New front sprocket

[andym]

I have just bought a 14 tooth front sprocket for the 696 and it has come a little faster than I was expecting. (Good work CA cycleworks) 

Now the begging begins. Is anyone, or a whole gang, able to help me fit this?  When I say help I mean HELP, I have no tools and do not what to do. 

[calscrazy]

new parts means excuse to buy new tools. i can help but it would be awhile. you might try rich or rich or even call randy.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

randy does great work, and does it fast.  and the cool part is you can watch exactly what's going on as he's doing it.

and drink scott's beer      it's really straightforward though...just a couple hex bolts holding it on.  not sure if the chain will clear the slave cylinder on the 696 or not without taking the chain off first before removing the sprocket.

[andym]

Can someone PM me Randy's number?

I'll probably get him to do it so I know it's done right.

[calscrazy]

pm sent!!

[andym]

Randy fitted the new sprocket last night.

I'd first like to say what a great way to have work done on the bike, watching Randy work, have him answer any questions and give advice whilst I just stand there drinking Scott's beer. 

The sprocket is great, you really feel the difference dropping down to 14 teeth.  The bike feels more responsive and does not get bogged down if the revs drop.

I rode home up 35 and along 635 last night and up the tollway this morning and this was good too, I was a little concerned that freeway riding might be effected but it was actually better, I was going close to the speed limit and could just use the throttle to change speed when needed.

I look forward to trying it out with a bit more varied riding.  [moto]

[Slag]

Great news! Thanks for the update Andy. Catie is interested in this mod. Might just have to do it 

[pipeliner1978]

Great news! Thanks for the update Andy. Catie is interested in this mod. Might just have to do it 

front, rear and  chain

[pipeliner1978]

front, rear and  chain

and when you're done.........work on her bike 

[Slag]

front, rear and  chain

and when you're done.........work on her bike 

   Nice!

[fastwin]

Andy,

You are right. It's nice to have Randy wrench on your bike. Great guy, does great work, has lots of good info/stories... but somehow I have missed Scott's beer. What's up with that?

Glad you liked the mod results. That's a popular and affordable one.

[cdc]

Going with the front sprocket first is a great idea as I have done it to two different bikes.  After several thousand miles, I had a better idea what combination of ratios, front/rear sprocket, I wanted.  When it came time for a chain replacement, I switched back to a 15 tooth front sprocket and a larger rear sprocket of my choice.

For the Monster, the original 15/39 ('05 M1000S) gearing is now 15/43 with a lightened chain too.  When it had the 14 tooth front sprocket that would be roughly a little less than a 15/42 combination. 

The '02 ST4S went from the original 15/38 to the front sprocket swap 14/38 (equal to < 15/41) to the current 15/41.  A friend with the same bike has his at 15/42 which he is happy with.  He had changed from a 15/43 setup. 

Everyone will have their own favorites.  Most of the time, people will be content with anywhere from 3 to 7 tooth rear sprocket change from stock.  The stiffer the ratio the harder the acceleration, the lower the top speed but also the response to the throttle is more lively.  3 is a good starting point.

enjoy the bike! 

cdc

Does Scott stock diet Pepsi or diet Coke?

[OstOgBajer]

So did you have to remove the slave cylinder? Can you just pull it out a little to get the chain off?

I am trying to replace the front sprocket on my 696 but I will have to break the chain if I can't get that slave cylinder out of the way.

Any advice anyone? Could really use it.

[webspoke]

I had to remove the slave on my M750 to do the job.  Left the hydraulics hooked up, just unbolt and shift out of the way abit.

[sdlrodeo]

I too liked the 14t front sprocket as a cheap way of testing the gearing. However, I'd recommend saving the 15t so that when time comes and you need a new chain you can up the rear sprocket size instead. This is beneficial in two ways that I know of: A) larger radius for the chain to turn around means less wear on the chain and B) a larger front sprocket keeps the chain farther away  from the swingarm.
Just my thoughts. By the way, 15/42 is awesome on the ST4s!
Steve