Final drive sprockets, 998 engine

[Easy Rider]

This might be a bit premature but............

Has anybody changed the final drive sprocket ratio on a 998 machine, specifically an '11 RT ?
Or know if the part is available to even do that ??

I'm thinking maybe two teeth up on the front would give it better riding characteristics. Looks to me like the engine doesn't really NEED to rev that high in any of the gears. And the change can't hurt the gas mileage either.

I've done that in the past with two other "under-powered" bikes with excellent results.

(I've done a quick search and didn't see anything.)

 

[Peter Aawen]

There are threads here discussing how/where others have tried, if you want to search for them.... Short answer, it doesn't work, the computers won't stand for it! :gaah:

 

[Highwayman2013]

The 998 likes to rev, so rev it.

 

[Chupaca]

Little checking..

I believe the european models have a different sproket as well as the F3. What I have not seen is it working unless you can modify the softwear/nanny to the change. Many are not happy with the high revving 998 and have sold their spyder but many now just move on to the 1330 models. They are now all you can get in since this year. Might be the best way to go if you can not get used to the 998. Personally I do love that about the 998 but I guess we are a rare few that do....:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

Let the 998 rev... :thumbup:
Besides: if you don't keep things spinning fast enough (at least 3500 rpm); you'll just end up cooking your clutch plates anyway. :shocked:

If you want lower operating rpm levels: buy a 1330! :yes:

 

[Easy Rider]

Besides: if you don't keep things spinning fast enough (at least 3500 rpm); you'll just end up cooking your clutch plates anyway. :shocked:

If you believe that is true of the manual transmission model, then there is a mis-understanding somewhere.

AND......I still think the 998s are good values for a lot of people because I saved about 12 thousand dollars by not getting a newer model.

 

[pegasus1300]

This might be a bit premature but............

Has anybody changed the final drive sprocket ratio on a 998 machine, specifically an '11 RT ?
Or know if the part is available to even do that ??

I'm thinking maybe two teeth up on the front would give it better riding characteristics. Looks to me like the engine doesn't really NEED to rev that high in any of the gears. And the change can't hurt the gas mileage either.

I've done that in the past with two other "under-powered" bikes with excellent results.

(I've done a quick search and didn't see anything.)

actually it does need to rev that high and it really doesn't mind. It makes its power at the higher rpm ranges and, at least as far as the SE5 is concerned the clutch plates need the higher rpm's to engage and stay engaged properly. So go ahead an rev it up. I came from a Goldwing Trike and it took me a little time to get used to an engine work in those rpms. You'll get used to it and come to appreciate a different kind of trike motor.
There are many advocates of dumping the 998 V Twin for a 1330 triple and there should be. There are many advantages to the new power train, but if your like me and just don't have the money the 998 is a great way to get into Spyders.

 

[Easy Rider]

actually it does need to rev that high and it really doesn't mind.

No actually it does not NEED to rev that high to comfortably pull itself and one rider down the road.
It has plenty of torque to shift at lower engine speeds or to up the gearing slightly.

I KNOW that it is perfectly happy at the higher engine speeds.......and so am I, if there isn't any easy alternative and it appears that there isn't.
Except maybe for a rear tire with a slightly different profile.....which won't make much difference anyway.

I don't know what my first search was but now I find a lot of threads talking about this.......and so far none of them indicate that it just a simple matter of changing the sprockets. Too bad. My previous experience tells me that for MY riding, I would have been happier with different final gearing.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

SPROKET

This might be a bit premature but............

Has anybody changed the final drive sprocket ratio on a 998 machine, specifically an '11 RT ?
Or know if the part is available to even do that ??

I'm thinking maybe two teeth up on the front would give it better riding characteristics. Looks to me like the engine doesn't really NEED to rev that high in any of the gears. And the change can't hurt the gas mileage either.

I've done that in the past with two other "under-powered" bikes with excellent results.

(I've done a quick search and didn't see anything.)

A German co. makes ( or did make ) a quality steel front Sproket with one more tooth that worked ...... unknown if this is still available ................Mike :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

If you believe that is true of the manual transmission model, then there is a mis-understanding somewhere.

You never mentioned that you had an "ESSEM"... :thumbup:
Enjoy your 998: they are great bikes!

 

[Easy Rider]

You never mentioned that you had an "ESSEM"... :thumbup:
Enjoy your 998: they are great bikes!

OK, time to go put my ride in a sig line I guess.

Is there some GOOD reason that ones profile doesn't have a "my ride" item that appears with every post ???
I'm pretty sure that the software is equipped to do that; a LOT of other forums have it that way.

 

[Easy Rider]

OK, time to go put my ride in a sig line I guess.

Is there some GOOD reason that ones profile doesn't have a "my ride" item that appears with every post ???
I'm pretty sure that the software is equipped to do that; a LOT of other forums have it that way.

testing new sig

 

[Bob Denman]

Maybe by leaving it up to the member; it gives us all a chance to show our creativity!

 

[Gordy]

higher ratio will lug the engine

 

[Easy Rider]

Maybe by leaving it up to the member; it gives us all a chance to show our creativity!

Having it show up on the left side with your other information does NOT prevent you from being "creative" in your signature.

 

[Easy Rider]

higher ratio will lug the engine

No it won't, if you don't over do it.

I upped the final drive ratio on a Suzuki 250 and a Shadow 600 and neither had any problems with lugging.
Further evidence is that the European models already have a higher final drive......if I read the posts right.

What it does do is allow you to shift at higher speeds for the same RPM.

Lugging only occurs when the rider screws up.
If you like shifting at very low RPMs, then a higher final drive is NOT for you.

But it's all moot because it appears that making any significant change is not practical.

 

[Bob Denman]

Having it show up on the left side with your other information does NOT prevent you from being "creative" in your signature.

Lamont set up the area underneath your Avatar for specific information...
You'd have to discuss changing anything over there with him. nojoke
The Signature Lines were left for us to play with!