Has anyone changed the gearing?

[Bbref36_imp]

Has anyone change the front or rear sprockets to a taller gear to get the RPM's down? Was on the interstate yesterday and was running 4500-5000 RPM the whole time (in South Dakota 80-83 on the interstate won't get you a second look from the HP).

It seems to me the CB could pull a taller gear and maybe get a little better mileage........thoughts?

[dailyrider_imp]

Has anyone change the front or rear sprockets to a taller gear to get the RPM's down? Was on the interstate yesterday and was running 4500-5000 RPM the whole time (in South Dakota 80-83 on the interstate won't get you a second look from the HP).

It seems to me the CB could pull a taller gear and maybe get a little better mileage........thoughts?

I thought about it because I commute every day. But I really love how this bike responds to the throttle at speed. I don't have to down shift, just open it up and I am past whoever was in my way and it it so incredibly quick and smooth doing it. If I run at 80 mph I get around 45 mpg.

[Bbref36_imp]

Has anyone change the front or rear sprockets to a taller gear to get the RPM's down? Was on the interstate yesterday and was running 4500-5000 RPM the whole time (in South Dakota 80-83 on the interstate won't get you a second look from the HP).

It seems to me the CB could pull a taller gear and maybe get a little better mileage........thoughts?

I thought about it because I commute every day. But I really love how this bike responds to the throttle at speed. I don't have to down shift, just open it up and I am past whoever was in my way and it it so incredibly quick and smooth doing it. If I run at 80 mph I get around 45 mpg.

I agree with the ability to pull, just seems to rev more than seems necessary??

[Mike Bee_imp]

Has anyone change the front or rear sprockets to a taller gear to get the RPM's down? Was on the interstate yesterday and was running 4500-5000 RPM the whole time (in South Dakota 80-83 on the interstate won't get you a second look from the HP).

It seems to me the CB could pull a taller gear and maybe get a little better mileage........thoughts?

I thought about it because I commute every day. But I really love how this bike responds to the throttle at speed. I don't have to down shift, just open it up and I am past whoever was in my way and it it so incredibly quick and smooth doing it. If I run at 80 mph I get around 45 mpg.

I agree with the ability to pull, just seems to rev more than seems necessary??

I agree with the ability to pull, just seems to rev more than seems necessary??
Yes, I plan to change the front sprocket. The bike has plenty of reserve power on tap to pull a taller gear. If on occasion I need to drop a gear to make a quicker pass (or quick grin) that's what tranny's are for.

[Jim21680_imp]

I would probably do the same if I rode more highway; the bike can definitely handle it. Also, I think it would be unanimously agreed that the front sprocket is the one to make the change.

[Buffalohead_imp]

I have a Suzuki TU250X. Most of the guys on the TU forum change their front sprocket for taller gearing. I haven't done it because I need the low gearing because of my sidecar.

I only mention this to say that they change from a 15 tooth sprocket to a 16 tooth. They say it's amazing how much difference the one extra tooth makes. So, be careful to not buy too big of a sprocket. I guess a little goes a long way. FWIW

[the Ferret]

In my experience a tooth on the counter sprocket is worth about 400 rpms. Ie: if you are running a given speed at 5000, going up 1 tooth on the counter will net 4600 at the same speed. Conversely it will make it slightly harder to take off, and might require a downshift for going up hill or passing.

[Buffalohead_imp]

Front sprockets don't cost much. The TU's are only about $12. I would increase by one tooth at a time. I'll bet one will be enough. Certainly two will. But, I don't know how many the CB has originally. It's a percentage thing.

[Bbref36_imp]

Thanks for the great feedback, not sure what I might do but will update if I do something.

[rboe]

Keep us posted. This might be a great idea when on a road trip. Go back to stock for in town riding.