14th Front Sprocket

[chris.p]

There seems to be a few opinions on the use of a 14th front sprocket, after doing a Track day this week I thought I would just put my experiences forward on the subject.

I have always dropped the front sprocket from a 15th to a 14th on both of my previouse 748's (did a total of 20k+ on both those ) and now on my Monster 1100 Evo.

Yes the problems you do get low down is moved further up the rev range, but as long as you have had your ecu flashed or on older bikes a power commander fitted, the problems then disappear.

Never had a problem with chain wear when using using a 14th, and all bikes have been on track days. Going up 2-3 teeth on the rear may be preferable, but means a new chain as well, so the 14th is a far cheaper and a quicker option.

Also as long as the chain is correctly adjusted it will not clatter on the bottom of the swingingarm, I have just done a track day at Cadwell and as you can see, there are no marks on the swinging arm or the chain guides as the pics show.

[Darkness]

Have you checked the top of the swing arm?

[chris.p]

Originally Posted by Darkness

Have you checked the top of the swing arm?

Yep, chain guide nice and smooth, no gouging from the chain side plates.

[slob]

I was running 15T + 3 on rear at Cadwell on my 1000 in May and would have like to try stock gearing as I was struggling for a the right gear between Mansfield and the following chicane, also going over the Mountain

[Flip]

Originally Posted by Darkness

Have you checked the top of the swing arm?

Originally Posted by Darkness

Have you checked the top of the swing arm?

Yep in my experience it is always the top run that takes a beating as the chain clatters on a shut throttle.

That's why a lot of (older especially) race bikes tend to have surgery in that area to reduce the risk of it due to gearing changes.

Originally Posted by chris.p

Yep, chain guide nice and smooth, no gouging from the chain side plates.

But hey if it's not touching it's not touching and probably Ducati wouldn't offer it as an option if it did.

[chris.p]

Originally Posted by slob

I was running 15T + 3 on rear at Cadwell on my 1000 in May and would have like to try stock gearing as I was struggling for a the right gear between Mansfield and the following chicane, also going over the Mountain

If memory serves me correct, going back to standard on the rear and using the 14th on the front the difference would be equivalent to going up 2.75 on the rear?