Another annoying chain and sprockets question

[Twizted]

Bike - 03 Monster 1000ie

Sorry to ask the dreaded question but I was considering doing a 14 tooth front sprocket mod on the Monster as I would actually like to get out of 2nd gear when in the city and use the mythical 6th gear that is in my gearbox.

A mate was saying it would be better for me to go up a few teeth at the rear than down on the front.

If I do this how many teeth will I have to go up to get the same effect as the 14 on the front? I think the OEM sizes are 15/39. Is this correct? And will I have to replace the chain or extend it? If so what size chain and how many links will I need?

Any help is much appreciated.

[stopintime]

You need three more teeth rear to equal one down in the front.

To maintain the same wheel position, another 'chain-piece' is required - according to Gearing Commander from 100 to 102 links. Double check on your bike to verify.

People keep saying that larger sprockets reduce chain wear, but I don't know if that's important to you, or even true/significant.

[Twizted]

Thank you very much  

[brad black]

if possible i run 15 tooth fronts, maybe more on suspicion than anything else.  15/43 is nice on the post 98 wide ratio gearbox motors.

[Twizted]

The M1000's run a 525 chain yeh? Also when I was looking at sprockets it was asking me for a plate or nut type sprocket.

[Howie]

The M1000's run a 525 chain yeh? Also when I was looking at sprockets it was asking me for a plate or nut type sprocket.

Take the sprocket cover off and you will see either a very large nut is holding the sprocket on or a retaining plate with two small cap screws.  I'm pretty sure you have the big nut.  Yes, you have a 525 chain.  Double check what is on the bike now, since sprocket size changes are a common modification.  The amount of teeth should be stamped on the sprocket, if no, count. 

Your stock gearing can be found here:
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/chain.html
Also an excellent place to buy your stuff.  Excellent place for advice too.

Two up in the back will reduce sixth gear cruising speed by about 500 RPM, one tooth up front a little more.  If there is considerable mileage on your chain and sprockets you want to change them as a set.

[jerryz]

Going up at the rear is safer and causes less chain wear than smaller front sprocket but costs more to do as you need longer chain , i did it on my S4 went fron 39 to 43 .

[Howie]

Four teeth needs a longer chain, two will wok with stock.

[Twizted]

Thanks for the info guys. As it is now I do not even use 6th on the highway. I have to be going almost 140kph to use it and around town I am lucky to get into 3rd and usually putter around in 2nd gear. Oh and in traffic you have to feather the clutch all the time, it just feels really tall. I may just order a 14 for the front to try to see if I like it and if I do I will do the 15/42 setup.