Riding at Speed

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by cayuse

Don't upgrade to the 16T front sprocket. It works nicely in the city to stretch out the lower gears but works against you on the open highway, especially against a wind or a hill. You will have less torque at these speeds, and Texas can get pretty windy, right?

I think Suzuki is pretty much spot on with their gearing from experience with 3 of their bikes in the last few years. Granted there may be some folks who have a particular reason for regearing for a certain result.
Lynda was pretty much satisfied with her GZ's gearing. Her bigger M-50 was just right in my opinion and a heck of a long distance bike while still nimble in town.
I did regear my Vstrom 650 but wouldn't do it again. Adding 1 tooth up front more or less made 6th gear useless except on faster roads where I could maintain at least 60mph comfortably. I spent most time in 5th gear and sometimes 4th when enjoying the twisties and mountains.
On the other hand some owners of the Vstrom 1000cc bike have gone 1 tooth down on the front to liven up the engine with great results.

[jonathan180iq]

PFFFFTTTTT!!! Whatever! I'll fight you guys!


j/k. I love you, fellas.

[cayuse]

haha! no hard feelings, J.
I still have a 16T sprocket if anyone wants it. I tried it a couple of times and it was really nice in town. But then I got into more highway/mountain riding and it was disappointing.
Horses for courses!

[bschift]

Thanks to everyone for your input. I think I'll skip the sprocket upgrade but will consider the carb job.

[Shammua]

This is my daily driver and once a week I may go cursing with it but never doing a road trip with it. I'm interested in that sprocket of yours, it sounds like it might help me out.