Questions for MC gear heads

[Guest Traumaslave]

I need to change both sprockets and chain on my Kaw Vulcan 800 after 18k miles. Stock sprockets are 17/42 but, I ride alot of highway miles so I'm thinking of going 18/40. The stock chain is 114 links. Will/should I lower the links to 112? Can anyone suggest brands?

TIA

[mhm2a]

If you go with 18/42 you probably would be able to keep the stock length chain and it is only a minor adjustment. It will more than likely only change your RPM's a little so if you are more concerned with keeping them down on the supeslab then you should be able to get away with losing a link or two depending on the adjusters and chain stretch.....always replace the chain and sprockets together...but I gather you knew that already.

[Guest Traumaslave]

Don't think 18/42 will do the trick. I have 70+ miles of highway to get to work and it is all 80+mph.

[TripleDigitRide]

Personally, I would change from 17/42 to 18/42. This should drop your RPM's by about 250-300. But that's just me. Making the changes you're looking for a doable, but probably at the cost of more power loss than I'd like.

Based on the mileage, I would suggest buying a new rear sprocket (even if you decide to stay with 42) and chain at the same time. And yes, you'll likely need to change the chain length if going to a 40.

Also, I'd stay away from aluminum sprockets.

Here's a chart, so you'll get a general idea of what to expect.

17/42 - STOCK

55 mph - 3250 rpm

65 mph - 3750 rpm

75 mph - 4250 rpm

85 mph - 4750 rpm

18/42 (changing front sprocket)

55 mph - 3000 rpm

65 mph - 3500 rpm

75 mph - 4000 rpm

85 mph - 4500 rpm

18/40 (changing front and rear sprocket)

55 mph - 2800 rpm

65 mph - 3300 rpm

75 mph - 3800 rpm

85 mph - 4300rpm

I would suggest this site Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums. There is TONS of info here.

Edited June 21, 2009 by TripleDigitRide

[Guest Traumaslave]

[quote=TripleDigitRide;303682

I would suggest this site Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums. There is TONS of info here.

That is where I have found the most info. I looked at converting over to a belt drive and it too was @ 18/40 for a final drive. I really wish I could ride a couple different set ups to see which I like, that is without buying all the sprockets and doing all the work.