front sprocket sizes

Hey there, I was running 13 and 33 tooth sprockets, 630 o ring chain on my bike, and it seemed like it was running too many rpm, did a lil math and decided to get a 15 tooth front sprocket, problem is now though the chain clears the clutch rod, I'm unable to reinstall the chain guard between the sprocket and the clutch rod, I'm wondering(and I'm afraid I know the answer)if said guard is necessary? It seems odd that the manufacturers don't take such things into account when they offer these products, and I found it kind of disappointing, that at least the shop I deal with was unable to get much smaller rear sprockets.

Godfrey

your ratio is 13-33=2.54

yes

4500 rpm at 55mph seems excessive

1978 kz650 comes with a 16 front and 42 rear set-up ratio is then 2.63
this is from some info i have written down

did you try a sprocket web site yet and see if they have anything

here this might help

www.sidewindersprockets.com/kawasaki.html

Godfrey wrote: 4500 rpm at 55mph seems excessive

4500 rpm should equal 60 mph with stock gearing and stock size rear wheel & tire. Take a look in the front of your Kawasaki service manual and you will find the Running Performance Curves chart which gives a detailed graph for all gears/rpm/speed/torque. Ed

yeah the tire is a 130/90 16, not a stock 650 rim

I didn't see where you said which bike you were working with, is this a more or less stock bike or the one with the Lopey cams?
You don't want to gear so tall that it takes you out of your powerband. @ teeth on the front will be quite a change, like as much as 800 R's. maybe 1 tooth would be better, and then you could fine tune with the rear.

yes an 800 rpm drop was the plan, guess the motorcycle gods aren't gonna let me do that in spite of myself, lol, was hopin to find a 30 tooth rear sprocket but my supplier couldn't get one, that woulda brought it down to 4500 at 60mph

Which bike was it?

Sprockets And Drive Chains
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www.schnitzracing.com
www.jtsprockets.com
www.pmfronline.com/counter_shaft_sprockets.php
www.dgchassis.net/