Change sprockets for more low end torque?

[djg42]

My 1980 GS450 needs a new chain, and im thinking of changing the sprockets while im at it.
If I just go up in the rear sprocket, will there be a noticeable difference?
How many teeth can I go up? stock is 41.
Can I still use a stock chain?

Thanks!!
DG

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would go down 1 in the front. Just remember it will rev higher while cruising. YOU must replace the sprockets when you replace the chain, do it as a set..

 

[Steve]

My 1980 GS450 needs a new chain, and im thinking of changing the sprockets while im at it.
If I just go up in the rear sprocket, will there be a noticeable difference?
How many teeth can I go up? stock is 41.
Can I still use a stock chain?

Thanks!!
DG

Apparently someone has changed that, the parts fiche shows a 45 as standard.

A stock front sprocket is 16.

Changing back to a 45-tooth sprocket on the rear will raise your engine speed about 10%.
That should give you that extra low-end grunt you are looking for.

.

 

[djg42]

thanks, so if I go down 1 on he front sprocket, and get the stock size replacement for the rear, should I get a stock size chain(530)?

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

hell why does no one build a derailleur system for motorcycles.
A suicide shifter hooked to a derailleur.
now that would make yer 520 chain converts turn their heads.

anyone here a machinist?

Oh and if you are changing the front sprocket down one tooth you will have a bit more chain which will probably still fall withint eh range of adjustment for your bike.
there are some good guides out there on sprocket manu websites
for this sort of thing

 

[djg42]

Thanks!
Im trying to find info online but im having trouble,
What If I go down one in the front, and up one in the rear? Will the stock size chain fit that way?
Or Could I go 2 down in the front and 1 up in the rear?

Thanks for the help!!
DG

 

[Steve]

Since you should get new sprockets along with your new chain, just go stock all the way (16/45) and don't worry about adding one or dropping one.

Run that combination, then see if you want to modify from there. Since your current gearing is not stock, it will help to start from a known configuration.

.

 

[djg42]

thanks! I was thinking hat my stock rear was 41?

 

[Steve]

thanks! I was thinking hat my stock rear was 41?

That might be what's on there now, but I checked two different sources, they both had your stock rear sprocket as a 45.

.

 

[Guest]

450's are definitely 45 tooth rear standard... I just bought a brand newy for mine

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

HOLD UP! I see in your sig that you have a 1980 GS450. But we also need to know the model. Is it the E/S model or L model?

The E and S models both use 16 front and 45 rear. And a 530x104 chain.

The L uses a 16 front and 41 rear. And a 530x102 chain.

Let us know what model your GS450 is. We don't want you to buy the wrong sprockets

 

[djg42]

ooops,my fault-i have a 450L. Thanks!

 

[Steve]

Interestingly enough, the two sources I checked to verify the 45-tooth sprockets did not show a sprocket for the L. :-k

Even though the sig says "450", I checked for the L, just to be sure.

Now that you have seen how important it can be, please update your signature to say "450L".

.

 

[Guest]

Good call FC, I had no idea the L's had a different rear sprocket. Wonder if the same goes for the T's?

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Good call FC, I had no idea the L's had a different rear sprocket. Wonder if the same goes for the T's?

Yeah, I've been looking deep into the L's chain and sprockets because I need some new ones... Long overdue lol

A "T" is basically the same thing as an "L". The only difference I know of is the seat. My guess would be that the "T" and "L" use the same chain and sprockets.

 

[Guest]

Cool. I don't believe we ever got L's or T's over here, so to me they're rare beasties.

Mind you, I really would love to find a T seat pan still...

 

[djg42]

thanks everyone for the help! I ended up going 2 down in the fornt, and 2 up in the back-much faster now!

 

[Guest]

Do you find yourself changing gears more often with that setup? Just curious...

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

So this means quicker acceleration but less top speed?

 

[trackfiend]

I've been wondering about this for my 81 450E. Wondering what direction to go in if it's not trying to cruise highway speeds of 70-75? I don't want to hurt anything if I have to make an extended run down the highway.