Rear Sprocket

N23 · 09-13-2006, 11:38 AM

Got an 03 954 and thinking of changing the rear sprocket either +1 or +2. How far can I increase the rear before I have to change the chain length? Additionally, how far do I have to change it in order to FEEL the difference. I understand it's the cheapest mod to feel an improvement but I'm happy with the stock setup I have now. Thanks for all your comments.

kawboy69 · 09-13-2006, 1:13 PM

1 down in the front is like 3 up in the rear.. 1 down in the front will be noticeable..

HondaGalToo · 09-13-2006, 1:49 PM

Yup, agreed, go 1 down in the front. I did one down in the front, one up in the rear (16/43 to 15/44) and it's a noticable difference. The stock chain fits with that combo, no problem. I believe it'll also fit with -1 front, +2 rear.
If you just do +2 rear, I don't think it'll be long enough.

Silent_Assassin · 09-13-2006, 6:57 PM

I'm pretty happy with my 1 down in the front sprocket change.

It was a nice mod for only $25-.

The Speedohealer added to the total cost of things though.

187mustang · 09-14-2006, 2:28 PM

I did a -1 and ordered a +1for the rear. currently only have the -1 installed with a 520 conversion and it made a nice different. it pulls harder on top end. 1st gear kinda sucks tho the front end will not stay down if your trying to get out of the way.

Spanky · 09-14-2006, 6:32 PM

Hi N23,

I did a 520 conversion on my 954 about 500Kms ago, dropped a tooth off the front sprocket in the process and reckon that's enough - well for where I ride anyway. The bike accelerates harder out of corners, and still winds up to somewhere around 265+KpH (actual - 285KpH indicated)...the only thing that annoys me is that the mileage is clocking up faster due to the speedo reading 6.7% higher than standard - still that's reasonably easily fixed with a speedo healer.

The standard 108-link chain fits fine, but if I was doing it again I'd knock an extra couple of links out to maintain the maximum future adjustment as with 108 links a new chain already puts the wheel towards the rear of the "good" section (as indicated on the swing-arm).

Cheers, Spanky.

Bpos · 09-14-2006, 11:24 PM

N23

I have an '02 954 with ~13,000 miles. I just put a Vortex 45(+2) tooth rear sprocket on and kept the stock 530 pitch 108 link chain and kept the stock 16 tooth front sprocket. The chain tension adjuster before the change was pretty close to the center mark. After the change the chain tension adjuster was only about 1 mm from the front limit mark. The cost was around $60 and 1.5 hours of my time to do the work. It made a noticable, but not dramatic difference in the "pull" of the bike. I noticed more in the steering. It seems to steer quicker, probably because the wheelbase is slightly shorter. Hope this is helpfull.

Bpos