I started with the 17T, went to the 18T, then back to the 17T. I personally like the way the bike responds with the 17T. However, I'm thinking I may want to try one of the following changes to lower the rpm just a touch at high Interstate speeds, but not quite as low as the 18T makes it:
1. Install Metzeler 140/80-17 rear tire. Larger diameter than stock will essentially provide slightly higher gearing.
2. Keep running a 17T on the countershaft, but drop the rear sprocket one tooth, from a 43T to a 42T. That would result in a final drive ratio that falls somewhere between running stock gearing and an 18T:
Stock
43/17 = 2.53:1
Drop one tooth on rear sprocket
42/17 = 2.47:1
Add one tooth to countershaft sprocket
43/18 = 2.388:1
Bob
[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2006-11-15 09:29 ]