48 tooth rear sprocket?

[Smick6]

Right now I have a 48 tooth rear on it. I don't remember what the front is and the cover is on it now. I will pull off the cover later.
The guy I bought it from says he changed it to get better launches and for pulling wheelies. I use the bike for some spirited commuting to and from work. Speeds are normally in the 25mph to 65mpg range.
The thing I hate is the constant shifting.
I have read that stock gearing is just fine for and probably more suitable for what I need.
I have also seen guys seem to like 16/45.
Is there really much of a difference bumping up 1 tooth in the rear?

[harpo]

My 2nd Hawk came with reduced ratio, i think it came with a 48T with maybe a 15T. First gear was like instant shift. So I changed back to stock, way better for normal street riding IMHO.

[Talon]

I notice a difference with as little as one tooth more or less on the rear. A 48t rear is pretty extreme for the street, even assuming the bike has a 16t front. On the street, for the places I ride, 16/46 is the best, but gearing is very subjective.

Check how many links the chain has. If you're dropping 3 or 4 teeth you may need a different length chain.

[Smick6]

I notice a difference with as little as one tooth more or less on the rear. A 48t rear is pretty extreme for the street, even assuming the bike has a 16t front. On the street, for the places I ride, 16/46 is the best, but gearing is very subjective.

Check how many links the chain has. If you're dropping 3 or 4 teeth you may need a different length chain.

I am leaning toward stock or 1 rear tooth up.
I will be replacing the chain also.

[Smick6]

Just checked the front. Its a 15 tooth.
Is 15 front and 48 rear a ridiculous combo?
I don't recall seeing anybody using it.
Will I really miss this combo if I go to the standard?

[Talon]

Just checked the front. Its a 15 tooth.

Holy crap! A 3.2:1 ratio. The previous owner was desperate to make it a wheelie machine. You may have already done this, but a check of the steering head bearings is a good idea. If someone ran that gearing I suspect the bike may have had some rough landings on the front end.

[Smick6]

Holy crap! A 3.2:1 ratio. The previous owner was desperate to make it a wheelie machine. You may have already done this, but a check of the steering head bearings is a good idea. If someone ran that gearing I suspect the bike may have had some rough landings on the front end.

Good point. I should probably do that. Time to bust out the service manual. Is it a difficult process to change them out? Not asking for a full explanation, I will research it.

[Talon]

Good point. I should probably do that. Time to bust out the service manual. Is it a difficult process to change them out? Not asking for a full explanation, I will research it.

The hardest part is getting the bearings off the steering stem. That can be tricky.

[Smick6]

Ok guys I need some input. Hord has some 520 aluminum rears available and Pro-tec has the fronts in a few sizes. I could probably copy what I have if Hord can get a 48 rear. This is the only bike I have had so I have nothing to compare it too. Or I can do something a bit more conservative.
Sprocket center has a steel combo available with a 15 front and 44 rear. Do you guy think seat of the pants feel of the 15/44 would make me think it really slow?

[Smick6]

Forgot to mention I am running a Fox twin clicker and a chain roller. I have seen people say you need a roller when you run the Fox TC.

[69Falcon]

My advice would be 16/46. Yes, it will feel a little slower than what you have now, but it will help keep the front wheel down, still be sportier than stock (16/44), a nd help on gas mileage.

[bk94si]

Forgot to mention I am running a Fox twin clicker and a chain roller. I have seen people say you need a roller when you run the Fox TC.

Somewhat true. You need the roller if you are running higher than stock. I run mine at stock height so I don't really need the roller even though I have one.

[6]

J.
Is 15 front and 48 rear a ridiculous combo?

Yip. Haha

Sounds like it may be fun in the right setting though.

You would probably be happier going back to the stock gear ratio.

What are you seeing for top speed on that setup?

[Smick6]

Highest Gps speed I took it to was 95mph but it felt like it had more. I am kinda feeling if I really want more acceleration I need a second bike.

[Smick6]

Yip. Haha

Sounds like it may be fun in the right setting though.

You would probably be happier going back to the stock gear ratio.

What are you seeing for top speed on that setup?

So glad I took your advice. I almost stayed with the ridiculous combo just because I was used to it. Stock is so much better for normal commuting. Thanks for the input guys.
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