Sprockets And Gearing

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by TonyG, May 25, 2020.

  1. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

    Dec 1, 2016
    817
    443
    Bucks
    When the chain and sprockets need replacing on my 2013 Bonnie SE I'm thinking of raising the gearing a bit. It could do with a little more low down oomph and is already very smooth at 80 mph so not too worried about losing any cruising speed. Has anyone done this, do I need a different chain length, will it make any difference?

    Thanks
     
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  2. SprinterII

    SprinterII Noble Member

    Mar 27, 2020
    642
    443
    Scotland
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  3. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
    563
    243
    Somerset
    One tooth less on the front will make a difference in low down acceleration and the standard chain length will be fine.
     
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  4. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

    Nov 6, 2014
    7,225
    1,000
    Uk
    #4 crispey, May 25, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2020
    This site will answer all your questions
    Edit* on sprockets and gearing, before any smart ass comments
     
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  5. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

    Dec 1, 2016
    817
    443
    Bucks
    Thanks, I'm having a feeling of deja vu seing those charts, sorry, might have already asked this before.
    I think you are right, I want to lower the gearing, not radically, so could try one tooth off the front?

    Cheers
     
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  6. Peter Zerphy

    Peter Zerphy New Member

    May 2, 2020
    1
    3
    Greenwood, DE
    You might want to add 3 or 4 teeth to the rear. It will move your rear wheel forward and shorten the wheel base slightly which will give you better handling. At the same time it will probably put you in the center forward of you chain adjuster and give you the extra low end grunt your looking for.
     
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  7. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

    Dec 1, 2016
    817
    443
    Bucks
    Cheers, I might change the rear. Mind you, I went for a ride today and it felt fine on the standard gearing. I think if you just ride it in the sweet spot and not try and treat it like a sports bike it is probably fine as standard.
     
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  8. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,309
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    slough / burnham
    TonyG
    Your question was answered by SamsGrandad. Lose a tooth. Even lose one front gain one rear will alter it slightly. But remember it will also alter the speedo reading.
    Regards
    Joe.
     
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  9. bernard j czech

    Jan 17, 2020
    70
    18
    coal township Pa
    going to a lighter quality X ring 520 chain is a good move if your changing everything. on my 18 T120 i went from stock 17-37 to a 17-41 without issue, stock 100 link works. one tooth on the counter is OK but several teeth on the rear is better. i am enjoying less shifting for small inclines as well + better passing power with less if any downshifting
     
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  10. Georgez

    Georgez Senior Member

    Nov 2, 2019
    390
    163
    Pacific North West
    Need some info on changing the front sprocket on the '18 Bonneville.
    Got the cover and brake stuff off OK, but the nut holding the sprocket was more than my tool box has in it, so far. It appears to be 75MM {almost 3"}. Sockets, tools in that realm are 1" drive. If you have changed that sprocket what tools did you have/use? Any insight would be great. Thanx
     
  11. bernard j czech

    Jan 17, 2020
    70
    18
    coal township Pa
    big but not 75MM!! did mine but forget the size BUT more general searching should get results. save the lockwasher + a bigger impact gun makes it easier. although the front is prolly easier + a bit cheaper a bigger rear stresses the chain less + if you have about 20 on it may as well do a kit- chain + both sprockets. i used a lighter 520 chain "kit" from sprocket center + an EK chain + their screw master link, no chain press- breaker needed!! i used 17-41 combo on my 18 T120 with stocl length 100 link chain that centered the axle allowing more adjustment later.
     
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