Topic: more speed for 72 cb500

[basz500]

I'm looking to get a bit more top end speed out of my bike without running at really high revs.  Right now I'm running a 16" wheel on the back compared to the original 18",so I know that is costing me.  It looks like the largest front sproket that I can put on is an 18 tooth which is only 1 tooth larger.  If I am willing to split the cases, is there anything I can do to get my rev's down?

thanks

[jotor]

I'm looking to get a bit more top end speed out of my bike without running at really high revs.  Right now I'm running a 16" wheel on the back compared to the original 18",so I know that is costing me.  It looks like the largest front sproket that I can put on is an 18 tooth which is only 1 tooth larger.  If I am willing to split the cases, is there anything I can do to get my rev's down?

thanks

You might consider the 650 engine swap--cheap and effective.   

[TwoTired]

Can't you find rear sprockets smaller than what you now have on the bike?

[basz500]

I believe that the smallest rear sproket is a 34 tooth (which i'm running), and the largest front is an 18 (currently I have a 17).  As far as the 650 engine goes, I'm having a difficult time trying to find one local to Cleveland, Oh.  Plus I would hate to ruin a perfectly good 650 on a chopper project.  My 500 is basically a bunch of gathered parts, so no good hondas were hurt.

[TwoTired]

Sprocket Specialties lists a 33 tooth rear.

[Bodi]

There's nothing inside the engine that would help unless you feel like fitting different gears. You'd either have to have the gears made or scrounge through some wreckers junk bin to find a pair that would work. Finding a needle in a large haystack would be much easier!
Check a sprocket suppliers web page carefully. There's usually some clues in the model numbers about the similarities in chain gauge and mounting. They may only show some available for your bike because smaller would be impractical on a stocker, while the same mounting with fewer teeth might show up for a different bike. Honda used a few different centre hole sizes and stud circles/number of studs, but you might get lucky.
Otherwise call a sprocket company, they might make you whatever you want for a reasonable price.

[bryanj]

Difference in height between a 16 with fat tyre and 18 with normal tyre isnt really that much and the 500 has a problem pulling top properly as it is so up gearing may give you more trouble than its worth

[eldar]

Stick on a small rocket motor. Only good for short term but hey, you would go faster!