Hello, I'm new here, and I would like to know if any one has change either the front or rear sprocket for better highway cruising, semse the bike was made when speed limits wher 55mph. I know the bike will do 65mph no problem but o'm looking for better fuel economy seeing I comute 120 miles plus a day. Dose any one know what sprockets will fit from other bikes to help me achieve this?
Thanks ahead of time for your input.

AngloBiker wrote:

Hello, AngloBiker, and WELCOME to KZr!

If a replacement countershaft sprocket with one more tooth is available, could install it and test run.

Acceleration will suffer, but cruising rpm might feel more relaxed.

Am doubtful about any significant difference in fuel consumption.

Would bear in mind that these engines were designed and meant to spin happily at rpm's below redline.

Better fuel economy might be better achieved by careful attention to engine maintenance (spark plugs; valve clearances; ignition timing; clutch push rod adjustment; etc.) and carb tuning (clean air filters; fuel level; etc.) and chassis maintenance (tire pressure; no brake drag; chain lubed and kink-free; wheel bearings; etc.)

Good Fortune!

I doubt it will inrease mileage much if any (did not on my 750 twin). It will cruise smoother.

AngloBiker, I put a 16 tooth (+1) front sprocket on a 81 440 and it dropped about 400 RPM at 65 MPH.
I got the front sproket from Z1Enterprizes P/N SS515-16 (about $17.00).

Good luck, And Welcome
Jim

Use www.gearingcommander.com when changing the engine or rear wheel sprockets.

AngloBiker wrote:
Not often considered, but a good fairing which reduces drag will significantly increase highway mileage. Not a vertical windshield which acts like an air brake but something that punches a hole in the air for the bike. It also will improve your comfort.

This works fairly well, about 60+ MPG highway



Good luck,
Jim

I recognize the backside of a KZ750 twin over there to the right with stock exhaust...... takes me back to when mine was new.

Thank you everyone for your input. Think I will get a windscreen to add for comfort and I will also check the valves and make sure carbs are tuned and working well before I change the front sprocket

nice looking bike. what kind of saddlebags are those, and were the rear turn signals moved? thanks.

hypnohio, the bags are Willie & Max Compact Braided Slant Saddlebags, Dennis Kirk P/N 50-5933.
Yes the turn signals were moved to the rear light bracket

Rear signals relocated to simple bracket fitted between tag and mount.

For easy fitment of soft bags.
Also handy for bungee cord hooks.





Good Fortune!

thanks for the pics and info , guys

http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=KZ440-A1-1980-MP0

AngloBiker,

I got new sprockets for my 440LTD from z1enterprises. The link above will take you to the page for the 1980 KZ440LTD-A1 parts where you can buy sprockets. Stock are 15 tooth front and 45 tooth rear. they sell those and a 16 tooth front and 41 or 33 tooth rear. gearingcommander.com will give you an idea of how your speed to rpm ratio will change to meet your application, but keep in mind that by changing the rear sprocket you may have to shorten the chain. I bought the 33T and it is much smaller than the stock 45T. I'll let you know on the gas mileage change once I switch them out.