MrBadExxample

Sometime this year the XX (yes mine is The XX) will need a new chain and front sprocket. I'm thinking about using a 18 tooth front sprocket. The bike is used for commuting during the week and recreational riding in the Appalachians on weekends. Anyone try this? Thoughts? Opinions? Provactive ideas?


P.S. My son (6 years old) loves it when I post. He really digs the 'smilie faces', unfortunately he can read. "Dad why does that sign say 'Poop'" he asks . But then he saw this one and stopped asking me about the 'Poop sign'. "Daddy why is that smilie poking the other smilie?", oh well it's cute.

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Venus97

I've heard good things about the 18t sprocket:

1. To correct the speedo error
3. Help with hwy riding.

I just ordered a chain and sprocket set from White Buffalo Racing, prices are very good and good technical assistance.

Hobicus

I put an 18t on my '02 before the cold hit, and really liked it. Speedometer was right on, and the gas mileage improved. I did get it out on in the twisties (or at least what passes for twisties out this way) and while it took a bit to get used to choosing the right gear, it really made 2nd gear actually useful for lower speed corners. It had power without it being uncontrollable or running out of RPM. 3rd gear was really sweet, because when running corners you could really just leave it in that gear and down low it never felt unstable even if you got on it, and up high you were really moving.

I really felt like the bike was meant to have that 18t front sprocket, and that Honda dropped it down one tooth to make it have more torque.

Still have the 17t on the front of the 97, and that's what I've been riding all winter. I miss the 18t, and will probably put one on it when it needs replacing.

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XXSTAR

could you tell much power loss at 60 mph. how was the passing at 50 in high gear. Thanks Ron

John01XX

I would like to go to a 18t front as well but I am picky about sprockets and will only run OEM Sprockets with the rubber dampner.
Anyone know of a OEM 18T Front that will go right on a Bird ?
I heard something about a VFR front 18t maybe

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Kiriath

my local mechanic ordered a 16t front sprocket for my birdie, I think he said it comes from a 800 vfr, so maybe from a bigger vfr?!

tripledigits

I do not like the 18T front. I've tried 16, 17 and 18. The 17 feels best to me. I do live at 6000', so the bike is down on power compared to sea level, but I bet I would leave the 17T on at sea level as well. 18T feels too tall in first gear. To me, the bike feels like it was made for 17T (and it was).

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'02 Silver Bird
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n51jr

I put a 42 on the rear and noticed the speedo error about 3 %, I wanted an 18 front but wanted to keep the stock rubber dampened front.


GEARING SPREADSHEET EXCEL

Attached Files

gearing 17 42.zip (10.7 KB, 26 views)

maverick1100

Hey, I have also thought of putting a 18t in front... I do alot of hwy miles and well I got spolled with the mileage I was getting with a 600. (600 - 65mpg, XX - 52mpg) I find that my bird has enough power for me, but I would like to get better mileage out of her.

Curiousity here, when you say it fixed the speedo error, by how much is it off from the factory????

Also for those of you that have tried the 18t front how much did your mileage go up by??

Cheers,

X1rider

I went with stock gearing when I replaced the chain and sprockets 10K miles ago. How many miles of aggressive riding (70+ on expressway and two lane twisties) can anyone here get on a tank of gas? My low fuel light usual starts blinking at 160 miles, but I have found that I can *squeak* out close to 200 before the fumes evaporate.

gunner1374

around 160 miles/tank at steady highway speeds but when I go on a ride with Speed-tribe (the local sportbike club here), I only get about 40 miles before it is time for more "go juice". That's pretty bad right??? I kinda miss my 600 sometimes LOL

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Pete-in-PA

I went to an 18 tooth and won't go back. I also think it is the "right" sprocket. It just feels right.

I notice no power loss, no problems in the twisties, and it corrects the speedo's optimism. (an 18 tooth is 6% higher)

I just dynoed for the first time with an 18 tooth and it's good for an increase from 138 to 150 mph in 4th gear at redline.

Rumrunner

I like the idea of using the 18T front sprocket to correct the speedometer reading and improve on the gas milage but want to know if the chain will be too short ? Only have 10K miles on my '03 bird and the chain doesn't need replacing yet. Any one found a rubber damped 18T like the stock 17T is?

XXRider

I don't think there is a 18T dampened(did do some checking). There is a 16T from a VFR that is rubber dampened.

I'm told 110 Link chain fits the 18T with 45T R. I haven't put mine on yet to say for sure.

CBRXX93

Is it better to go 1 up on the front vs going down 3-4 on the rear? Also, I just replaced my front with the OEM 17t because I read that the undamped aftermarkets are loud. Is the noise really annoying or do you just get use to it? I would also like to know how "maverick1100" gets 52mpg out of an XX I'm lucky for 36 mpg on the highway.

Pete-in-PA

Going to an 18 tooth is fine with the 110 link chain.

I don't think there is a damped 18 tooth either.

an undamped front sprocket adds a slight whirr noise, barely noticeable.

If you do a 3 tooth change in the rear you will have to lengthen or shorten the chain.

Each tooth you go up in the front will help lessen chain wear.

Rumrunner

Thanks Pete, I was pretty sure an 18T on the front would fit with my existing chain. I'll go that route and see how I like it. Anyone know what a good 18T costs so I know if I'm getting hosed by the stealer?

Whitee

I recommend getting your 18T sprocket from White Buffalo racing.
That is where I bought mine & was very happy with them.

Rumrunner

Do you have a link to a website or at least a web address?

Whitee

White Buffalo Racing. Motorcycle parts and accessories at discount prices

The part that I ordered last year was an AFAM20602 18 tooth steel sprocket.

Rumrunner

Thanks, I'll give them a try.