Gear Swap?

[mzrsq]

Though I truely love the power of the Busa, I'll be one of the first on this board to say that I will probably never see what 187mph feels like.  First, the roads in this area just don't provide the level of safety that's need for those speeds, 2nd, I'm not even sure I have the desire to go that fast. Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem ripping her off through 1,2,3 gears and rolling off, but 140 is as fast as she's been, and maybe the fastest she'll ever go.

So since I truely enjoy the power aspect off the ride and not so much the top speed run, It's time to move some more of that power into my usable range. What I'd like to know is how these gearings change the overall bottom end power and top end speed on the busa.  Stock being 17/40 correct?

A: -1 upfront only? (16/40?)

B: +2 rear only? (17/42?)

C: -1 front +2 rear? (16/42?)

Also, $$$ aside, is it recommended to change the chain out?

$$$ aside, what is the best sprockets and chain to buy? (type, material, who, where.)

I am looking to do this, but have no real world knowledge of what to expect under each of the above situations.
Please don't jump in and say go 16/42, 17/42, explain why that would be your choice and how it changed the way the Busa performed!

If this topic has already been discussed in this manner, please direct me to the previous post.

I thank you all very much in advance for any time you spend in helping in my decision.  

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[clrwtrbusa]

I started with 16/40 and loved it. It will limit your top end some, but as you stated, thats ok. You will have a lot more off the line pull and mine wheelied easily in 3rd. Then I went 16/42 but went turbo too so I dont have good info for you on that change.
Vortex sprockets are my choice due to durability and an EK ZXV chain due to strength/resistance to stretching.

Hope this helps some....Dave

 

[frisbee]

16/42 if you like to wheelie. just a 42 in back gives alittle more pull.

 

[mzrsq]

Thanks Guys, keep the input coming!



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[mzrsq]

Now I know more of you have changed up gears than this!

 

[flrider]

Scott, I went with a 43t steel and have really liked the result. It is great for riding around town and is easy to control any tendency to lift the front wheel. The rpm range is about 4000 to 4500 highway speeds. Doesn't kill gas mileage very much. Top speed is probably 170 but who cares. Not me. The rideability overall is much superior to the stock 40. I won't go back.

Bob

 

[TruWrecks]

Please refer to the following thread:



You may find it useful!

 

[shenoyp]

I better watch this post... dont mind that extra pep at the lower range myself. With the kinda roads that I have here in India, I'll never go over 200kmph too often, but accelration is always welcome

 

[mzrsq]

Thanks guys. Still looking for more riding responses from just going -1 front, or any other changes that been made out there. I really want to know how the bike responded power wise with different gearings. Really like to hear from a memeber who has tried several different gearing ratios on one bike to answer how the bike felt going from each one.

Maybe some techie out there can explain exactly how gearing works. Why dropping a gear in the front does "A", and raising 1 in the back does "B". Ya know, help us non-thinkers, to early on a Sunday morning, brain won't work, to cold to get out off bed, bike dreaming busa owners out!

 

[edcampolo]

Just did a 16 /42 AFAM Kit with Chain and a Speedo Healer. Suits me well, I like most will never see the new 184 mph max at redline with the 16/42 set up. Response is better especially in the 1st gear hair pins, where I used to have a bad off closed throttle surge. Installing was easy and using the proper chain breaker / press made the chain a snap. The speedo healer was easy as well ( - 12% ). I would definitely recommend.
Thanks, Ed

 

[STUNNAH]

16/42 you can't beat it for the street/strip...Great torque and wheelie power...Highway rpm's rev @ about 5500...

 

[mzrsq]

OK, so one last question, since I'm still not quite following the difference between changing the front and rear or rear only. The combinations I've seen thrown out or 16/40 16/42 16/43 17/40 (stock) 17/42 17/43 (did I miss any?)

Could someone list these from the least aggressive to the most aggressive. I think that might be the last piece to what I'm looking for. My confusion lies in the fact that a good majority here have suggested 16/42 where as SH.org's majority is 17/43. Kinda wondering where these 2 fall into relationship to each other.

Thanks for all you postings and help.

 

[mzrsq]

 

[Red05]

OK, so one last question, since I'm still not quite following the difference between changing the front and rear or rear only.  The combinations I've seen thrown out or 16/40 16/42 16/43 17/40 (stock) 17/42 17/43 (did I miss any?)  

Could someone list these from the least aggressive to the most aggressive.  I think that might be the last piece to what I'm looking for.  My confusion lies in the fact that a good majority here have suggested 16/42 where as SH.org's majority is 17/43.  Kinda wondering where these 2 fall into relationship to each other.

Thanks for all you postings and help.

I'll try to simplify. Adding two teeth to the back is roughly equilvalent to subtracting one in the front, since the front gear has about half (43%) of the number of teeth the rear sprocket has. Either change (plus in rear, minus in front) has the same effect. Any combination will intensify the effect, since either change in effect raises the ratio. The higher the ratio, the more bottom end pull you'll have, and subsequently lower available top speed. Stock ratio is 2.35. 17/42 is 2.47. 16/40 is 2.50. 17/43 is 2.53. 16/42 is 2.63. 16/43 is 2.69, and be careful, the front wheel will be airborne pretty often  

To figure the ratio, simply devide the number of teeth on the rear sprocket by the number on the front.



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[mzrsq]

So would there be that much noticeable difference between the 17/43 at 2.53 and the 16/42 at 2.63? It seems the concensus is to not change the front for wear reasons if you don't have to.

Good information Red, thanks!

 

[atticdog]

also a 16tooth front sprocket will make your wheelbase slightly longer, better for drag racing
and a 43 tooth rear will make your wheelbase slightly shorter, better for wheelies

 

[billbell]

How many teeth can you change without changing chain length? I am thinking bout changing sprockets next tire change too. I would rather have some lower end power then high speed.