Topic: Anybody running a CB550 with 16t front 37t rear sprockets?

[Klark Kent]

I dont want to start another what does gear ratio do thread, but after reading this article from the sprocket FAQ i wanted some testimonial type feedback on lowering the front sprocket one tooth on a cb550.  is the increase in chain velocity at the front sprocket something to worry about? what will my rpms be at 75mph?  any sprocket advice for this particular bike will be appreciated but i am particularly interested in lowering the front by one or raising the rear by a few.
thanks
-KK

[scondon]

Sorry, no testimonial. Z1 Enterprises has a page that shows how to calculate rpm's before changing sprockets:

http://www.z1enterprises.com/reference/chainsprockets.aspx

[puppytrax]

I think I see what you're trying to do...

HondaMan in his Thoughts advises to go 4 teeth up on the rear sprocket or one less on the front sprocket, but I have yet to find a supplier of 41 tooth steel rear sprockets...

...and a 16 tooth front sprocket forces the sprocket to turn a tighter diameter circle (increased wear), plus drag on the swingarm during bumps...not good...   

I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has a distributor of 41 tooth steel rear sprockets for the 500/550...JT doesn't...PartsUnlimited doesn't...SunStar doesn't...

Who's left??   

[caferacer550]

I'm running a 41t on the rear of my 78 550k.
17t on the front.
Quick around town, but screams on the highway.
I find the gearing too high for general use.
I got it from Sprocket Specialties.
I think they are listed in the FAQ section.

Will probably go for a 39t in the future.
Or look for the mythical 6th gear modification.
Has anyone heard of this? A 6th gear for a 550?

[paulages]

not sure, but i came to my shop yesterday and brad (southbound) had left this on my workbench. do you think it will make my bike go faster?

[puppytrax]

I'm running a 41t on the rear of my 78 550k.
I got it from Sprocket Specialties.
I think they are listed in the FAQ section.

Sprocket Specialists http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/ only list a 34 tooth for either 500 or 550 in steel; don't try sprocketspecialties.com as it is a "placeholder" URL; and the link in the FAQ is dead (but the base sprocketspecialists.com is good)...   

[paulages]

i was able to get a 37 tooth from them. they have almost every possible combination of front and rear, actually, but the price jumps to about $65 once you leave stock (or the common 34 T). i wanted a 40, but at the time was running low on funds.

[cafe75-550]

I'm running a 39 tooth rear on my CB550, ordered it from Z1. I'm running a 650 rear hub though. It's great for around town, but it definitely makes the freeway a little more interesting...I wouldn't want to go any bigger for general purpose riding unless I knew it would never see the freeway...

[paulages]

bryan--

do you that brad's homemade 16 T in the picture will work? 

[cafe75-550]

bryan--

do you that brad's homemade 16 T in the picture will work? 

That sucker should add at least 10 horses at the wheel!! 

[paulages]

i put it on my bike, and i'm hearing a strange noise coming from my engine. and it seems like it losing power. i'm so confused...shoudn't this be adding pep? and i've gone through 3 chains.  i think i might ask brad for my money back...

[Kevin400F]

Paul, you should probably go back to a 17T front.  Here's a special "lightened" version:

[puppytrax]

This one from the link above has to be the best..."Yes, I'd like a new one, please...same number of teeth"...   

[paulages]

who's holding that chain?!?? and why is he doing it in his underwear? 

[Klark Kent]

This is one of those photos they use to route homosexuals out of the military.  if you see bike parts you pass, and its off to the front lines, but if you see package they promptly discharge you.
-KK

[paulages]

maybe, i wouldn't make the military cut (good thing, since i don't have flat feet and wouldn't fire a gun for bush to save my life), but that package is hard to miss! actually, it took me a minute to notice, but then i couldn't stop laughing.

[southbound]

Sorry dude, no refunds.  the product was "experimental", therefore i'm not liable...  I think the mistake was not grinding off a tooth on the other side as well.  that should balance it, right?   

Next project- "on the go" chain replacer/ feeder.