front sprocket change....need minor info

[tkg1061]

1981 GS450 S: how difficult is it to change the front sprocket one size up.would it help for a more cruising speed and not wind the rpm's? That's my goal.I do not have a repair manual yet.Wondering if I remove the side engine cover to locate the sprocket,if there is any oil behind the cover and do I need to drain it and order new gaskets.If anyone could help,it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

[ryonker]

1981 GS450 S: how difficult is it to change the front sprocket one size up.would it help for a more cruising speed and not wind the rpm's? That's my goal.I do not have a repair manual yet.Wondering if I remove the side engine cover to locate the sprocket,if there is any oil behind the cover and do I need to drain it and order new gaskets.If anyone could help,it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

It's really easy; except the bolts are often frozen. I have done this twice (on two bikes) and I ended up having to drill off the heads of about 6 bolts. No big deal though; you'll want to replace those anyway with allen head bolts.

No oil behind the case there--just air and lots of muck.

No gaskets either. You will want to replace both sprockets and chain as a set. Otherwise the parts will wear out quicker.

You can significantly reduce rpms with the right sprocket set. Just call Z1 enterprises and they will walk you through the purchase of correct sizes.

Also, you will need a 32mm socket to get the nut off that holds the sprocket on. An impact/air driver makes quick work of getting that nut off. Take the nut off before you remove the chain. It also helps to have the bike in gear.

Rick

[Larry D]

No oil behind the sprocket cover. Those phillips head screws can be a pain to get out though.... after you get them out, replace them with hex head bolts. Not sure about your bike, but mine are different lengths, make sure to keep them straight.

As far as sprocket sizing goes, I recommend calling Jeff at Z1. He's done hundreds of chain/sprocket combos and can help you get the right combo for your needs.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/

[Steve]

It's not all that difficult. Just remove the cover over the sprocket. There should not be any oil there, but there might be a lot of crud that has been thrown off the chain.

Be sure to loosen the sprocket nut before you remove the chain. Put the bike in gear (top gear works best), either put the bike against a wall or have a friend step on the rear brake pedal, remove the nut.

Be careful when adding teeth to the front sprocket. Make sure you have enough room under the chain guard. Adding just one tooth will likely not be a problem. Although your engine speed will come down just a bit, it won't be much. You might not see any more gas mileage, either, as the engine will be pulled down into a range that be what's needed for that road speed and you will have to add more throttle. Another side effect of adding a tooth is that acceleration will be reduced. On larger bikes with power to spare, that is not much of a problem, but your 450 will definitely be slower off the line.

Just to give you a heads-up.

.