the truth about the 16t CS sprocket on the L

[coolguydave]

so after doing all the research on this topic... i figured ill try out a 16t on my pig. i ordered 514x-16 from sprocket specialists. bought the 7/8 snap rings. and slapped it on...

the clearances between the case are far too close for my liking, and the case saver WILL NOT fit with this sprocket. the 7/8 snap rings were too big. i sat on the bike and didnt like the fact that my shoelaces where inches away from the exposed sprocket. so for now im sticking with the stock 15t and plan to regear in the rear. so, i have a brand new sprocket part #514x-16 if anyone is interested... it has never been used. if anyone wants it PM me an offer. and hopefully this thread answers any questions about the 16t.

-dave

[truck6driver]

Not that it would solve the cover issue, But the lock ring issue can be fixed by marking the holes of the lock ring and drilling and tapping holes for the lock ring bolts.

How is the fitment of the 514 pitch to the 520 chain? Excessive wear, slippage etc...

Ray

[HeadTrauma]

AFAIK, there is no 514 size roller chain. "514x" is just the Sprocket Specialists part number followed by "-16" to denote tooth count. The 514x-16 is for a 520 chain.

[truck6driver]

AFAIK, there is no 514 size roller chain. "514x" is just the Sprocket Specialists part number followed by "-16" to denote tooth count. The 514x-16 is for a 520 chain.

OK, it is a 520 pitch.

Now what is "AFAIK" ?

RH

[HeadTrauma]

AFAIK = netspeak abbreviation of as far as I know.

[coolguydave]

these things are case hardened steel... not easy to drill and tap.

-dave

[XR650L_Dave]

these things are case hardened steel... not easy to drill and tap.

-dave

The bits are out there to do it, tapping might be a bear:

http://www.bamanufacturing.com/sp_series.html

"These Metal Cutting Drill Bits - Hardened Steel Drill Bits - Bearing Race Drill Bits - Safe Drill Bits - Hard Steel Drill Bits - Carbide Tipped Drill Bits - SP Series are a Carbide Tipped Bit is ideal for locksmiths, auto mechanics, or any operator drilling into extra hard steel such as safe, bearing race, or die. "

Dave

[ericinmichigan]

Mind if I throw this out there - the stock gearing is 15/45. My gearing was changed to 14/45 when I got my bike and I saw top speeds in the 90's. I wanted some more acceleration and had installed a 130 series rear tire (slightly taller), as well as a 48 rear (to go along with the 14 front). With this, my top speeds are in the 80's, but my acceleration is better. You are trying to add a front sprocket of 16 teeth...so you're going the opposite direction from me in terms of gearing.

I suspect that you'll lose acceleration and top speed, given the limited power of our "L's" (sorry, I hate to say that as much as you hate to read it). Why are you trying to gear it up like that?

[Old Dog]

If you want more top speed, keep the stock 15T front and change out the rear for a 42T. You'll achieve pretty much the same you're going for with the 16T front. ?

[truck6driver]

these things are case hardened steel... not easy to drill and tap.

-dave

DO NOT INSTALL A HARDENED STEEL SPROCKET ON THE FRONT OF THE XRL!!!!The counter shaft is not hardened and the sprocket will and I repeat WILL wear out the splines on the counter shaft.

Just do some research if you do not beleive me. I know first hand.

Ray

[asf]

How does that sprocket stay on the CS without a retainer ring? I dont see any holes to screw it into the sprocket??

[HeadTrauma]

You put a couple snap rings in the groove. Pictures here.

[chewbacca2264]

Well I guess to each his own. I have 1800 miles on the 16t front with absolutely no issues what so ever. Captain Midnight has benn using one for years as a highway sprocket and to my knowledge has never had problems with it. As old dog said if you want the same gearing but don't want to use the 16 tooth front just go 15-42 and get the same effect. The thing is though 16t front of 15-42 gearing is very tall, just be prepared for it. Really nice on the highway not good at all for slow technical stuff.

Tim

[truck6driver]

Hell the 15/45 isn't good for technical stuff.

RH

[HeadTrauma]

Even 15/48 isn't that terrific. It's about as high as I'll go for general riding on my 600.

[Darenative]

There is a 16 tooth sc that will allow the cover to go back on, and is already drilled and tapped. When I bought my bike the PO had it on the bike. When I get home in a couple of weeks I'll dig out the sprocket and post a picture.

[road_toad666]

I wish we could kick Honda in the ass and get them to add a 6th gear- like pretty much EVERYONE ELSE has. All problems solved!!

[maintenance nazi]

Amen to that Road Toad!!!!

[coolguydave]

i use my bike a lot on the highway... (60mph+) i wanted to gear it this way so it wasnt so buzzy at speed.

-dave

[Captain Midnight]

i use my bike a lot on the highway... (60mph+) i wanted to gear it this way so it wasnt so buzzy at speed.

-dave

I'm sorry it didn't work for you. Every April, I race the Washington State Desert 100. I use a 16 tooth front with a 47 rear to ride from Everett to Odesa, 5-1/2 hours. Then I change the front to a 13 tooth, and ride the desert race. Camp overnight, 16 tooth back on, and ride home.