When the chain and sprockets need replacing on my 2013 Bonnie SE I'm thinking of raising the gearing a bit. It could do with a little more low down oomph and is already very smooth at 80 mph so not too worried about losing any cruising speed. Has anyone done this, do I need a different chain length, will it make any difference? Thanks
One tooth less on the front will make a difference in low down acceleration and the standard chain length will be fine.
This site will answer all your questions Edit* on sprockets and gearing, before any smart ass comments
Thanks, I'm having a feeling of deja vu seing those charts, sorry, might have already asked this before. I think you are right, I want to lower the gearing, not radically, so could try one tooth off the front? Cheers
You might want to add 3 or 4 teeth to the rear. It will move your rear wheel forward and shorten the wheel base slightly which will give you better handling. At the same time it will probably put you in the center forward of you chain adjuster and give you the extra low end grunt your looking for.
Cheers, I might change the rear. Mind you, I went for a ride today and it felt fine on the standard gearing. I think if you just ride it in the sweet spot and not try and treat it like a sports bike it is probably fine as standard.
TonyG Your question was answered by SamsGrandad. Lose a tooth. Even lose one front gain one rear will alter it slightly. But remember it will also alter the speedo reading. Regards Joe.
going to a lighter quality X ring 520 chain is a good move if your changing everything. on my 18 T120 i went from stock 17-37 to a 17-41 without issue, stock 100 link works. one tooth on the counter is OK but several teeth on the rear is better. i am enjoying less shifting for small inclines as well + better passing power with less if any downshifting
Need some info on changing the front sprocket on the '18 Bonneville. Got the cover and brake stuff off OK, but the nut holding the sprocket was more than my tool box has in it, so far. It appears to be 75MM {almost 3"}. Sockets, tools in that realm are 1" drive. If you have changed that sprocket what tools did you have/use? Any insight would be great. Thanx
big but not 75MM!! did mine but forget the size BUT more general searching should get results. save the lockwasher + a bigger impact gun makes it easier. although the front is prolly easier + a bit cheaper a bigger rear stresses the chain less + if you have about 20 on it may as well do a kit- chain + both sprockets. i used a lighter 520 chain "kit" from sprocket center + an EK chain + their screw master link, no chain press- breaker needed!! i used 17-41 combo on my 18 T120 with stocl length 100 link chain that centered the axle allowing more adjustment later.
