Topic: How much difference does three teeth make?

[tennesseebreeze]

I'm about to put a new chain on my 1973 cb500 build. I've got OEM front and rear sprockets- 17 and 34 teeth, respectively. I'm thinking about getting a rear sprocket with a few more teeth for a little more quickness off the line and in the corners. I'm looking at a 37 tooth steel sprocket. I could probably work out mathematically what I would gain from this. But I'm wondering what it FEELS like, should I go with even more teeth than that?

Wondering what other members prefer.

[eigenvector]

The front sprocket is where you'll feel the difference more than the back.

I remember when I changed out my KLR650's front for a highway gear - the bike was noticeably slower.

[Duanob]

Ozarks or Cascades? Depends on which side of the mountains you're on. 

[tennesseebreeze]

Appalachia.

[tennesseebreeze]

Selfie.

[PeWe]

It might be too slow and weak.
I do not know CB550, but CB750 does not need smaller rear sprocket. 1 toth smaller front sprocket 17 instead of 18 for better city driving and better at top too when it will have more power. I remember that some guys used 45 rear instead of 48. Top speed will not be reached. Never for speeding people.
Here is the gear ratio for a CB750. Change the sprocket and see how it will affect rpm and top speed. Maybe it will gve an idea.

[CBDee]

Reducing size of front sprocket is not recommended due to the increased angle that the chain must follow, affecting chain life. Most of the experts say increase the rear sprocket if you want to change the sprocket ratio's.

[Don R]

+3  on the rear is about the same as -1 on the front. I don't have a 500 anymore but I'd think it will like the change, they are made to rpm.  Is 17/34 really the stock ratio?

[tennesseebreeze]

It's 17/34 for the 500's and 17/37 for the 550's of the era. I'm seeing 34's, 36's, 37's, and one 48 on Ebay. 48 must be for poppin' wheelies.

[Duanob]

I'm sure you could buy a 37T from a 550 used for cheap and test out and see if you like it, they should bolt up. If it's too much change then either stay with a 34 or try a 36.

[knottedknickers]

I'm about to put a new chain on my 1973 cb500 build. I've got OEM front and rear sprockets- 17 and 34 teeth, respectively. I'm thinking about getting a rear sprocket with a few more teeth for a little more quickness off the line and in the corners. I'm looking at a 37 tooth steel sprocket. I could probably work out mathematically what I would gain from this. But I'm wondering what it FEELS like, should I go with even more teeth than that?

Wondering what other members prefer.

You could go by the seat of your pants... Or you could use a calculator: http://www.gearingcommander.com/, http://www.sprocketcalculator.com/.

[PeWe]

I saw more info about CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89343.0
From Action Fours below

[tennesseebreeze]

Went with the 17/36 in the end. It's a little bump up from the stock amount. This was some helpful information. Thanks all.