one tooth

[vitaminC]

This morning I put a new front sprocket on the Ninja, replacing the stock 14 tooth with a 15 tooth. What a difference! The bike feels much more reasonable in all the gears, but especially when cruising at interstate speeds. At an indicated 80mph, the RPM's dropped from a really high 10k, to a moderately high 9k. That change really makes the ride nicer, as there is much less buzz coming through the grips, although I am sacrificing a little oomph for getting up hills. Still, I suppose that's why it's got six gears to work with- and with a 250 you're always rowing through the gears anyway!   This should also improve the MPG a bit, although that is not really something that needs improvement.

Summary: very good return for $16 in parts and an hour of time!  

[panther289]

Congrats on the install. If you get mpg#'s let us know.

[sscully]

1 tooth up, could you still use the same chain, or did you have to get a longer chain ?

I have seen city mods, where dropping 1 tooth on the front, and adding to the rear, some config's the stock chain can still be used.

[vitaminC]

Congrats on the install. If you get mpg#'s let us know.

Will do, though I'm not sure exactly how good the comparison will be, as I also just finished up the 12k tune-up, and the valves were way out of spec   Judging from the paperwork I have, I think that they had not been checked since 600 miles... long before I had the bike! Anyway, to date I've been right at 60MPG.

1 tooth up, could you still use the same chain, or did you have to get a longer chain ?

Same chain, just had to readjust (but not much).

[cultureslayer]

I was very pleased with the difference as well.  that 1k difference does make a little mpg difference but the comfort alone is worth it.