I have one question about gearing the ZX-14 . She is already fast as it is but I heard people before talking about changing sprockets, one down at front two up at rear, so what this do to the 14 handling on the speed department ? What's the most optimal gearing for her ? Just please keep it simple, how many tooth in the front how many in the rear and what experience you have with the change ! I will really appreciate all the comments so I can make up my mind on this issue I'm having, I check other places before but they get all technical and they frustrate me quick . and have fun guys with the 14 !

* Last updated by: Ninjaboy07 on 5/11/2009 @ 5:11 PM *

anybody?

depends really on your riding style and budget.

If you like tooling around town, arm ripping acceleration, and tire smoke and wheelies.. I'd go -1 in the front (16T) and +2 in the back (43). If you are a larger fella (read as 220+)i'd go 16/44 or maybe even 16/45

If you want a little more torque and acceleration, but are on a fairly tight budget go with just a -1 in the front. The sprocket is usually about $25, and if you can't install it yourself a bike shop will probably charge about $30 to do it for you (just a guess, i've never paid a shop to work on my bike).

If you enjoy your top end, but want a touch more grunt down low go with a +1 aluminum rear sprocket. This will reduce rotating mass, slightly (less rotating mass = more hp) and it will give you just a touch of extra grunt down low. This will also leave the option to add a -1 front sprocket later, in case you change your mind.

there really isn't any way of knowing what gear will suit you best, until you try them. I've done everything from a 17/40, 17/41, 16/41, 16/40, 16/45, and 17/45. I've figured out that for my riding style, and racing the bike the 17/45 is the best gear combination for me. (stock in front, +4 in the back)

Slow has nailed it down here but please remember when going up in the back chain length is important. IMO, the bike should have come from the factory with the 43R. Just a nice nice gear ratio. I too am at 17F/45R now and I LOVE the pull. Cheers.

I have one question about gearing the ZX-14. Oh no, not one of those MODDERS.

She is already fast as it is I knew it. Stinkin' Doughnuts Dunkin' the torque down up is forever gone from the top. Well, she was fast.

... so what this do to the 14 handling on the speed department ?
1. Lowers fuel mileage.
2. Buzz IS more in the cruise range is a slightly higher rpm and now you thought looking for 7th gear kept you stabbing...... JUST WAIT.
3. Now you zip it around a corner, you have the, 'grip-it-rip-it' like the back end comes around you are too sporty with the cable pull is going to bite you ZooneaR than later.
4. Yank the wheel or yank the cover; you will have to change things if you feel the need to see the sights or see that gas station up ahead? It's like you Tee-Off from the and then you pull the club out of the bag for the second hole is you have to pay for greens again is each hole in your pocket is going to know your gas station attendant on a first name base is let me know who's gas you be buying so I can buy a few shares in the stock.

What's the most optimal gearing for her ? Ah, you did say, 'ALL the comments.' All write tea then; it's bone stock gearing. Never felt a more perfect 1st gear or it must be the torque. Don't ask. I may have left in 4th gear and the moment I heard crank chatter and aimed straight for 3rd or 2nd was it? Either way, it was too late. I could almost leave it in 4th or 3rd was it and it felt like first but a little slower. With that sprocket combo is any above, I think you can leave it in 6th an it will feel like that 3rd gear is maybe it was 3rd?
I keep stabbing for 7th gear. I think you'll be chasing maybe 8th or 9th gear on the cruise to work ride. Stock almost works for me that it's close enough for my 6th gear work is hammer cars and bikes in 6th. You'll just take the fun out of it you gear it down. Pee in your mirror is the Pea Tune Ya you see her next time warp is she'll be up shortly for the traffic light eventually [you are waiting at].

I check other places before but they get all technical and they frustrate me quick Ain't data day truth.

I didn't see any mention of requiring a speedo healer as another downside... Not sure if the spedometer is measued from the front sprocket (which would be affected by the change) like my old ZX9 or if its picked up from somewhere else that may not be affected (ie front tire).

Thank you so much Slowninja that was the kind of explanation I was looking for ! Thank you too Hub but I have to admit I have to read your post like 4 times to try to even understand what you mean but I got it at the end also Nightmare good one about mention about speedo healer as another downside and to you too Romans about chain length. Thank you very much ! Now is about me making my mind on what way I go !

I went with 16/42 gearing.Fuel mileage-37.7.Speedohealer-$85-105.00.Install-20 minutes(simple).Online calculator-virtually correct.Setting Speedohealer-simple.Controllability-Yes.Driveability-Yes.Chain mods-No.Buzzyness-No.Tire life(rear)-lessened.Enjoyment factor-All Good.Passing power-VERY NICE.

I had a 17/45 for a whle, and that has great grunt... for around town and city close. Long haul I'd do OEM.

post turbo it hit redline before I could mentally process the shift, so back to stock.

jdc, what are you running now 18F/40R?

I heard people before talking about changing sprockets, one down at front two up at rear,

Installed 16F/43R on a friend of mines bike this past Sunday. Not a good place to start. Unless ?

www.gearingcommander.com will give you a lot of hard answers on this. Just load the specs for the ZX-14 and look at what sprocket changes do to your rpm/speed. Gearing down is always 'fun', but if you are into sport touring you will be messing with the cruising sweet spot, which can drastically effect overall buzz and gas mileage.

Romans,

I am back to stock. Feels about right to me.

JDC I tried to send you a pm but no luck .

+1 with slowninja and Blue07,
One of the best mods to make.
The speed-o-healer is a necessity anyway, the speedo is off on the 14 when you buy it, and if you ever truely want to run above 186mph...

It does make keeping the front wheel down alot tougher under hard accelleration

Romans,

I looked for one and nope, can't even find the mailbox!

Here's an email you may use: crchickadee at Yahoo.com My wife loves that email address! lol

I sent you a 'test' PM.

* Last updated by: JDC on 5/13/2009 @ 8:17 PM *