would you remove one tooth from the front or add three to the back?

[seamax]

I need to get a new sprocket set. I've read that having a small front sprocket (less teeth) makes the engine work harder and the chain is closer to the swing arm. While adding 3 teeth to the back sprocket would be the same as one tooth less in the front.

So would you go 15 front or 42 back and why?

[ragecage23]

I went 15 in the front because it was cheaper than 42 in the back. Less metal=cheaper=happy me

[gsJack]

I've used 15T front without any problems.  Actually front/rear tooth ratio is closer to 2:1 rather than 3:1.  Standard 39T divided by 16T = 2.43.  Ran my 97 GS with a 15T front for over 40k miles and just got a 15T front for my 02 GS after putting over 80k miles on it with standard 16/32 sprockets.

[tykho]

Do both!

[jeffdodge]

Only reason I would consider a larger rear rather than a smaller front is chain wear, but I cant imagine its that different.

[ragecage23]

just like Jack said...80k miles

[The Buddha]

Rear sprockets in higher teeth counts are more $, front with fewer teeth are less $, no question one down in front.
I have however had rear sprockets lose a tooth, one on my brothers FJ600 was so badly worn that each of the peaks was a point. It took 15K miles of no maintenance and a crappie chain to do that though. Steady speeds and long drives are good for everything on a bike, chain and sprockets are no exception.
Cool.
Buddha.

[adidasguy]

Why? Do you know what you want to change the sprockets?
Decide if you have a real reason for it.
Do you want more torque? Then smaller front or larger rear.
Do you want more speed at lower RPM? Then go the other way.
Only reason to change is if you have a reason, not because you heard someone else do it.

[tt_four]

I've even used a 14t and didn't have any noticeable problems.

[mister]

Neither. Stick with stock.

Michael

[the mole]

17 on the front makes me happy.

[Clancy]

+1 for 17t

[seamax]

Why? Do you know what you want to change the sprockets?
Decide if you have a real reason for it.
Do you want more torque? Then smaller front or larger rear.
Do you want more speed at lower RPM? Then go the other way.
Only reason to change is if you have a reason, not because you heard someone else do it.

Didn't say I 'heard someone'. I'm running a 15/41, don't ask why, combo right now and love it for my short 15 minute commute. Torque is excellent and I never get above 45mph on my work commute. But lately with more spare time I've been going on 30 minute cruises where I get up to 65-70mph and this combo is HORRIBLE for that. I would like to go back to a 15/39 combo since my rear sprocket is chipped but was just wondering if a 16/42 would be less stress on the engine with the same ratio. But Jack answered that.

[Toogoofy317]

I was quite happy going with the 15 tooth front sprocket. Just a little extra pep at the redlights which is the majority of my riding. Red light to Red light!

Mary

[aygee]

ISTR when I fitted a 15T to my old '94 the top speed was increased as well as being faster to get there...

When I swap the chain and sprockets on the new one in a couple of months, it'll be a 15T going in!