83 GS1100E chain and sprockets upgrade??

[Nessism]

So keep front sprocket stock? Also ill go to 530 chain since is lighter and again I don't race my bike.

No. 18T front and 46 or 47T rear. All in 530.

[wyly]

What goals would drive someone to want to smaller and less efficient front sprocket?

What's efficient for one rider isn't for another rider's requirements. Subtle tuning differences are possible with various combinations, not that important to me but for others it is.

One tooth on the front is equivalent of 3 on the back.

[wyly]

So keep front sprocket stock? Also ill go to 530 chain since is lighter and again I don't race my bike.

What Nessism said
I had the same issue. For myself going with 18/45 resulted in more useful gearing in the city and on cruising on the highway.

Lighter chain and sprockets matter they have an effect handling as things that spin don't like to turn.
Depending on the sprockets there will be a weight saving, in my situation it was 3lbs, 3lbs less spinning at high rpm. You may not notice but small details matter.

[P09luis]

Thank you guys now the hunt for parts. According to Z1enterprises.com tech If I got with 18t 50t I need a 530- 118link chain in which they don't have the front sprocket or chain. I'm sure I'm also going need a spacer in the front sprocket

[salty_monk]

50T would be the wrong way. If you want to make first gear higher per your post above then you want less teeth on the back not more....

[Guest]

What goals would drive someone to want to smaller and less efficient front sprocket?

One would be wanting larger gearing changes than can be accomplished with a tooth or two on the rear while not ending up with large changes in chain length. Most modern sport bikes (from early 2000's up) come with very tall gearing that is fine for sedate highway riding but is way too tall for optimal track use. For track use a common gearing change is -1F/+3R. This keeps the chain length pretty reasonable, doesn't alter the anti-squat effect too much and keeps the wheel in the middle of the adjustment range on the swingarm.


Mark