Ok, so what gearing are you running, whats the performance, and whats your average MPG?
Currently I have a 16T front sprocket, pretty impressive performance in my book, average 35-38 MPG!!!
When I purchased my bike used, it was set up with 16/43. The bike was quicker for sure. (requires a longer chain too)
I am now running 16/40 (stock set up).
I also have a 15T sprocket I install sometimes. It is about 1/2 way between the original and stock set ups. There is about 500 RPM's difference between the original and stock set up at 55 MPH.
I would like to get a 17T for longer trips.
MPG is a function of multiple factors
Street vs Hwy riding
How aggressive you are with your throttle
Jetting and air flow (air filter and exhaust modifications)
With the original set up (K&N 16/43) I ran right at 40 MPG.
When I went to the stock sprockets and shimmed my needles I went to about 45 MPG
I drilled 2 x 3/8" holes in each end plates on the exhaust the MPG went to about 48 MPG.
I then went to to 105 main jets, my MPG dropped back down to 42-45 MPG (I think some of this is slightly more aggressive throttle as well. )
On my trip to Ark. I was running 36-38 MPG as I was running at about 75/80 MPH. (Reason I'd like to get a 17T)
My next step is to go to 42 idle jets to help with cold starting and to smooth out a lower end lull.
With a stock set up I would think you should do a little better at MPG's but you may be pretty aggressive and do more Hwy riding..
Hope it helps..
Stock setup
35 to 45
With 17T I would not like stopping and starting on a hill.
Some time I would like to try a little bigger in the back. One day I would like to have two bikes one for trips and one for around town. I dream of having a Super with a V65 in it.
Pretty sure the Little Red is stock on the gearing have NOT tore into her yet.
I dream of a Magna and a KLR 650 :lol: :lol: hmmmm won't be dreaming to much longer LOL
Had stock 16/40 when I got the '96. ~36-38 in town. 38-44 highway depending on wind direction. Tried 15/40 for a year, great quickness, but higher rpms at 70 mph, thus ~5% less mpg. Now have 17/40. Have to feather the clutch some taking off, but can keep in a lower gear and higher revs in town, on highway at 75 mph, 5k rpms, I get 45mpg. Have never got that good at 75 mph avg. ever! I will probably stay with 17/40 forever.
Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
OK Region
1996 VF750C
Brad, where did you get your 17T from, if you remember..
Hoot- I think it was Sprocket Specialists. ~ $38.00.
Brad Badgett
Quote from: redneck-tek on September 10, 2011, 09:59:39 AM
Ok, so what gearing are you running, whats the performance, and whats your average MPG?
Currently I have a 16T front sprocket, pretty impressive performance in my book, average 35-38 MPG!!!
I'm stock too, gearing wise, and see the same mileage range.
I have always run the stock 16T/40T setup on my '99 Magna. Since I am in the country most of my miles are hiway, and I still get 44mpg if I stay below 70mph, this even with 139K miles on the engine. I have never touched the carbs or exhaust, except repaired exhaust leak. This is truly a wonderful machine.
I have the stock 40T rear sprocket, and a 15, 16, and 17 for the front. The 15 gives terrific acceleration, but is a little "busy" at highway speeds. The 17 is better for longer trips, and gives pretty good mileage. I have gotten well over 50 mpg with the 17 cruising at legal speeds. With the 15, and hot-rodding a bit, I get 36-40 mpg, but have a lot of fun.
Now I know this thread is about 3rd gen. bikes but the title said "Gear" setup so here is mine. I have an 85 v65 Magna. From the factory they came with a gear ratio of 3.18. That is 11 teeth on the pinion and 35 teeth on the ring gear. On another board I frequent, I read about 3.40 gear ratios. What this is is 10 teeth on the pinion and 34 teeth on the ring gear. These were found on smaller shadows and a few other bikes. I removed the ring and pinion from my shadow differential and installed them into my v65 differential. Now you might be thinking, 1 tooth on each gear, that's not that much difference. Well partner let me tell you, that bike was fast anyway, now its scary fast. Much faster acceleration. Makes you feel like your arm are going to come out of their sockets. I'm sure putting smaller sprockets on probably has the same effect. Just thought I would share. :cool:
AWESOME INFO!!! Keep up with the posts!! I am noticing a trend......17 tooth front sprocket is pretty popular!! Maybe this would be a good time to start a poll????? Stock setup or bigger?? thoughts??
Junior
It all depends on what you're looking for. The 17 gives more relaxed cruising rpm, and the 15 gives tremendous improvement in acceleration. I wouldn't recommend the 15 for long trips, however. I leave the 17 on most of the time, since I don't do any drag racing, except for the occasional time I need to dust some H-D who doesn't know better, and keeps revving it at a stoplight. And even then, the 17 doesn't really present much of a problem, although the 15 does make it a lot easier. ;^)
So does anyone have a 17T sprocket and chain that they want to sell? Preferrably new, or gently used!! May even have something worth trading!!!
Junior
Quote from: redneck-tek on September 19, 2011, 11:13:25 AM
So does anyone have a 17T sprocket and chain that they want to sell? Preferrably new, or gently used!! May even have something worth trading!!!
Junior
Junior.. Just buy a 15 & 17 sprocket and decide for your self..
You can use the same chain and adjust the ride when you want to.. It only takes a few minutes to change out the front sprocket..
Loosen the rear axle nut, push the rear tire forward, remove the left plate that covers the sprocket (clutch lever is part of this cover).
take off the sprocket nut, replace the sprocket, put the cover back on, adjust the rear tire..
So you can have a hot rod for around town (15t), or an all around (16t) or, if you are getting ready for a long trip put in the 17t..
That's the ONLY nice thing about a chain over a shaft!!!
Quote from: hootmon on September 19, 2011, 04:54:10 PM
That's the ONLY nice thing about a chain over a shaft!!!
Well, there are some who claim the chain drive is more efficient -- less power goes into heat, and more to the rear tire. I think they are correct, but have no proof...
Quote from: lragan on September 19, 2011, 06:07:27 PM
Quote from: hootmon on September 19, 2011, 04:54:10 PM
That's the ONLY nice thing about a chain over a shaft!!!
Well, there are some who claim the chain drive is more efficient -- less power goes into heat, and more to the rear tire. I think they are correct, but have no proof...
I agree Lawrence, but I'd trade the added HP for a shaft drive any day
Don't forget if you are running an over-sized rear tire that you are effectively raising (numerically lowering) the gear ratio also. Take this into account if your going to a smaller/bigger sprocket.