19 tooth front sprocket

[Nellywelly]

Hi all.
I don't know if it is of interest to anyone.
I've found a company that stock 19 tooth front sprocket for our 14's. I've been running one for 2 years now, no problems! 9000 miles. (It also puts the speedo reading spot on.)
They are German based company.
https://www.kettenmax.de/kettenritzel-13-bis-19-zaehne-530-908.html?number=w1104-35021-28400-jtf513-x19&c=3719

[VladTepes]

I'm bad at maths - this lowers or increases the gearing? Some more acceleration, or lower revs at top end ?

[Snapey]

Lower revs at top end. Perfect gearing as far as I'm concerned. I've done well over 100,000km with either 19/41 or 18/38 and would never go back to stock.

[SheepDog]

Lower revs at top end. Perfect gearing as far as I'm concerned. I've done well over 100,000km with either 19/41 or 18/38 and would never go back to stock.

When the time comes for new sprockets and chain, I think I'm going to try this. Properly 19/41.     I generally just chug along.
Doesn't hurt to experiment. 

[VladTepes]

Lower revs at top end. Perfect gearing as far as I'm concerned. I've done well over 100,000km with either 19/41 or 18/38 and would never go back to stock.

Perhaps you, or someone, would be kind enough to write a brief article / few paragraphs explaining gearing and the effects of changing Front sprockets , rear sprockets etc in overall gearing / what it means in the real world.

eg standard (whatever that is, perhaps 18/41? Not sure) so where does 9/41 and 18/38 sit on the spectrum.


Q for all - Who prefers lower gearing? Higher gearing ?

[Mick_J]

Good find Nellywelly, I've been looking for one of them for a while now, I will get one when my chainset needs replacing. 

In theory the gsx 1400 will do 85mph @ 4000rpm on standard sprockets (41/18).  Going up to a 19 front sprocket (41/19) will give an increase in top speed to 89.7 at the same revs and going to 38 rear sprocket (38/18) will give a speed of 91.7 at the same revs.  However the smaller rear will probably need a shorter chain so if you don't like it, it will be difficult to go back.  both these changes will most likely give you a more accurate speedo reading.  Changing both sprockets to 38/19 will give you a theoretical speed of 96.8mph @ 4000 rpm and you might get away with the standard chain but I think it will be at the extreme end of adjustment (my thoughts only).  If the bike will pull some of these ratios the speed at max power (6800rpm) would be:-
41/18  =  144.6mph
38/18  =  156.0mph
41/19  =  152.7mph
38/19  =  164.7mph

[KiwiCol]

18/41 is standard sprocket setup.   

I have the black with std sprockets & the blue with 17/41 (lower gearing)  Which do I prefer?  can't make up my mind TBH.  I don't (as a rule) go as far as possible in the rev range through the gears or when touring, I do however like a quick acceleration & the blue with the 17 front has that over the black for sure. Touring or cruising, yes I'd be running more revs on the blue than the black, does it matter? or make much difference? Not that I've noticed really. Fuel consumption is about the same or slightly better on the blue - figure that? 

[KiwiCol]

I had also been thinking of a 19 front, but reckon going from a 17 to a 19, the bike would feel 'dead' till I got used to it.  Might just get one though and it's there if ever I want to play around with it.

I forgot to add this link - great to see what a change will do without doing it for real.

https://www.gearingcommander.com/

[Andre]

I am happy with the standard except for 1st gear where I would like a bit higher ratio.

[grog]

If my el cheapo EK ever wears out ill replace full kit with 19 front. EK chain and JT sprockets my choice. Not sure ill like higher gearing but think i will. Have used many other chain brands , EK just seems to work best. http://www.ekchain.jp/product/#

[Snapey]

I should set you straight on the 38T rear sprocket. I doubt very much you'll get one to fit a 14 unless you do what I had to do.

How many of you look for that 7th gear? I used to do it constantly so I decided some taller gearing was required. At the time I searched for a 19T front sprocket but there was nothing available so I bought a couple of blank 38T and machined them. A blank sprocket for those who don't know is just a disc with the teeth of course and a small centre hole for hobbing. They have to be drilled and bored out to suit the sprocket carrier.

A bloody lot of work and unnecessary if a 19T is available. BTW, I still look for that illusive 7th gear but not very often now.

[gsxbarmy]

Useful knowledge, so I've moved to Chains and Sprockets and stickied it so its easier to find in future

[Nellywelly]

I run with 19/41 it works with standard chain length. I also have a 190/55 rear tyre. (I just like the way it rides with 55 profile.)
I find in full touring setup (top box, panniers, tank bag and 2 up) it still pulls like a train.
Cruising is much nicer too. Not looking for that non existent extra gear. And it still pulls well in top gear. I have a T,R,E, fitted to. That makes a difference to through the lower gears.

[SheepDog]

Nellywelly, great feed back mate. Just what I like to hear regarding options others have tried. 

Only difference is my tyre is 180/55. And I do enjoy the open road for a ride in the country (getting through the traffic in the city to get there is the challenge some days).

[grog]

I tried the German site to order, just not working. What am i doing wrong? I dont understand German, translator not helping. Anyone else bought a 19t front.