I ride on sand trails by the river here in Wichita. With the stock gearing, 1st gear is fine but the bike doesn't have enough power to get up and go in 2nd gear. However, when and if I do get into 2nd gear, I am going way too fast for the tight trails that we have. When I put the 13T on the front, the bike spins the rear tire so much in 1st gear that it tries to bury the bike in the sand. The problem is that the 13T is still not enough gear to take off in 2nd gear and everytime I cross the river it tries to sink me (which is a big deal). I also don't like the 13T on the highway. Basically I needed something in between the 14T and 13T or more than the 13T. That's why I ended up trying the 43T rear. So far it is working great. It is not a big change but it is there. Like I said before, the bike feels like a bigger cc bike now. At some point, I am going to need a new chain and sprockets and I did not want to experiment with $50 sprockets to find the right gearing for me.

I think what Nobrakes did, going with the 300cc upgrade, is the way to go. But I have to sell some old motorcycle stuff first to get enough money to do it.

In response to Kawi Wawi, the bike is reving higher now at highway speeds, but the 43T seems to have put 70 mph (gps) right at max power. The bike definitely holds its speed better than it did with the stock 43T. I think it is taching about 7200-7300 at around 70 mph (gps). Next time I am on the highway, I will check for sure. On Friday, I was cruising around the highway at 70 mph gps, which is about 77-78 indicated, against a 20-30 mph wind. I could not go that fast before, in those conditions, unless I was in 5th gear.

I just wanted to pass this info on because it is a nice, cheap way to give a little more oomph without losing the highway cruising. By the by, this is where I look up sprocket info, JT sprockets.

 

Thank You Dazjr, I have been looking for a sprocket compromise to help accommodate the larger diameter D606 rear tire I am running and would like to not go as far as the 14/45 combo.

Regards

 

Speaking of larger dia. tire , I just put the 606 on and the bike looks like its about to fall over when its on the kick stand now. Does anyone else have that problem? I put a board under it when its parked at home, but I think it needs an extension on it.

 

Got mine on and tested it today, $25.95 for the Parts Unlimited one. It is probably not for everyone but for a “cheep� mod it makes the bike feel a bit faster.
I have a stop on my commute that has a 45 mph speed sign a little ways past the stop and I usually hit about 44 – 45 mph just as I pass the sign, but today I as I passed the sign a higher speed was on my speedometer so there is definitely an improvement.
Anyhow that’s my report and I am sticking to it.

Regards

 

So I am reading this and thinking... how much difference would a 14/44 make? A 44T is available ot JT Sprocket and listed for our bikes. Would I require a new chain or would the stock one be enough? I am also looking for just a little bit more, I ride mostly roads but with some dirt and trail too. I just want a touch more. I was looking into the 13T front but if there are other options to get that little bit of help... ya know.

 

Sorry did not see this until now.
To try to answer your questions on the 44 tooth sprocket I have about 150 rpms more at any given speed so I am guessing if you do the math you would be about 300 with a 44.
The 43 just fits with the stock chain and the adjusters between the 1 and 2 there is enough slack for the recommended 2.2 – 2.6 inches (see manual).
Hope this helps sorry for the delay.

 

Great info Speedmaster. I am thinking of doing the same considering your success. I would suggest though that when you do eventually buy a new chain, you get it a couple links longer. This will allow you to get the wheelbase back to where it needs to be.