07-21-2016, 10:12 PM
I'm new here, having just bought my bike last Saturday..but changing gearing for better acceleration is very common on almost every motorcycle I have ever owned or known. Doesn't matter, dirtbike, streetbike, etc. I've even owned certain cars that changing the final drive was popular.
On a bike many people opt to go with one less tooth on the front sprocket, as that is easy and cheap to do. Be aware that making the chain turn around in a tighter space can cause it to wear faster. I prefer to put on a larger rear sprocket, but they do cost more, more work to replace, and many times will require a longer chain. The rear allows great fine tuning of the gearing though, as 1 tooth on the front will have a bigger jump in ration than 1 tooth on the rear.
So, I've only ridden my CB for about 100 miles so far, but I agree with your assessment- a little more aggressive gearing would probably be beneficial. Revs are plenty low enough in 6th, even on the highway.
Even though it will perk up the bike a bit, it won't change it's overall attitude. What it really needs is more aggressive cams. I haven't looked at the specs yet, some bikes like more duration, some more lift, some both. I've done cams on numerous bikes and cars and that is where the main change in power and 'wake up' comes from. Of course they are not as popular as exhausts or intakes on just about any vehicle because of cost & work involved.
On a bike many people opt to go with one less tooth on the front sprocket, as that is easy and cheap to do. Be aware that making the chain turn around in a tighter space can cause it to wear faster. I prefer to put on a larger rear sprocket, but they do cost more, more work to replace, and many times will require a longer chain. The rear allows great fine tuning of the gearing though, as 1 tooth on the front will have a bigger jump in ration than 1 tooth on the rear.
So, I've only ridden my CB for about 100 miles so far, but I agree with your assessment- a little more aggressive gearing would probably be beneficial. Revs are plenty low enough in 6th, even on the highway.
Even though it will perk up the bike a bit, it won't change it's overall attitude. What it really needs is more aggressive cams. I haven't looked at the specs yet, some bikes like more duration, some more lift, some both. I've done cams on numerous bikes and cars and that is where the main change in power and 'wake up' comes from. Of course they are not as popular as exhausts or intakes on just about any vehicle because of cost & work involved.