Ordered a 18 tooth sprocket from RPM and installed it today. Haven't had time to take it out on the freeway but a quick trip around the block to verify my work left me with a very positive impression. The bike builds speed in a little more relaxed fashion. Wish I had known about this option a long time ago!
I installed an 18/40 combo on my '93 just before my ride to Ouray. I really like it.
Bill
I might try changing the rear to a 40 at some point in the future. After a quick charge down the 405 this morning I see changing the front to 18 has dropped my RPMs at an indicated 75 from 4500 to about 4300. Not a big difference but since that is right where vibration starts to hit my mirrors in a big way, dropping down 200 or so RPMs does help significantly.
Got a 18/38 combination on my 3CV ('89), in top I get 60mph at 3000 revs, 70 around 3500 and 80 at 4000.
And that lump still has the torque to pull away without a down change... :sarcastic:
18/38 is the sweet spot if you do more open road riding rather than stop start city riding. My'93 has this, love it. My '94 has 18/40, and of course is quicker off the lights, but overall I prefer 18/38 as the FJ handles this combo easily, and the rpm drop while cruising is great .