Does a bigger back sprocket make you go faster?

Substituting a larger front or smaller rear sprocket lowers the ratio (sometimes called “taller” gearing), resulting in more speed for a given engine rpm. Likewise, a smaller front or larger rear sprocket gives less speed for a given rpm (“shorter” gearing).

What does putting a bigger rear sprocket do?

Gearing down by installing a larger rear sprocket (like with our YZ example) increases the final drive ratio and reduces top speed, but can increase acceleration. Gearing up, like with a smaller rear sprocket, decreases the final drive ratio and adds more top speed to your motorcycle or ATV.

What does a bigger rear sprocket do on a motorcycle?

Gearing a bike up to produce higher top speed with less acceleration is done using a larger countershaft (gearbox) sprocket or a smaller rear sprocket. Gearing a bike down giving it more acceleration with lower top speed is done using a smaller countershaft (gearbox) sprocket or a larger rear sprocket.

What does a smaller rear sprocket do on a motorcycle?

Lower gearing delivers more rotation of the rear wheel for each spin of the countershaft, thereby raising engine RPMs and improving throttle response for quick acceleration. The compromise is lower top speed and fuel economy. With lower gearing, the ratio will be a higher number.

How do I know what size sprocket I need?

The sprocket size represents the first two digits in the chain designation. Example: 40A14 is size 40. The number of teeth represents the last two digits in the chain designation. Count the number of teeth.

Should I change my sprocket size?

Lastly, when changing your sprockets, it’s always a good idea to replace the chain at the same time. As these are wear items, you want the chain and sprockets to wear evenly and together. Replacing one without the other is cause for premature wear at best, catastrophe at worst.

Does a smaller sprocket make you go faster?

Smaller sprockets will make your go-kart faster in terms of top speed. However, doing so will sacrifice your acceleration out of corners. Larger gearing will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it’s not always as simple as using a smaller sprocket to go faster in a go-kart.

How do you pick a sprocket size?

This is determined by the the number of teeth on the front sprocket, compared to the number of teeth in the rear sprocket. For example, a motorcycle with a 17-tooth front sprocket and a 45-tooth rear sprocket would have a ratio of 2.65 (45 divided by 17 = 2.65).

How do I choose a chain sprocket size?

Determine the number of teeth of the small sprocket. The number of teeth for the large sprocket is determined by multiplying the number of teeth for the small sprocket by the speed ratio. More than 15 teeth on the small sprocket is recommended. The number of teeth on the large sprocket should be less than 120.

How many teeth should you change on a front sprocket?

For every 1 tooth that you change on the front sprocket is like changing 3 to 4 teeth on the rear (and that’s true for higher gearing ratios, too). This configuration creates that smaller gearing ratio that works best for tracks with lots of turns, few long straightaways, like Arenacross, and tight trail riding.

How does sprocket size affect motorcycle performance?

It’s All About The Gearing Ratio Your gearing ratio is, simply put, the ratio of teeth between the front and rear sprockets. This ratio determines how engine RPM is translated into wheel speed by the bike. Changing sprocket sizes, front or rear, will change this ratio, and therefore change the way your bike puts power to the ground.

Do you need to adjust chain length when changing sprockets?

Always remember that you’ll need to adjust your chain based on the manufacturer recommendations to compensate for any larger or smaller sprockets. Keep one-tooth and two-teeth larger rear sprockets and a one-tooth lower countershaft with you so you can change gearing on the go without changing your chain length.

What is the gearing ratio of the stock sprockets?

The stock sprockets on my R1 are 17 teeth in front, and 45 teeth in the rear. Some simple math gives us the gearing ratio: 45/17=2.647. Now I have a baseline to work with.