Gearing options for RC51

Pablo · 05-09-2006, 5:06 AM

Hi guys,

I've searched the forum for this topic, but couldn't find it as a topic. It's been mentioned on a lot of places here, but I still have some second thoughts on what to do.

You all know the factory gearing for RC is too tall with 16 - 40 ratio. I currently have 16-42 and I feel that gears 1 and 2 are now very short, but others feel about right. The final 6th gear is almost ok - it might be a little shorter than it is now. Mind you that I have this bike for only couple of months (and only ridden it around 1500 miles), so I'm still learning its character...

I've seen that most of you guys have 15-41 ratio, but it seems too short, since 16-42 already feels short in some gears...

Can you tell me your experiences with your gearing, because I need to buy new chain & sprockets soon?

Thanks!

sheepofblue · 05-09-2006, 7:37 AM

15-41 one and doesn't feel at all short

Pablo · 05-09-2006, 8:29 AM

I have a '01 model, maybe the gearbox is changed for later SP2 model?

gt702 · 05-09-2006, 10:03 AM

I have the 16-42 set-up and kind of like it for general use. The 15-41 isn't a huge change (2.73 vs. 2.625 --> 4% ) and would probably be better suited for spirited riding and track days. Our honerable Mr. Blue has the advantage of some great roads and does a few track days a year. I on the other hand have boring Michigan roads, so being a little taller in the gearing works well at the more sedate pace of things.

So in short (I know too late

), I wouldn't be afraid of 15-41, but it depends on where you ride.

(edit: internal gearing should be the same)

Pablo · 05-09-2006, 10:16 AM

gt, thanks for your thoughts!

I got the same impression as you stated, that the 15-41 is not that different from 16-42 and I'll most likely give it a try.

RC for me is a preffered choice when it comes down to street riding with my buddies, but my other 'weapon' is bmw 1100 GS which I use for touring... Unfortunatelly, in Serbia we don't have good tracks to ride on, so we usually go to Croatia for that...

Pablo · 05-11-2006, 9:02 AM

So, no one else is willing to share experiences with 15-41 or other options?

abtech · 05-11-2006, 12:28 PM

Several RC51 owners on this forum only race or run trackdays so their information would be a bit skewed. I am running 15/43 for our home track and it works pretty well. Any taller and the bike is almost always lugging off the corners, yet it still revs to the limiter in sixth gear at the very end of the straight.

gt702 · 05-11-2006, 12:39 PM

So that is why you can carry an extra gear and revs through the corner ... it is just a gearing thing

Well, maybe there are a few more reasons too

sheepofblue · 05-11-2006, 12:46 PM

The nicest thing I liked about the 15-41 while on the street is 1st gear can actually go 25 without slipping the clutch. Also it just seems peppier in the switchbacks

I think I could actually go a bit lower but the main thing at Barber for me is to move some shift points and get more grunt in 1st as there is no way I even will catch 6th.

abtech · 05-11-2006, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

The nicest thing I liked about the 15-41 while on the street is 1st gear can actually go 25 without slipping the clutch. Also it just seems peppier in the switchbacks

I think I could actually go a bit lower but the main thing at Barber for me is to move some shift points and get more grunt in 1st as there is no way I even will catch 6th.

Most seasoned racers set up their gearing so the bike is topped out in it's highest gear at the fastest part of the track. This usually translates into the best selection of gearing/engine speed for the slower sections. If you aren't using sixth gear, you're pretty much crippling your capabilities on the rest of the course. If you go lower, you will have a lot more grunt in first gear.

You did pay for all 6 gears right?

sheepofblue · 05-11-2006, 1:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

Most seasoned racers set up their gearing so the bike is topped out in it's highest gear at the fastest part of the track. This usually translates into the best selection of gearing/engine speed for the slower sections. If you aren't using sixth gear, you're pretty much crippling your capabilities on the rest of the course. If you go lower, you will have a lot more grunt in first gear.

You did pay for all 6 gears right?

I plan on getting a few gears for various tracks

Pete · 05-11-2006, 1:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablo

So, no one else is willing to share experiences with 15-41 or other options?

On my '02 RC51, 15/41 suited me perfectly for spirited street riding and track days.

BDA116 · 05-11-2006, 2:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

On my '02 RC51, 15/41 suited me perfectly for spirited street riding and track days.

Homo.

Pete · 05-11-2006, 2:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDA116

Homo.

The constant gay bashing is the main reason I sold it.

abtech · 05-11-2006, 3:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

I plan on getting a few gears for various tracks

I would suggest 15/16 countershaft sprockets and 41/42/43/44/45 rears. This gives a pretty wide spread on ratios from 2.57 to 3.00 and should have you covered. I have these and carry an extra 1 link longer chain for the larger combos.

deez · 05-11-2006, 6:39 PM

15/41 is the way to go. It was a big change from stock IMHO. Perfect for twisty bits and track duty, perfect. Even at highway speeds to get to the twisties it doesn't jack up the RPM's. It's the best all around solution for the bike. Stock gearing is way, way to tall. I think you'll be happy with the swap, go 520 on the chain and sprockets as well, less rotating mass.

Pablo · 05-12-2006, 5:31 AM

Thanks a lot, guys!

I'll try the 15/41 ratio and see how it goes