Author Topic: 16t on my K5 and stretched the wheelbase a couple of inches...  (Read 1329 times)

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liaudio

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Well, I ordered a 15 and a 16 front sprocket for the bike to try out the two different configurations.  I was going to go straight to the 15, but since it would leave my chain a little short for the 16, I decided to try the 16 first.  I replaced the rear with the stock size of 48 and put on a new chain.

When I say "stretched the wheelbase" I mean I made sure that when I cut the chain it left the rear wheel as far back as possible.  All the other CB's i've own had the chain so the wheel would sit as far foward as possible.  Since I was doing this myself, I wanted to try the opposite.

Road test:

Pros:

Wow!  this bike is sooo much fun again!!!!  Acceleration has improved dramatically and at higher speeds the bike feels more stable.  Although I was tired and it was getting late last night, I wanted to keep riding it!  It pulls so much nicer out of corners and even in 5th gear at highway speeds it accelerates without trouble at all.

Cons:

At 65mph the engine is buzzing away at 5,000rpms.  The motor seems happy at that rpm and without looking, she seemed to settle into the 62mph range nicely.  I haven't really noticed any slower-speed stability issues due to the 2" longer wheelbase, but I will report again later tonight.

I am going to stick with this configuration for a while.  It is just too much fun!  I don't travel on the highways much, but when I do, it doesn't seem like it'll be a problem.

I'd recommend doing this for anyone who wants neck-snapping acceleration and doesn't mind losing a little top-end speed.  Perfect for the guys and gals who live in a metropolitan area.

Offline andy750

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Re: 16t on my K5 and stretched the wheelbase a couple of inches...
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2007, 05:26:38 AM »
Thanks for posting this liaudio and Im intrigued! I have a 17t/48 rear on my cafe K2 and acceleration is good (better than the 18t/48 on my K4) but since the cafe bike will be an around town bike then your route sounds good! keep us posted on more pros and cons.

cheers
Andy

Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline xtalon

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Re: 16t on my K5 and stretched the wheelbase a couple of inches...
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2007, 05:58:02 AM »
I personally thought 16/48 might be a tad too much on your year CB, but I'm glad to hear it is working out for you!  Keep us posted.   ;D

--xTalon
1976 Honda CB750K
2006 Yamaha R6v
2009 Ducati SportsClassic Bi-posto

liaudio

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Re: 16t on my K5 and stretched the wheelbase a couple of inches...
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2007, 06:33:38 PM »
I think the 15/48 would be too low.  For everyday running around, the 16/48  setup is perfect.