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Sprocket question?
- Thread starter Rags
- Start date
MrStubb
XS400 Addict
Like Chris said. Lots of options on Ebay or the many cycle shops around. I don't remember where I ordered mine from but I replaced the whole shebang. Sprockets & chain. I went up 1 on the front sprocket for a bit lower rpm at speed. Brought my r's down by 500 at 55 mph. And I didn't notice any real loss off the line.
jtsprockets.com will list every available direct fit sprocket, and provide a chart for the resulting gear ratios. Just be aware that there are favourable gear/chain length combinations, and less than favourable combinations. gearingcomander.com can help with those calculations.
Apologies.. I have a 1983 xs400 Maxim.
Your options are 15, 16, and 17 tooth counter shaft sprockets and 35 or 38 tooth rear sprockets. 16/35 is the stock gearing. 17/35 will drop the engine about 400 RPM for a given speed. Unless you are spending hours at highway speeds, I can't recommend the change. The DOHC engine likes to be revved. Operating below 4000 is less than rewarding and will result in lots of downshifting. Sometimes 2 gears if you want to get into the power band immediately. This engine will sing along at 7000 RPM all day with the throttle barely open.
Think long and hard before changing the gearing. I'm about ready to go back to a 38 tooth rear sprocket to get the engine revving higher as I find myself downshifting to 4th all too often on highways to maintain ~100 kph (62 mph) when climbing hills or fighting a head wind. If the speed limit were 120 kph (75 mph) I'd be cruising without concern, with my current gearing and rear tire.
Think long and hard before changing the gearing. I'm about ready to go back to a 38 tooth rear sprocket to get the engine revving higher as I find myself downshifting to 4th all too often on highways to maintain ~100 kph (62 mph) when climbing hills or fighting a head wind. If the speed limit were 120 kph (75 mph) I'd be cruising without concern, with my current gearing and rear tire.
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I can agree with Dave. If you are his size and do his kind of riding, he is correct.
If you are "wiry" (short if truth be told) like me (145 lbs) and never carry a passenger and only take day trips without any cargo, large fairings etc., then you could do what I did with my Maxim, and be pretty pleased.
If you are "wiry" (short if truth be told) like me (145 lbs) and never carry a passenger and only take day trips without any cargo, large fairings etc., then you could do what I did with my Maxim, and be pretty pleased.
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doodsaibot
XS400 Addict
I recently did a chain/sprocket swap on my maxim as well. I stayed with the stock sizes. I could have sworn 35T was the stock size on the rear...at any rate JT is a good brand.
Good catch @doodsaibot
Yup. I don't know why I was writing 34 when I have a 35 on my bike... 
I blame the beer. Or lack of it. It's time to edit those errors away...
Fixt it.
