Triumphrat

wrh49 · 05-23-2008

It's time to change my drive chain again on my 99 Legend - The rear sprocket doesn't look bad but with 50K miles on it I was thinking of changing both front and rear. Any feedback on tooth# other than stock would be appreciated.

gregp · 05-23-2008

I went up 1 tooth on my countershaft sprocket (to an 18t) and I really like it. The bike still pulls away from stoplights just fine and the highway cruising RPM (at 70-80 mph) is significantly lowered.
JMO.

DetroitsOwn · 05-23-2008

When you go up to an 18 tooth front sprocket, do you have to add a link to the chain or will the adjustment screws allow the added tooth?

Gdsila · 05-23-2008

When I changed to 18 t I did not need to add a link.

jimmyj900 · 05-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh49

It's time to change my drive chain again on my 99 Legend - The rear sprocket doesn't look bad but with 50K miles on it I was thinking of changing both front and rear. Any feedback on tooth# other than stock would be appreciated.

The stock ratio is 17:43 and you can go to an 18 tooth front sprocket with no problems. That will increase your top speed per gear slightly, increase your fuel mileage slightly and decrease your thrust slightly.

For example, the 18:43 combo is a 6% change from stock with a top speed in first gear going from 55.07 mph to 58.31 mph. Not a huge difference but it could be significant to fuel economy on a highway.

Going down to 16 teeth on front would probably eat the chain guides.

Whatever ratio you choose, be sure that the tooth counts on both sprockets aren't an even number. If you were to go to 18:42 for example, you'd have abnormally fast sprocket wear from the side plates contacting the same areas every time.

Also, the front sprocket wears 2-1/2 time faster than the rear so if you're only going to change one sprocket make it the front one.

Jim

WoodsieIII · 05-24-2008

I always change both sprockets with the chain, and I consistently get 40,000klms with little or no care to the chain during use.
I also went to an 18 tooth coutershaft sprocket, it has lengthened the life of the swingarm rubbing strip immensely. I was putting a new one every 10,000klms, at 75 bucks aus that hurts a bit. I havent replaced it for about 60,000klms since I changed ratios. I also am about to fit a new chain again, and I will put a new rubbing strip then.

coppi0_3 · 05-25-2008

Hi there! And what about the chain? I´ve read that x-ring chains, although more expensive are lighter and therefore convey power without so much loss, both keep the oil inside and last longer. But when I was convinced to spend the extra money for the x-ring the dealer told me that this type of chains are for sport bikes and that the Legend isn´t worth installing so good a chain. What do you think? Have you had any experience with x-ring?.
Is it worth it? Many thanks in advance.
Emilio

WoodsieIII · 05-25-2008

I have always used the X-Ring chains on this bike. Its a sportsbike innit?
For the extra wear you will get its worth it. only a couple of dollars difference really.

jimmyj900 · 05-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by coppi0_3

But when I was convinced to spend the extra money for the x-ring the dealer told me that this type of chains are for sport bikes and that the Legend isn´t worth installing so good a chain.

Your arrogant and condescending dealer is saying your crappy, second rate bike isn't 'worth' a premium chain.

The question is whether you think your bike is worth it!

Jim

coppi0_3 · 05-26-2008

OK!! My Legend is the best bike I´ve ever had, so...the best is what suits her.

Thank you.