Fixing to go down to a 16 on front. Quick question, is the nut reverse threads are not? I looked in the shop manual and it didn't mention it so I'm assuming it isn't.

Hey Heathun-the nut is a standard thread-clockwise,tighten,cc-loosen.You'll have an easier time if someone holds yer rear brake while loosening and tightening.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/20/2009 @ 8:14 AM *

Yea thanks. got the wife for the brake and an impact driver for the nut. It needed to be cleaned up in there anyway.

First swap?She's probably gonna be TIGHT on there-just keep that gun pushed on er till she spins loose-may take several seconds-it's gonna seem like it's not doing anything for the initial breaking free.(you've probably already DONE this before LOL).And MAKE SURE that washer is COMPLETELY FLAT at all points around that nut.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/20/2009 @ 9:19 AM *

Check out the drama in this thread:

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=B94023E5-1372-66AE-3BA8CE15ABB3199D

Piece of cake Took about an hour. My nut wasn't too bad and I still have plenty of adjustment room on the chain. I took one of my olympic weights and hung it from the back brake lever to remove and replace the nut. It's raining cats and dogs here so I'll have to wait till tommorrow to test ride. Good time to clean up all the crap in there anyway, 22,000 miles worth of chain lube. Good as new now.

* Last updated by: heathun on 9/20/2009 @ 10:29 AM *

Way to go Heathun!Glad that worked okay.Clutch doing okay? (I couldn't resist!!!)My bad!

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/20/2009 @ 11:29 AM *

I would have replaced both sprockets and chain if that mileage
was on the stock units. I envy anyone who had the pleasure of
putting 22K on their 14.

What gearing did you go to?

Clutch is fine Blue :)

The chain was still within spec when I weight tested it so I'll save that till a cold winter day. I just went with the 16 front, I'll see how that feels then maybe go up 1 in the rear. If I do that it'll be at the next tire change while I have it off (thats probably only about 1500 miles or a month or so anyway).

The bike pulls really well and with most of my riding being twistie mountain roads I don't won't to so far that I have worry alot about the front wheel getting too light powering out of corners while still cranked over, she already lifts easily enough that I can ride out a power wheelie till vertical again.

Your chain was maintained extrememly well if it's still spec and doesn't have
tight/ loose spots.
Your 16T front will shorten the chains life a bit.

I'm anal when it comes to chain maintenance. I clean, lube and adjust if needed the chain evry 500 to 600 miles. Same with tires before every ride I check the tire wear and pressure and adjust accordingly. I see those as two extremely important items when riding.

Methinks 42 rear will give ya the pop yer lookin for?quick-but VERY manageable.

I think just the 16 put her right were I need her. Noticeable difference but not too much. Yesterday got a chance to test her for a little ride. When we got home the wife said she thought she felt the rear tire spin up a few times in a couple of corners. I told her she did, we left a few darkies on the road.

Hey I had to test her out and see were the traction threashold is with the 16. It's all good and FUNNNN.

Notice any of the whiny noise a lot of of people complain about with a 16 tooth?

Just for the first few I miles. I figured it would at first since the chain is making a tighter turn. It still has a little different gear noise but nothing thats bad.