Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 600 thru 1200 - AIR/OIL COOLED TECHNICAL => Topic started by: scooter trash on August 14, 2006, 10:04:06 AM

Title: Long Distance Rider
Post by: scooter trash on August 14, 2006, 10:04:06 AM

For those of us not interested so much about track days and low end torque but like to hit the open road for several hundred miles, this is for you.

I changed chain and sprockets last week. Went with a RK Takasago gold chain and JT sprockets. Went up one tooth in the front.  I now have a 16 front / 45 rear.

This is what I have learned: (for my 2000 1200S)

1.  The JT sprockets are louder than the stock sprockets but cost much less. (the increased noise level has been mentioned before in different posts and it’s true)

2. If you travel long distances at a time you have got to go up a tooth or two. The bike doesn’t vibrate nearly as much as it did before. It’s almost like 5th gear is an overdrive compared to the stock gearing. (Dropped about 250 rpm.)

I am now riding a totally different bike and it’s GREAT !!! Most of the vibration is gone. The engine isn’t working, as hard so I should get better fuel mileage (doing a 600 miler this weekend will have fuel mileage figures next Monday).

If you are into long distance riding and are thinking about a gear change, DO IT !!!!!!

If you are worried about losing the breath taking speed on acceleration, don't, the speed is still there. It's still a fast fun ride. Just not as annoying after a couple hundred miles.

The only thing I would do different would be to buy Suzuki sprockets.


 :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:

Title: Long Distance Rider
Post by: Daytona on August 14, 2006, 01:02:06 PM

Did you have to grind the clutch/sprocket cover to get the 16T to clear? I did! I also went to a 43 rear! First gear is needed to start from most stops, but i didn't notice any other loss with this set up...  Top gear was about 500 rpm less, RPM is 1/2 of mph! 4000=80 mph. No vibes to speak of! But MP-gallon was still just about 40 per. My Busa gets 42 avg @ same usage.. :beers:

Title: Long Distance Rider
Post by: scooter trash on August 14, 2006, 01:11:53 PM

Yes sir !! Grind, grind, grind. But like I said, it was worth it !!

Title: Long Distance Rider
Post by: Daytona on August 14, 2006, 01:20:06 PM

Quote

="scooter trash"]Yes sir !! Grind, grind, grind. But like I said, it was worth it !!

Yes any that commute should do the 16t atleast!!! :motorsmile:  :motorsmile:  :bigok:  :beers: