I just installed a new chain and set of sprockets. Instead of going down 2 teeth in the front I decided to go up 6(39 to 45) in the back in hopes that maybe it would reduce stressed on the chain. This puts the final gear ratios just slightly shorter than the -2 teeth in the front according to the calculator on the wiki page.
I have been riding on it for 2 days now and absolutely love it. Now I know this is not good for some people but my drive to work is about 5 miles and is all 30-50mph back roads so it works out perfect for me. It leaves me in 6th gear @ 4000 rpms most of the ride to work and I never have to downshift but at one 90 degree corner. On top of that 1st gear gets off the line MUCH easier and makes riding quite a bit more enjoyable as it feels so effortless now. I can lift my front tire slightly on the 1-2 shift. The gears feel tighter together which seems to keep the bike in the powerband a bit better so i never get the lugging and the motor doesnt seem to struggle if i upshift a little to early.
I did get a quick run on the highway. At 65mph i sit around 6,250 rpm or so in 6th which is nice cause the bike can get out of its own way now. Before you had to downshift 1 or 2 times to pass a car. I know this is not good for long cruises and may not help with gas milage but I personally like to keep highway riding to a minimum and when i do get on the highway its a quick 5-10 mile trip.
As for gas milage I will have to wait till i fill up next time, I am not sure how much was in the tank. Before I was getting around 52mpg with spirited driving on backroads.
"I personally like to keep highway riding to a minimum"
:thumb: me too
before i traded in my gs i was running a 14/45 combo