When I first bought my S4Rs, I immediately felt the need to drop to a 14t front sprocket, based only on reading all these posts.  It lasted about 100 miles, and I switched back.

Now that my chain and sprockets were getting close, I knew I would change the gearing.  But in the other direction.  I have zero trouble pulling away from stops, but there are times when I'd like the gearing a bit taller so I can cruise at 85ish at comfortable revs.

So I went from a 15/43 to a 15/41.  It dropped my revs in the freeway about 400rpm, which is ideal.  I am not a super racer type, so I don't care about slightly slower accleration...my bike has more power than I need.



 

Decided to go with a black sprocket and a gold chain.  It looks just pimpy enough, I think.  I'm super happy with it.  Only gone through one tank so far, but on a typical ride I seem to have gained about 3 mpg, and the motor burbles along more calmly.  So I can keep it in fifth for 50-60 speeds, and 6th isn't quite an overdrive, but it's perfect for me. 

I also added a Sargent seat.  Only one ride on it, but it trasformed the ride and feel of the bike.  Amazing.  I have slight concerns with the workmanship, but it's amazing overall. 

Thoughts?

Or a second, anyway.  I do a lot of hgihway work and touring on mine, so I also regeared the other way.  Mine came with stock gearing of 15/39, while the 900SS of the same period had a 15/37 combination.  I switched to the 15/37 with my first chain and sprocket replacement in 1995, for better highway cruising and gas mileage, and slightly less engine wear, and have kept that since.

PhilB

I was always a bit shocked to hear that folks with S4Rs would shorten the gearing - not like they lack for power.

Do you ever use 6th gear?  First gear will be like second gear on most bikes.  Lots of clutch slipping.

Yes, often.  The bike and I have spent most of our time in the West, where freeway traffic often moves at 85mph or above.  Out in the desert, one might cruise at over 100mph for a couple hours at a time.  That's where the gearing has been helpful.  Now that I'm in NH, and things move more slowly, and a lot more is done on smaller roads, I might regear at least back to stock for my next chain and sprockets.

PhilB

Quote from: Armor on June 26, 2012, 10:11:16 AM
Do you ever use 6th gear?  First gear will be like second gear on most bikes.  Lots of clutch slipping.

Yeah....I use sixth gear often, and have no trouble launching or with clutch slipping, even at parking lot speeds.  So I'm happy.

I like the chain- looks good and fits your bike. But I really want to know where you got that super pimpin' wicker tail basket for your other bike!

Quote from: Jimmy6tring on June 26, 2012, 01:39:34 PM
I like the chain- looks good and fits your bike. But I really want to know where you got that super pimpin' wicker tail basket for your other bike!

That's the wife's bike.  No accounting for taste.  Ha.