Best Gearing Combination for 04 S4R

[sportskid1]

I have to do some work on my S4R and I am figuring I should just go ahead and replace the chain and sprockets while it is apart as it just ticked over the 10K mark.  What do you guys recommend for the best gearing combination?  I ride about 50% commuting/freeways and 50% canyons.  Unfortuntaly any fun roads for me are 40 miles away it it makes for a long freeway drive.  I was thinking about going 2 up in the rear (15/41) and switching to a 520 chain.

[hypurone]

If you go up 3 in the rear, it is equivalent to dropping one in the front. 2 will still be noticeable and pretty groovy (I am there now, long story, don't ask) but 3 would be the shit!  the switch to a 520 will save some weight and also give a nice kick in the pants due to the lower rotating mass. Definitely recommended...

[ducducgooseme]

I have 14 44 combo in the 520 weight.  Love it.  Check out the Supersprox stealth sprocket...lifetime guarantee.

[2CardDuc]

John,

I've been running a 14/42 in 525 pitch for the past 11k on my '05 S4R.  Going to a 520 pitch, 14t & thinking about bumping the rear to a 43t stealth.  Thoughts?  Have you tried any other combos for comparison?

All the best,
Scott   

I have 14 44 combo in the 520 weight.  Love it.  Check out the Supersprox stealth sprocket...lifetime guarantee.

[silentbob]

I have to do some work on my S4R and I am figuring I should just go ahead and replace the chain and sprockets while it is apart as it just ticked over the 10K mark.  What do you guys recommend for the best gearing combination?  I ride about 50% commuting/freeways and 50% canyons.  Unfortuntaly any fun roads for me are 40 miles away it it makes for a long freeway drive.  I was thinking about going 2 up in the rear (15/41) and switching to a 520 chain.

I would go with a 14 tooth front sprocket.  I had that gearing on my S4R and it was perfect for commuting, canyon carving, and the race track.  You will be running 5K rpm at 80 mph.  I wouldn't go with a 520 unless it is a track only bike that needs every little bit of weight removed.  The difference in performance is not going to be noticeable on that bike but the difference in wear will be.  Yes you can get a 520 with the same tensile strength as the stock 525 but the surface area is greatly reduced so they will wear out more quickly, especially if you run the aluminum rear sprockets which are the norm for a 520 conversion.

[sportskid1]

Just to make sure what is the stock gearing on an 04 S4R.  I have searched around and found some conflicting info.  I am pretty sure it is 15/39 but just want to make sure.  Unfortunatly my bike is in the shop so I can't count it.  I think I am going to get a AFAM quick change steup and go 3 up on the rear as I hear it is prefered going up on the rear as opposed to down on the front.  Still on the fence with the 520 setup though. 

[DucHead]

Just to make sure what is the stock gearing on an 04 S4R.  I have searched around and found some conflicting info.  I am pretty sure it is 15/39 but just want to make sure.  Unfortunatly my bike is in the shop so I can't count it.  I think I am going to get a AFAM quick change steup and go 3 up on the rear as I hear it is prefered going up on the rear as opposed to down on the front.  Still on the fence with the 520 setup though. 

15/42 on my '05 S4R.

[Speeddog]

S4R owner's manual says 15/42.

If you're concerned about weight, go with the 520 and/or aluminum sprocket.

If you're concerned about durability, go with the 525 and a steel sprocket.

[ROBsS4R]

I am very happy with my 14/42 

[silentbob]

Just to make sure what is the stock gearing on an 04 S4R.  I have searched around and found some conflicting info.  I am pretty sure it is 15/39 but just want to make sure.  Unfortunatly my bike is in the shop so I can't count it.  I think I am going to get a AFAM quick change steup and go 3 up on the rear as I hear it is prefered going up on the rear as opposed to down on the front.  Still on the fence with the 520 setup though. 

All the quick change setups I have seen are for a 520 chain.  They are also pretty pricey.  It is a lot of money when you can get the same gearing change by just putting a $35 14 tooth front sprocket on.  Ducati even sells a 14 tooth sprocket.  It won't cause any problems.  If you adjust your chain properly after installing it you won't have any clearance issues.  The difference in diameter is minuscule. 

[LA]

I've run most of the ratios you can easily get and I like the 14/43 best overall. 

I think the price of the quick change carrier is worth it as a one piece rear sprocket cost about the same.  For instance, Ca-Cycle Works list a one piece Stealth rear sprocket for just over $160 and a Afam 520 quick change with one sprocket for just over $160 - I think? 

The honest to goodness OEM rear sprocket is more expensive than the Stealth too. 

Going to a 520 is almost 2 lbs. lighter and if you use an aluminum sprocket, that's unsprung weight to boot.

If you have to ride the super slab 50% of the time, it might be best to use the 14/42 though.

LA