16T vs 15T sprockets

[Skunkhome]

This thread is all over the place.. we have people stating that the 16t sprocket will give them more " torque in lower gears" There is no way that can be. The stock 15 T sprocket is going deliver more torque in any gear. Some are saying it is great for high speed and others say is is great for everything but. The issue I suppose everyone is trying to solve is the relatively short 1st gear range making transition from "stop to second" a little busy. The 16 tooth sprocket would certainly smooth out the operation by streatching out the gears but if it is too tall for overdrive than I just dont see the point. I do find 1st gear to be a bit short but it is nice to have tht extra torque when starting off up hill. Some one stated that they are considering starting off in second. By accident I have attemptd that more than once and it does not work very well. I usually end up rolling off to the side and stopping to try and find first gear. I have few hills here of any concequence and the mean elevation is about 23-25 ft. I am a heavy guy, weighing in between 240 and 250lbs though I am working on getting down to 200 lbs. Now, that said, I will tell you that I have been getting around 75 mpg and have had the bike up to 70 mph before backing off the throttle. I have been driving in the city last couple of days and more agressively so my mileage has dropped off to 66 mpg on the last 160 miles. Aside from possibly having a little taller first gear I just cant see the benefit of going to a 16 t sprocket. Sounds like we could use a two speed final drive.

[cayuse]

Yes this thread IS all over the place but that's OK Skunkhome, just pay attention to MY comments! :biggrin:
OK, and WW's, too.

Cheers.

[bonehead]

I have had both. I like the 15 better-FWIW.

[raul10141964]

i have
16 t
140 main jet
2.5 turns on the pilot
unrestricted air cleaner
cruse speed at 70-75mi an with good conditions 80 mi
with out the carburator mods do not go over 60 mi

[Skunkhome]

Has anyone split the difference by changing to a 39 tooth sprocket on the rear rather than going to 16 on the front. It would be about 2% lower than using the 16t front.

[Water Warrior 2]

It might work very well but be sure to price out a new rear sprocket first. It's far more cost effective to buy a new front sprocket.

[steelpix]

Just a couple good links here on how to change from 15 to 16 t. One is from our forum here with great instruction and pictures. The other link is a good video. You can always switch back to 15 T if your not happy. Not hard to do.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=317

[steelpix]

I was wondering if the speedometer will change if you go from 15 T to 16T?

I'm thinking no as it all has to do with the front wheel. Am I right?

Thx

[jonathan180iq]

Yeah, no worries on the speedo. That reading comes from the front wheel. No gearing at all and you'll still get a speedo reading.

[steelpix]

I spent time today installing the 16T sprocket. All went well except I couldn't understand why I couldn't put enough slack in the chain to get the new sprocket on. Don't make my mistake of not loosening the chain loosening nut adjuster enough. Just when you think you have them loose enough, loosen them more and it will go smooth (That was a lot of loosening words).