanced. However, If you go that much shorter than stock gearing, you will diminish the top speed capability to about 170 mph, I beleive. Just think how your engine runs when wound up an extra 500 rpm. It is running on the highway in 6th gear about 4000 rpm now instead of 3500.

You can get the same effect by shifting down a gear with the stock gearing and still have maximum top speed capaboility (if that matters to you).

1 up on the front is = to 3 up on the rear. So you are looking at a bit less of a change than I have made to my bike. I think it would work well for all around use. It will not make a huge difference. To tell you the truth, my gearing change did not strike me as very significant but when I am on the gas hard, the change is there. I would not want any more power to play with in the corners than what I have now.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/5/2013 @ 6:27 PM *

you might have a look at the beginning of this tutorial for info on gearing.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=EB2E6BDC-D56B-84E2-1D17B62DAE7BB066&page=1&searchTerm=sprocket%20change&show=0

There are a few links to other threads listed in the intro. That should give you pretty much info....but ask away any time you would like.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/4/2013 @ 8:17 PM *

With 4 up on the rear is a new chain necessary?

With 4 up on the rear is a new chain necessary?

Yes

Might as well change the front sprocket. You have to look at a lot of 3amigo'ing. One worn sprocket is going to take out the other and the new chain. So the worn accelerates twice as worn as your first new chain and new sprocket.

Same head game with tire changes. Twice the speed into a turn with one new tire and will the worn tire hold? If new, then no brainer. When old and worn is the new? Down you go all double old and worn.

Call is the ball is the final move on your end and your odds at the wallet LOL

im at 16/43 and love it rule of thumb is for every tooth you go down on the front = +3 on the rear. down 1 and up 2 is still stock length chain (116) Hubster is right though, don't change 1 without changing all 3

for every tooth you go down on the front = +3 on the rear

thanks,Scotty. i corrected my reply above.

Well, my bike is essentially new - 400kms on it, so sprockets are not worn in the least.
But, i agree if you are changing after some use - might as well do all three.

I think I will be switching between different wheels on my 14.

I will have touring wheels with OEM rims and rotors + 41 T sprocket and Pilot Road 2s.

I'll use my CZ rims with aftermarket rotors and a 45T sprocket + anything I can get in a tire that is sticky and soft for sport riding and around town.

No way am I changing output sprocket or chain. Just wheels. If the stuff wears out, it gets replaced with something newer and better. Rotors, pads, tires, chain, sprockets....that's all replacement parts. I'm happy as long as it lasts 2-3 years.