Over-, under- or perfect gearing?

I will admit that I enjoy instant arm-straightening acceleration in top gear at any speed. None of that down-shifting to find power, just twist the loud handle and GO! However, I also enjoy cruising at as few rpm as possible, both because it's more relaxing and because it's more econimical on fuel and wear.

I'm not interested in top speed, and as such I should run my bikes undergeared for maximum performance. But in everyday use, I find that it's better to change down a gear or two for passing power than to run with the engine screaming away while cruising. So I generally gear up when it's time to fit new chain and sprockets.

What about you?

I like big motors.
That way you dont have to downshift most of the time,just roll on the throttle and hang on! :woohoo:

wireman wrote: I like big motors.
That way you dont have to downshift most of the time,just roll on the throttle and hang on! :woohoo:

Yes, big engine torque is nice The biggest problem is not getting into trouble because it's so intoxicating to twist the throttle. A nice compromise would be something like the early 4-speed Vulcan 1500 engine fitted into a standard chassis. That bike, along with the early Intruder 1400, offered top gear acceleration on par with the V-max 1200 and in a lighter bike would kill the same Mr. Max. But they would not be fast in that acceleration really starts to drop past 80-90 mph.

When I bought my last sprockets for my kz650, I stayed with the stock gearing 16/42 after thinking long about switching.
I find the stock gearing works well for me.
Most of my riding is country roads at 80+ KPH.
I do little highway riding, but even when I do I find the 650 has enough power for me.
I've only had her up to 160 kph, and have not had her full out in 5th.
160 is plenty fast for me.
50 over the limit here is an automatic licence suspension, and fines.

I do admit to sometimes trying for that non existant 6th gear though.

:laugh:

im a 14 - 35 guy.....its about 2.50 final drive. 630 chain

Stock sprockets, plenty of power for me and 45.1 mpg to boot

When my 750 needed sprockets and chain, I did the 530 conversion and went the equivalent (thanks Z1) of 1 up in front, and 2 down in the rear. I was going for a comfortable cruise over a stop light drag launch. I sometimes think it's a little too tall. I've since bought a -1 front sprocket, but haven't installed it yet.