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Posted by OR Seedman
- September 04, 2016, 20:49:36 PMI am really tempted to change the rear tomorrow while my babyback ribs are slow cookin' on the grill.....I will have 3 1/2 to 4 hours to get it done...should be no problem, right?
Posted by CDNRatMan
- September 04, 2016, 19:24:03 PMSo I guess this means that GreenBarn is not going to have to pay for the mod because it has worked.......good for you, the next sprocket change will be even easier........
Posted by OR Seedman
- September 04, 2016, 17:52:14 PMGot back today from a 200 mile loop ride to the Oregon coast with a buddy on his Harley bagger. I noticed 2 things right away with the new 18t front sprocket...
1. I could hardly hear the chain at all, even at low speed, and
2. less engine buzzing at 60+mph.
I think the reduction in chain noise is due to the new sprocket not being as thick as the old one below the teeth. the old one looked like the outside edges of the pin links rode on it as well as the rollers....the new one is only as wide as the teeth and that seems to make it MUCH more quiet. And I mean REALLY quiet...like it wasn't a chain drive at all.... 
Of course, I did wax again after I put the new sprocket on....but still.....
Also, at the end of the trip today, I figured out my mileage was 49.49 MPG....and that was a combination of winding road following a river through the coastal range and some flat open road...about 6+ mpg better than before....So...this winter I will put the 38 tooth rear on and see how it goes next spring....
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 31, 2016, 17:08:09 PMI stuck with a 112 link chain and just removed I think it was one link to get it close to the right length. Then installed the master link and it was right on. This was the recommendation of the best Kaw mechanic in town.
Posted by OR Seedman
- August 31, 2016, 16:50:30 PM31 yrs this coming 9/14...LOL
I meant to ask...when you changed to 18/38 did you go to a 110 link chain? Just the 18 moved my axle up in front of the center point of the swing arm markings....I know that the 112 link will likely be a little long, but I am not sure if a 110 is to short...and I don't want to use a half-link...can't get them in O or X ring...
thanks in advance
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 31, 2016, 14:59:16 PMI was married for fifteen years so I am well versed in disappointment.
But I am really interested in what you will think of this small change to the bike and what you find. So be interested in a write up after your trip.
Posted by OR Seedman
- August 31, 2016, 14:51:55 PMI run around 70 mph when I use the freeway going to my research farm...and it is a little buzzy at that speed..most of the time I take back roads and run 55-60 mph...looking forward to seeing the difference ...and yes, I do find that since shifting up gears is so "automatic" that I will try for "6th" occasionally...only to be disappointed 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 30, 2016, 23:20:35 PM If you do not notice a change for the better then send a note to GB and he will refund your monies because he talked me into doing the change and I really like it. 
I am sure you will notice a difference and it should be for the better, you will not be hunting for that 6th gear. 55-60 mph = 88-96 kph is nothing on my bike, I have found the sweet speed for my machine at the gearing I have is around 75 mph, seems to run really good there and can run there all day.
Posted by OR Seedman
- August 30, 2016, 21:59:23 PMspent 20 minutes this afternoon changing out my front sprocket to 18T. just lifted the rear tire, loosened the rear axle and pushed the whole assembly forward to get enough slack in the chain to pull the front sprocket slip the new one on with the chain in place. I have an electric impact wrench which made it go quick (luckily I had a 27mm impact socket as well). waxed the chain while I had it exposed, too. Going on a day ride to the coast Thursday with a buddy and his new Harley street glide...looking forward to seeing the difference with the new front sprocket at 55-60 mph
Posted by OR Seedman
- August 28, 2016, 10:57:06 AMthanks for the chain info. I have a full machine shop at my research farm and I use lots of chain driven equipment, so shorting a stock chain by one link will not be an issue...the pics are good because I like to know ahead of time what I am getting into before I tear something apart....
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 28, 2016, 09:07:39 AMI went with the stock chain, and sorry can not remember but I think I had to shorten it by one link, if I remember right I bought the stock because the length I wanted was not normal so it was easier to just take the one link out. I will be doing new chain and sprockets this winter also.
Thanks for the compliment and hope the pictures do help both of you.....it is really not that hard. Also a great time to lube the bearings and like I said to check the rubber dampeners.
Posted by pietperson
- August 28, 2016, 09:05:21 AMThank you so much for the pictures. This will make the job much easier and faster. The illustrations were fantastic!
Posted by OR Seedman
- August 28, 2016, 08:46:20 AMExcellent pictures and descriptions, Ratman! I will be changing out my 17/40 to 18/38 this winter after riding season is over here. I would like to know if I still use the stock chain length (112) or do I need to get one shorter by a link or two? Thanks for any input...
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 27, 2016, 19:52:15 PMrear sprocket
Posted by CDNRatMan
- August 27, 2016, 19:50:23 PMand the end....