sprockets verses spedo gearing

A friend and I got into a discussion about swapping sprockets, the question came up as to how this would affect the spedo reading. I for one have no answer, can someone enlighten me?? Thanks in advance John

It shouldn't affect it at all on a bike. My speedometer cable is routed to the front wheel. No matter what sprockets (or gearing) you have it won't effect your speedometer reading.

This is different than on a car or truck where the speedometer cable is routed to the rear of the transmission. In this case any change made to the vehicle's drivetrain between the speedometer sending unit and the rear wheels (including a change in tire size) would definately change the speedometer reading.

Hope this answers your question!

<edited after this point>

Come to think of it, I wish the auto makers would hook their speedometers up to the front wheels (or rear wheels of front wheel drive cars). Then I could easily swap out the rear differential gears with no change to my speedometer. Might have to see if I can rig something up. :blink:

Post edited by: Bud1, at: 2005/10/10 22:32

Thanks for the quick reply, Man I feel stupid now (how come I didn't think of that one "FRONT WHEEL". Thanks Again John

No need to feel stupid. When I started to reply to your post I first started to go into the whole gear ratio and tire size thing just like a car. Then all of a sudden I remembered the speedo cable I just ordered for my bike hooks up to the front wheel! So I guess we can both feel stupid!:blink: :woohoo:

No effect unless you're talking about an old BSA. The gearing you're speaking about is on the rear while every Kawasaki I've known has a front wheel driven speedometer.
KZCSI

I ride a 1978 Police 1000 C1A, The guy I was talking with rides a 97 GXSR 750 with a 99 motor shoved in it. He's still learning about his bike, mine I got to know kinda well over the summer. Thanks to this list and the folks who spend time here verses riding there bikes, mine runs rather well. for a stock old cop bike.