Did the 14 tooth front sprocket a couple weeks back.... The bike should have came this way from the factory for sure. It made the bike a lot more fun and I haven't noticed anything negative whatsoever. I took the bike up to 105 MPH and it still had 3-4k left before red line, so there were really no adverse effects on the top speed. I am thinking about going up a tooth or two in the back as well now. I would rather the bike top out at 95-100 and be a rocket than be slow and do 120 MPH. If you're on the fence on this $20 mod, JUST DO IT! I really don't see how anyone could be unhappy with it! :icon_mrgreen:
:cookoo:... didn't know any GS that could do 120!!!!!!!!!! :dunno_white:
I'd be unhappy with the extra vibes, lower gas mileage, increased chain wear, and increased valve wear from sustained high rpm's. It's why I'm extremely happy with an 18 tooth since I use mine for commutes, a lot of which is on the freeway. If I need more top speed I shift down a couple gears. You can't just shift a couple gears up to get lower vibes and 70 mpg, and my chain has only worn out one notch in what's approaching 20,000 miles. But to each his own.
I did the 14t swap, and maxed out at 115 on the main straight of Texas World Speedway. Bike was naked. Fairing and full tuck could bump that up to 120 no problem.
And no, the bike should NOT have come from the factory with a 14t sprocket. It isn't beginner friendly or nearly as forgiving as it is with the stock 16t.
just upshift. when you run out of gears, slow down. that way your fuel economy will stay the same, assuming you're not running 80mph everywehre. ;)
Quote from: qwertydude on July 24, 2009, 10:57:53 PM
I'd be unhappy with the extra vibes, lower gas mileage, increased chain wear, and increased valve wear from sustained high rpm's. It's why I'm extremely happy with an 18 tooth since I use mine for commutes, a lot of which is on the freeway. If I need more top speed I shift down a couple gears. You can't just shift a couple gears up to get lower vibes and 70 mpg, and my chain has only worn out one notch in what's approaching 20,000 miles. But to each his own.
It only raises your RPMs by about 1000.
I really don't see how the GS is not beginner friendly with a 14 tooth. "beginner bikes" from other makers have waaay more power than the GS anyhow, no matter which way it's geared. It doesn't make the bike at all hard to control in any way IMO. Thanks for that conformation. People on here seem to think that since their old crappy, rusty GS can't go over 80 that my 2009F one can't do 120. Whatever people! Also, I am highly skeptical that mileage is affected all that much if any by gearing down a bit. I still hit reserve at 180...soooo idk.
Quote from: Bridger on July 25, 2009, 09:43:12 AM
I really don't see how the GS is not beginner friendly with a 14 tooth. "beginner bikes" from other makers have waaay more power than the GS anyhow, no matter which way it's geared. It doesn't make the bike at all hard to control in any way IMO. Thanks for that conformation. People on here seem to think that since their old crappy, rusty GS can't go over 80 that my 2009F one can't do 120. Whatever people! Also, I am highly skeptical that mileage is affected all that much if any by gearing down a bit. I still hit reserve at 180...soooo idk.
It's not beginner friendly because a beginner should be able to drop the clutch in 1st or 2nd gear (accidentally) and not have the bike wheelie on them. A forgiving bike is what helps inspire confidence, and the gearing change from a 14t is a pretty drastic one at that, ESPECIALLY for an inexperienced rider.
yea 14T is very awesome. stock rear sprocket. had it for about 4 months now i think. lovin it. if you want a sportier feel to the GS this is a very cheap mod to do. very easy.. and most of the time when on the hwy.. no more downshifting to pass. just twist the throttle.
8k will be 90mph per the gauge.
Quote from: Bluehaze on July 25, 2009, 10:02:56 AM
yea 14T is very awesome. stock rear sprocket. had it for about 4 months now i think. lovin it. if you want a sportier feel to the GS this is a very cheap mod to do. very easy.. and most of the time when on the hwy.. no more downshifting to pass. just twist the throttle.
8k will be 90mph per the gauge.
Please see my earlier review of this modification:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=28026.0
where can I buy this 14th tooth sprocket? I'm looking on motorcyclesuperstore.com right now...
I just went to my local bike shop "cycle gear" they had it in a few days 13 bux plus 7 bux shipping for a JT sprocket. Takes 5 minutes to install, really livens up the bike man.
For pete's sake! Dirtbikes made for kids stand straight up and down if you dump the clutch in first. If you can't figure that out you shouldn't be on a bike anyways.....
skeet.. just as cheap it you just go to a dealer to buy from them..maybe a few dollars more.
alpha.. most definitely thanks to your post was the reason i went down to 14T....
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/5/85/7787/22799/PITEM/JT-520-Front-Countershaft-Sprocket-2007-Suzuki-GS500F-Parts.aspx
Will that work?
Right type for sprocet for old generation GS is JTF565 and JTF513 for newer.
Quote from: Bluehaze on July 25, 2009, 10:26:22 AM
skeet.. just as cheap it you just go to a dealer to buy from them..maybe a few dollars more.
alpha.. most definitely thanks to your post was the reason i went down to 14T....
My local dealer doesn't have any gs500 parts in stock, not even the oil filter. And I need a little more so I can get free shipping
See, I like my dealer (where I bought Flick from) I actually got a 15th sprocket. Was $17 they never charge me shipping. It will be here on Tuesday. Not too long IMO being that I asked for it a half an hour ago!
Mary
Just bought one from motorcyclesuperstore!!! Woot..I can't wait :)
Quote from: -ahven- on July 25, 2009, 10:48:25 AM
Right type for sprocet for old generation GS is JTF565 and JTF513 for newer.
Wrong info, sorry. Right types are 565 for 89-93 GS and 512 for newer.
if you think 14t is fun add a 45t on the back
Quote from: -ahven- on July 26, 2009, 05:10:05 AM
Quote from: -ahven- on July 25, 2009, 10:48:25 AM
Right type for sprocet for old generation GS is JTF565 and JTF513 for newer.
Wrong info, sorry. Right types are 565 for 89-93 GS and 512 for newer.
im confused now... i ordered a 513...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/5/85/7787/22799/PITEM/JT-520-Front-Countershaft-Sprocket-2007-Suzuki-GS500F-Parts.aspx
Still wrong, front sprocket for 94 and later GS is a JTF516. A 14T would be a JTF516.14:
http://www.jtsprockets.com/52.0.html?&L=0&sel_uid=5097&p=
Quote from: Skeets on July 26, 2009, 05:22:33 AM
Quote from: -ahven- on July 26, 2009, 05:10:05 AM
Quote from: -ahven- on July 25, 2009, 10:48:25 AM
Right type for sprocet for old generation GS is JTF565 and JTF513 for newer.
Wrong info, sorry. Right types are 565 for 89-93 GS and 512 for newer.
im confused now... i ordered a 513...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/5/85/7787/22799/PITEM/JT-520-Front-Countershaft-Sprocket-2007-Suzuki-GS500F-Parts.aspx
That looks like the right one, I don't like it when they use their own part numbers without giving the JT part number.
Quote from: qwertydude on July 24, 2009, 10:57:53 PM
I'd be unhappy with the extra vibes, lower gas mileage, increased chain wear, and increased valve wear from sustained high rpm's. It's why I'm extremely happy with an 18 tooth since I use mine for commutes, a lot of which is on the freeway. If I need more top speed I shift down a couple gears. You can't just shift a couple gears up to get lower vibes and 70 mpg, and my chain has only worn out one notch in what's approaching 20,000 miles. But to each his own.
Did your 18 toofer work with the stock chain, or is you 20k chain a longer replacement ?
Thanks in advance :cheers:
joshr08 i am thinking of going 41.. with 14t front and 41 rear, according to the chain calculator in the wiki it can still use a 110. well see what happens.
I had 14 front and 42 rear for awhile, and could still pull down 55 mpg.
Quote from: jeremy_nash on July 29, 2009, 09:01:28 AM
I had 14 front and 42 rear for awhile, and could still pull down 55 mpg.
You know whats funny about this? With this gearing, my bike's gas mileage would actually IMPROVE.
so which sprocket do i have to order for my 2008 GS500F? and wheres a good place to order from?
Being that I have a 16T and a 15T bike I much rather ride the range of the 16T. Albeit the 15T is way more forgiving but it tops out too fast for me. I ride 1/3 Highway 2/3 streets and I still prefer 16T!
Quote from: HPI_Freak on July 29, 2009, 11:22:29 AM
so which sprocket do i have to order for my 2008 GS500F? and wheres a good place to order from?
motorcyclesuperstore just search sprockets, go to jt sprockets put in your bike model and year wallah
18 tooth front sproket worked just fine with the stock length 110 tooth chain. The adjuster just goes all the way to the front.
do you have to shortten the chain at all when going down to the 14t sprocket?
There is a chain calculator I believe on the Wiki tells you sizes and such!
BTW I got my 15th sprocket in today :woohoo:
I May just may video tape it and take pics of the whole process if anyone thinks it would be good for the Wiki?
Mary
Quote from: HPI_Freak on July 29, 2009, 02:15:39 PM
do you have to shortten the chain at all when going down to the 14t sprocket?
No.
I will never address this subject again, other than to say, gear down from stock and I can go as fast perhaps even increase my gas mileage? Uh, yeah... sure. And Obama's health plan will save money and give everyone great health care when they need it! :icon_rolleyes:
Quote from: bill14224 on July 29, 2009, 07:51:12 PM
perhaps even increase my gas mileage? Uh, yeah... sure.
I was only referring to MY bike, anyone whose GS functions *normally* would surely see a decrease. If this bike was a dog I would have put it down by now. . . .
I tried a 14 on mine and hated it, only did a couple of thousand K's and switched back to a 15.
Well even though it not my preference, I highly recommend the 15T for riders that spend a lot of time riding in the city. It does make it more enjoyable to ride in stop and go traffic. For those that ride more then 50% on the highway I don't think you'll like it too much. And for those that have been riding a 16T since fire was discovered like me it's a drastic change in shifting tempo! I couldn't imagine how much a 14T would be!
Robert
Well, got the 15th on today. I :dunno_white: I don't see a massive change? I think getting the chain adjusted just right made more of a distance in my ride than the sprocket. But, I've only rode it around time today didn't get it on I-4 yet. So I guess we will see. That was an easy change my friend almost had it done before I could get the video camera out of my bag and recording!
Mary
My bike came with the 15t sprocket on it which i was unaware of when i purchased it. So i don't know what the 16t would act like but i also just changed the rear sprocket to a 40t this season and am happy with the way it performs.
I couldn't see the 14t being to big of a change for me but that is probably because i started on the 15t sprocket.
With 16t I do 65MPH @ 4500RPM
With 15T I do 65MPH @ 5200RPM +
It's exactly what it should be. Mary get on the HWY you will notice it more. :thumb:
Robert
Ahhh, I get it now that's why I had to kick up to 6th faster on I-4 today. Seems like it is good for in and around town riding though maybe it's just me :dunno_white:
Mary
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on July 30, 2009, 04:15:43 PM
Ahhh, I get it now that's why I had to kick up to 6th faster on I-4 today. Seems like it is good for in and around town riding though maybe it's just me :dunno_white:
Mary
Umm...couldn't have said it better myself! It is a dream for in and around town! I find myself taking off in 2nd gear a lot just out of laziness cause I can. But on the other hand I bet there is a wear spot on the top of the transmission in 6th gear cause I want another gear " A LOT" on the HWY.
I just ordered a 14 tooth because I read this thread. I will post when I get it installed what I think. I do 95% in town riding so it sounds like it will be nice for my kind of riding. I ride for fun and general errands not long commutes so a little more pep sounds like a good trade off for less top end and more RPM at a given speed. Don't care about MPG that much, I am getting 55+ right now so even if it goes down a bit, it should still be good. I might put 2K a year on a bike so MPG means nothing to me.
Quote from: JB848 on July 30, 2009, 01:47:32 PM
With 16t I do 65MPH @ 4500RPM
With 15T I do 65MPH @ 5200RPM +
In what gear? Sixth? I can't imagine cruising at that low of an rpm. My bike wouldnt be able to do it for sure. I literally NEVER use 6th gear, and I only hit fifth if I'm doing 90-100 mph, but even then is a struggle so I usually don't. 4th gear is the highest I really ever go.
That's becuz ur bike runs on one cylinder dude.......
Quote from: Bridger on August 02, 2009, 12:36:21 PM
That's becuz ur bike runs on one cylinder dude.......
Be that as it may, do y'all really cruise at that low of an rpm on the highway? I keep mine between 7-9k at all times :dunno_white:
im running 7k at 65mph
wow, i ordered a 14t sprocket from motorcycle-superstore 5 days ago, and they JUST sent me an email today notifying me that its been shipped! 4 days to ship?!?!?! wont order from them again.
Hmm, am I the only one who likes cruising around at lower RPM? I'd rather be going 40mph in 6th at like 4k RMP than buzzing at high RPM in a lower gear. Other than lower throttle response, what would be the downsides of doing this?
but from what i have noticed with my GS, cruising around at low RPM (like 4K or under) can actually be dangerous. if an obstacle were to suddenly cross your path and you need a burst of acceleration to aviod it, you wont have the power when you need it. this is mostly for city riding, and i like to cruise at low RPM as well, and ive been trying to break the habbit. i have avoided what could have been a very fatal accedent a couple times because i was able to accelerate to safty before being hit. the GS just doesnt have any low end power, im hoping this 14T sprocket will fix it, if not, oh well i can always switch back to the stock one.
so if a 14 tooth makes it have more torque than will an 18 tooth have more top end
Quote from: lonewolfpup911 on August 02, 2009, 08:06:37 PM
so if a 14 tooth makes it have more torque than will an 18 tooth have more top end
A sprocket does not change the amount of power or torque the engine produces, it simply changes the way in which the power is delivered.
And because the GS is not that powerful, the 14T will actually net you the same, or possibly a higher top end speed. I clocked about 115 on the main straight of TWS with the 14T. That's about the same as the 16T. And 18T might make you go slower.
ok thanks just wondering you got 115 with a 14 what was your top end with a 16?
Quote from: lonewolfpup911 on August 02, 2009, 08:42:43 PM
ok thanks just wondering you got 115 with a 14 what was your top end with a 16?
If I remember correctly, about 110 or 115. Not really sure, it's been a while. I didn't get many laps in when I was at TWS with the 16T on before I binned it in The Horseshoe.
Quote from: lonewolfpup911 on August 02, 2009, 08:42:43 PM
ok thanks just wondering you got 115 with a 14 what was your top end with a 16?
mine is stock with 16t, and I barely got it to hit 110 on about a mile long straight of interstate with about a 5% downhill grade. It was struggling, thats for sure.
Quote from: PaviSays on August 02, 2009, 04:40:58 PM
Hmm, am I the only one who likes cruising around at lower RPM? I'd rather be going 40mph in 6th at like 4k RMP than buzzing at high RPM in a lower gear. Other than lower throttle response, what would be the downsides of doing this?
PaviSays I am with you. I keep the RPMs down always. If I need the burst of speed its a down shift and throttle away? But I find that if you do cruise must of the time, you don't find yourself in those situations to begin with? Just a thought.
I have since changed back to the 16T and I prefer it much more to the 15T. Usually the manufacturer's nail the proper gear ratio for the HP of the bike and I think they did just fine on the "F" with 16T.
out on the highway I cruise at 7000rpm, always. That works out to around 120km/h (73ish miles an hour i think) less revs feels slow, and more revs starts to get whiney.
and around town i always keep the revs above 4500, just for that punchy feeling with the throttle.
and i hit 11k when i need to make a point, usually in place of the horn at a stoplight. :D
I guess I am getting old because I don't know my top speed. I had an 08 Suzuki V-Strom and I sold it without ever finding it's top speed either. I went 120mph once but it was not topped out. I have heard 140-150mph from other 650cc V-Strom owners. I will have to take their word for it.
I had the GS500 up around 110 but it was not 100% topped out. If I had more time and more road, I guess I could have squeezed 5-10 more MPH out of it. To tell the truth, I don't really want to go over 100mph on it. I have a 1994 so no fairing and my chain really needs a link taken out and adjusted.
I just got an e-mail from Bike Bandit yesterday saying my order was shipped. I ordered 4 days ago as well! Not impressed so far with Bike Bandit. I have ordered from Motorcycle Superstore and a few other places and they always shipped right out. Must be something going around. My 14T is supposed to be here on Friday so I should have it installed this weekend!
If you want to know what a 14T front will be like on the freeway don't forget a standard 16/39T GS run it 5th gear will be turning the same rpm as a 14/39T will be turning in 6th gear so just drop a gear and try it out. I used to run freeways in 5th on my 97 GS when riding with big twin friends to match their rollons.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500gearing-sprocket-rpms.jpg
Quote from: gsJack on August 05, 2009, 04:47:45 AM
If you want to know what a 14T front will be like on the freeway don't forget a standard 16/39T GS run it 5th gear will be turning the same rpm as a 14/39T will be turning in 6th gear so just drop a gear and try it out. I used to run freeways in 5th on my 97 GS when riding with big twin friends to match their rollons.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500gearing-sprocket-rpms.jpg
That doesn't sound bad at all. i don't ride the highway much so once in a while I could ride at a higher RPM in trade for more pep in town. I probably ride 95 in town so it sounds like a great trade to me.
you think a 14t is great Im running a 13t front and stock rear. I also dont do much freeway mostly streets. but I still hit 90 something on the freeway.