Changed the front sprocket,

[outlaw]

Thank you all for the info.

[OR Seedman]

my chain was practically brand new--only 4k miles on the bike when I did the swap...I did not have to remove any links.  The marks at the rear axle would up being slightly in front of top dead center, so there is plenty of room to stretch...I really don't notice any loss of torque in the city...only a little loss at 50 mph and up.  I only ride single (although I have a Fire & Steel 2-up extra seat), so I am not hauling a heavy load...except for my big a$$...

[CDNRatMan]

  I hate to say it but I think and say think, not for sure, that the mechanic told me he took out 2 links.....not sure.......

I never noticed any lack of take off or torque when taking off since the sprocket swap........

[greenbarn]

I don't remember for sure.  Just give yourself some "forgiveness" room.  It's easier to take out an extra link than to add one. 

.... is much more pleasant than before, with little loss of torque in the city....I just make sure to change my oil more often (about every 3k miles) to keep the wet clutch in good shape for the slight increase in feathering in the city...

Seedman, did you even notice a difference taking off?  Honestly, I couldn't tell any difference, even 2-up riding.

[outlaw]

I have found only 1 plaice selling the rear sprocket ( 38 tooth ) for the drifter in the uk for £25. so will get it ordered , how many links would I have to take out? .

[OR Seedman]

I do a mix of highway and city riding.....the 18/38 swap, for me, was the best combination to do both.....65-70 mph on the highway is much more pleasant than before, with little loss of torque in the city....I just make sure to change my oil more often (about every 3k miles) to keep the wet clutch in good shape for the slight increase in feathering in the city...

I have seen a couple of vulcan forums where they talk about using a 19 in the front, but that you have to remove the rubber bushing that sits in the casing....if your riding was almost all highway, that would reduce rpms substantially over a stock set-up....

[greenbarn]

That chart is from an on-line gear ratio calculator, I believe it's gearing commander:

http://www.gearingcommander.com/

Well, my memory isn't as good as it used to be    I guess it's only 10% overall...   Thanks Ratman for digging that out.  So, Outlaw, looks like the front-only sprocket will give you roughly "half" of what you would get by changing out both sprockets.

When I did mine, my chain was about worn out, so I did both at the same time.  I noticed a huge difference, and was quite pleased.  Note: I saw no detrimental effects at low end, or taking off from a stop.   

[CDNRatMan]

  Outlaw:
I found the 17/40 set up I was always looking for sixth gear, I typically ride around here at the speed limit, 80 to 110 km (50 to 70 mph) I found on a long trip that the 18/40 I noticed some change at the top gear end of the set up, nothing noticeable in the lw gear set up. Then following my hero Mr. GreenBarn's suggestion I did the rear sprocket also. What a noticeable change in top end and comfort on a long ride.
Shortly after I did the change I came across this chart and it was done to a Drifter 800, not sure who complied the results but it is here to see......

[greenbarn]

You're right on track, outlaw.  The sprocket swap is one of the most needed upgrades on the 800, IMO.
Have you done the rear sprocket yet?  Switching the front to 18 is going in the right direction - but if that's all you did, don't expect a huge change - that's only about 5%.  You'll get even better results switching out the rear sprocket along with it, I think it ends up being something like 20% better, if I recall.

[Tfrank59]

You did that I guess cuz not enough top end for ya.  I find the stock gearing just about right for the kind of riding I do, which is little or no highway and in the 40-60 MPH range.  At first I actually thought the stock gearing was a little tall for an 800 and considered going down a tooth on the front sprocket, but I've since reconsidered and plan to keep her as is.  Totally agree if you're one to take long highway trips, more top end is a plus.  Just can't wait for the weather to improve enough to take a long cruise!!

[outlaw]

Changed the front sprocket on the bike today, took the 17 tooth off and fitted a 18 tooth one on, not had time to try it, to see the difference yet. and cleaned, it as we are in winter it gets dark about 3.30/4.00pm