More novice help... sprockets | Yamaha SR500 Forum

hopwheels
Senior Member

The beast lives

Posts: 568

More novice help... sprockets Dec 8, 2005 17:48:51 GMT -5

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Post by hopwheels on Dec 8, 2005 17:48:51 GMT -5

Hello everyone:
Thinking of running 17 tooth counter and 40 tooth rear sprockets (530 chain). Found this combo from a Rod Tingate article I found online (probably referenced here). Freeway speeds, lower revs, I think was the point. However, also thought of running a 13 front and 34 rear (quicker initially, but higher revs at freeway speeds?) and was wondering the positives and negatives of each set up. Really a quick, simple primer on sprockets and their resultant effect would be much appreciated. Seems those in the know, already know. I can't find anything definitive other than the Tingate article (which I believe was to achieve a specific end result, e.g., lower revs at highway speeds). I think I'm looking for the "all purpose blend" if there is such a thing. The 17/40 is my best attempt at gettin' there.

Also, anyone want to chime in on 520 chain/sprocket conversion (I know you run 525 Stew, is this on 530 sprockets?) and the net effect just for kicks?

THANKS!!

Gary
Hopwheels

Current Lineup[br]Bikeless and hatin' it!

jimc
New Member

Posts: 22

More novice help... sprockets Dec 10, 2005 15:44:12 GMT -5

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Post by jimc on Dec 10, 2005 15:44:12 GMT -5

Hi Hopwheels,
Running a 520 chain and sprockets is a good way to go if you have to buy new anyway. The main benefit is less weight for your motor to accelerate (the 520 is smaller than 530). A lot of racers of all bikes switch from 530 to 520 for that reason. The down side is the chain will wear faster but a stock SR shouldn't stress it at all (just keep it cleaned, lubed and adjusted). I think XT and TT's run 520 chains.
As far as gearing goes, try what you have (stock gearing or close) and see how you like it. On a stockish bike I would want to shorten the gearing a little for quicker acceleration (and maybe a wheelie or two). You'll have to see how it feels at freeway speeds, though. It may put into too high an RPM where you like to cruise. It's all about trade offs. My bike will be all about quick acceleration and light weight so I like short gearing (on a built SR you can pull taller gearing and still get good wheelies in second gear). I don't plan to freeway cruise on it too much, that's a recipe for pain on a pumped SR with clip-ons and rear sets.

StewRoss
Senior Member

Posts: 2,334

More novice help... sprockets Dec 10, 2005 21:54:54 GMT -5

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Post by StewRoss on Dec 10, 2005 21:54:54 GMT -5

Hi Gary,

I agree with Jim. Use a 520 chain and sprockets. I ysed a 525 because I was given a new chain that I doing nothing in particular with. I machined 530 sprockets down in width to suit the 525.

As for gearing I'd initially try say 17/44 and see how it feels. This is a usual mofification on an SR and it should pull it OK.

If you change the pipe, piston and carb etc. then you can be more adventurous and the 17/40 should be OK. You may still have an onergear situation in top...suck it and see. If you fit a fairing etc. as I have with the black cafe racer you can gear it higher, but top will suffer. The black SR does 185kmh, but it won't fully rev out in top. Feels weird when you ride it because it sounds like it's not revving high enough. I could afford to gear it back a little and it might go quicker....nah, too many other things to do...

I'd steer clear of a 13 front. The small sprockets wear the chains quickly. Sharp radius turns are not good for chains...

MX'ers run such sprockets, but then again a chain doesn't last long on them anyway.

Hope this info assists...

SR

...'Any unnecessary items on the bike, that it doesn't really need, shouldn't be there!'. (Café racers creed). SR...

hopwheels
Senior Member

The beast lives

Posts: 568

More novice help... sprockets Dec 10, 2005 23:37:50 GMT -5

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Post by hopwheels on Dec 10, 2005 23:37:50 GMT -5

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. Great information. Unfortunately, already had the 530 / 17 counter sprocket installed, so a 520 conversion might have to be down the road. I was eye-balling some eBay auctions for the 13/34 and lost them anyway (guess I'm glad I did!). Was mainly curious about gearing overall. What to run when, so to speak.

I've definitely changed a bunch on the bike. 540 JE piston kit, Web-Cam cam and valve springs, 38mm Mikuni, and a Supertrapp, and will be running a 1/4 fairing (Omar's cafe fairing). I think I'll go for the 40 rear and see what happens. Can always put the stock 44 back on.

Thanks again gents.

Gary
Hopwheels

Current Lineup[br]Bikeless and hatin' it!