Sprockets & Chain: New Ratio (or, _WHY_ did I ever wait so long?!?!?)

[Steve_in_Florida]

A while ago, I got an 18-tooth front sprocket, and a 39-tooth rear sprocket from Randy. Also, the chain dampener that protects the swingarm. For some reason, I was just waiting for the right time, to install a new chain and add these new parts.

Well, yesterday was the day, and what a WONDERFUL DAY IT BECAME!!!

That's a nice gear combination!

My chain is a whole lot quieter now, too...

[Sparky84]

That's good to know Steve, much better cruising rpms?

I only went a 18/40 (I'll have to check, I don't think I went 39) and a Tsubaki chain that's waiting to be fitted.


Cheers Alan

[HydroDog]

How does that combination work when your riding in town? It's not to tall where you have to do a lot  of clutch slipping to get started?

[Steve_in_Florida]

I am so very happy with this set-up.

Previously, I had a stock set of sprockets (17 front, 40 rear, I believe). At 6,000 RPM, my speedometer indicated 100 MPH. Now with the 18/39, 6,000 RPMs register 108 MPH on the speedo.

For me, this combination seems to work very well. No issues with city riding, at all. It's very, very smooth and comfortable.

To be clear, I am not one to intentionally pull wheelies, nor pick races from light to light. I don't take the bike to the drag strip. My intention was to lower the engine RPM's out on the highway, because that's where I like to open her up.

With five different gears to choose from, I can shift up or down as required for conditions. No problems, and no regrets making this change. In fact, I think I would have gotten a 38-tooth rear, if they had been in-stock when I placed my order.

Also, this past weekend, I rode two-up with my girlfriend out to the coast, and had absolutely no complaints with this gear ratio.

Happy days on the FJ, for certain!!!

Steve

[FJmonkey]

My only complaint about 18/38 is, I sometimes find that I am still in 4th gear after a few miles on the highway.

[Steve_in_Florida]

Complaint???

Isn't that the moment where you grab a handful, and say "Yay!!!, ***ANOTHER GEAR!!!***"?

My only complaint about 18/38 is, I sometimes find that I am still in 4th gear after a few miles on the highway.