Topic: 550 guys what sprockets are you running 37-17 ?

[cardrell]

i have stock gear ratio on my 76 cb550. and it seams to be topped out around 65mph. does anyone run a bigger front like 18.
or smaller rear like a 36 0r 35.if so what is the 5 gear cruising speed high way/freeway

[csendker]

Bone stock 17F/37R.  And I'm not sure where I top out, but it's WAY above 65 mph.  I cruise at highway speeds in 5th, but as my tach is wrong, I don't know the RPM (it indicates about 3,000 RPM at ~60 MPH, so unless my top speed is somewhere in the vicinity of 180 MPH, I'm guessing it's way off).  I'm looking into a new set of sprockets and a new chain, and I'm thinking of an 18T up front.  I'm into better milage at the expense of acceleration, because I drive like my Gramps used to anyway.  If you're pulling the 9,500 or so top RPM and only doing 65 MPH with OEM spec sprockets, something does not seem to be right.

[TwoTired]

i have stock gear ratio on my 76 cb550. and it seams to be topped out around 65mph.

What?!
The stock bike will do 98mph in top gear, no wind.   And, cruise over 80 all day long, with a passenger.  What's been done to the bike that changes it from stock?  Perhaps you should take off the side car and trailer?  Or, get the other two cylinders firing!?!
Seriously, it will do 65 on only two working cylinders... if you are patient.  I've done it!

Cheers,

[Chris Liston]

When you say topped out do you mean thats it, nothing more?  My 550 will cruise around 80 all day long and easily touch 100 if I want too.  I do find that THE BIKE wants to be around 65mph on the highway though.  I can be up around 80 and a few minutes later I'll look down and its 65.  Strangest thing.  I don't worry about too much as 65 is her sweet spot but she does crank when I want it too.  Stock gearing too..

[cardrell]

IM GOING ON A TRIP.MOSTLY FREEWAY SPEEDS.I RODE THE BIKE AT 65MPH IT SEEMED TO REV UP A LITTLE 5,500 OR SO IS THIS NORMAL.IM THINKING ON RUNNING A 18 IN FRONT IT SHOULD HELP FOR MY TRIP

[TwoTired]

THE ENGINE HAS A 10500 RPM REDLINE. ANYTHING BELOW THAT IS USEABLE. 5500 RPM IS NOTHING FOR THIS BIKE. IF YOU HAVE AFTERMARKET EXHAUST, THAT ENGINE RPM CAN BE QUITE ANNOYING TO YOU.  BUT, THE BIKE IS HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU WANT A LOWER ENGINE RPM PERHAPS A DIFFERENT BIKE IS MORE SUITED TO YOU.  THE 550 ENGINE IS NOT A TORQUEY ENGINE, SO LOW RPMS DON'T NET MUCH POWER.  YOU NEED THE RPM TO MAKE HORSEPOWER.  DOWNSHIFT A COUPLE OF GEARS FOR PASSING AND IT WILL SCOOT.

CHEERS,

[csendker]

10,500 red line?  I thought it was 9,500?  Or is the '76 different from the '75...which would be handy to know while my never-ending search for a good tach continues.

[TwoTired]

You're right. The red range starts at 9500 and ends at 10500.  ( I wonder why it ends there?  Is 11000 okay? )

Been ridin' my 700SC lately. It's got the 10,500 redline start of red band.

If you can avoid getting old, do so.

Cheers,