Another thread about chain and sprocket, this time for efficiency!

I have searched a lot to save reposting an old question, but I haven't come across much on changing sprocket sizes for economy.

So I ride my SV most days too and from work, I generally tickle it through the gears and spend 10 miles at motorway speeds. Would I see a reduction in consumption [improved econamy] if I fitted a 16 tooth front sprocket and stock rear due to lower revs at same speed?

This one? http://www.motorcycle-road-and-race....ucts_id=403666

Ask Ralph to post a yes/no poll for you....

Originally Posted by speedplay

Ask Ralph to post a yes/no poll for you....

This Ralph?

[jambo]

Please God no...
We could try discussing the matter instead of just letting people blindly vote?

Here's the crux of it: If, in top gear, at cruising speed the rpm is higher than peak torque you might do well to raise the gearing.

But it will make the bike slightly less responsive at lower engine speeds

Jambo

Originally Posted by jambo

Please God no...

Sorry, the sarcasm was lost

[jambo]

Originally Posted by speedplay

Sorry, the sarcasm was lost

It's alright mate, I got it, but was worried the OP might not be used to it

[Stu]

I ran 16 so it can be done - hard to say if it improved economy. I thought it did so it kept me happy.

[yorkie_chris]

Quite possibly it will.
There's a guy with a curvy gets 80 odd mpg (the git!), I think he's done similar.

Also use a scottoiler or similar, a worn, dry chain robs a hell of a lot of power (hence petrol)

I have used a 16t front for the last 25k miles and found it has improved economy and the engine is more relaxed when cruising. I have just changed now to a 17t front as I do a 70 mile round commute on dual carriageways and it is even more relaxed. It lowers engine speed and reduces friction but it still has to produce the same power at any given speed so the engine has work slightly harder. I have found a 3% improvement in economy for this last gearing change so you should get a similar improvement using a 16t. I don't know how it improved economy from standard to the 16t as I changed it when I first got the bike.

I certainly recommend using the 16t front for anyone who does larger mileages and motorway or dual carriage way work. If you use the bike for fun, sporty work or twisty roads it is not worth changing as you do loose a little acceleration.

Was thinkin about going 1 up at the front myself but decided against it as around town and anything under 45 my bike already labours in top gear. So id prob sacrifice economy in town having to drop into 5th, just to get it back on the mway. It all depends on the ratio of your mway miles to town i suppose. But the main reason i wont do it is it would make it alot harder to pick her up in second, so ill just fork out the extra couple of quid a tank.