Monster 1100 gearing

[gbrown]

I'm getting used to my new (2009) Monster 1100 and finding it easier at low speeds but have been thinking about changing the front sprocket from 15 teeth to 14 teeth, as many have discussed on this forum.

I made a note of speeds at certain revs in each gear and put a little table together:

With standard final gearing I calculate:

15/39 Teeth 4000 6000 8500
1st 27 40 57
2nd 37 56 79
3rd 49 73 103
4th 60 90 128
5th 69 103 146
6th 77 115 163

30mph in 2nd gear should be around 3,250 rpm and 20mph around 2,150 rpm.

Dropping to 14 teeth I calculate would give:

14/39 Teeth 4000 6000 8500
1st 25 37 53
2nd 35 52 74
3rd 45 68 97
4th 56 84 119
5th 64 96 136
6th 72 107 152

30mph in 2nd gear would be around 3,450 rpm and 20mph around 2,300 rpm.

Hardly seems worth the effort!

Geoff

[Snips]

Hmmm, I should make this change as I hardly ever get above 3rd.

I imagine that it would feel better than your table suggests - though I've no experience to base that on.

[walpole68]

I went 2 up on the back and I love it,much better drive from corner to corner and top gear much more usable,plus it wheelies every where which makes me grin:-)

[gbrown]

41 teeth on the back should give almost the same gearing as 14 on the front (about 2% different).
15/41 Teeth 4000 6000 8500
1st 25 38 54
2nd 35 53 75
3rd 46 69 98
4th 57 86 122
5th 65 98 139
6th 73 109 155

Geoff

[gbrown]

I read that the Monster 1100 rev limiter cuts in around 8,500 rpm.

Does anyone know what the realistic top speed is, if you could hold on long enough? I find it hard to believe it will actually pull a 160 in 6th gear.

Lowering the gearing to 14/37 or 15/41 seems unlikely to loose any top speed as 6th will still be geared for over 150 at 8,500 rpm, and I'm still not sure it will get there. Certainly not with me on it!

Geoff

[Albie]

Not measured the rev limiter as only hit it once.I like the red lights coming on.

No idea what top end is. I reckon 145 on a track of course but 140 more realistic. I like the idea of +2 on the rear as the smaller front makes the radius smaller and chance of wearing swingarm .

[gary tompkins]

I would opt for +2 or +3 on the back, as the smaller 14T front can put extra stress on chain due to smaller radius. Going -1 tooth on front is equivalent to +3 on the back, so you might find it a bit buzzy on M-ways. Dropping a tooth on the front's the easy and cheaper option, as saves fitting longer chain needed for bigger rear sprocket.

I dropped final drive ratio on trike by other methods. The 205/40/17 tyres I fitted have 50mm smaller overal diameter than stock 170/60/17 rear wheel. Even using stock 15/39 gearing it had same effect as +2 teeth on rear sprocket, which worked out spot on for me. The trike now accelerates better than a solo 900ie, despite an extra 80kg dead weight. It also easily cruises at 75-85mph fully loaded, and still returns 50+ mpg. It pulls an extra 700 rpm in top gear, and will hit 125mph at redline which is pretty rapid for a trike.