Gearing changes...good or bad idea?

[Anonymous]

Hey all,
Now that I have fixed the leaking oil seal (thanks all), and I am riding more I am noticing that my 83 1100E, is smooth a silk at 55 mph ( the national speed limit in the 80's for our younger friends, terrible times), But it is somewhat buzzy at now legal cruising speeds.
My questions are: worth while to change to a slightly taller sprocket ratio?
2. are the different sprockets even available any more"
3. If it is worth while, any recommendations on tooth changes, and how much would I loose in acceleration ( My 1100 pulls pretty hard, but I am around the 260 lb mark ).

thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Derrick

[Anonymous]

ok,
changed my search criteria and found a host of info on the 530 chain conversion, so that answers some of my questions, but I still wonder if it is worth while on my 1100e and are there any suggestions on ratios?

thanks,
Derrick

[earlfor]

Re: Gearing changes...good or bad idea?

I think the sprockets you would need are still available in #630 through Dennis Kirk. My feeling is if you ride a lot in the 65-70 mph range, then its worthwhile to change ratios. I think the stock sprockets for the E are 15 42. So, that drive ratio is 2.8 Increasing the smooth cruising speed from 55 to 70 mph for the same rpm is going to require about a 27% taller gear ratio. Thats a pretty big change, particularly for the bike considering a 260 lb rider. You may not be happy with the reduction in performance. I'm also inclined to think that would cancel a reasonable ability to carry a passenger of any size. I probably would not go below a ratio of 2.5, all things considered. To ratio speed and vibration levels as youre hoping for would require a ratio of about 2.1

Earl

Hey all,
Now that I have fixed the leaking oil seal (thanks all), and I am riding more I am noticing that my 83 1100E, is smooth a silk at 55 mph ( the national speed limit in the 80's for our younger friends, terrible times), But it is somewhat buzzy at now legal cruising speeds.
My questions are: worth while to change to a slightly taller sprocket ratio?
2. are the different sprockets even available any more"
3. If it is worth while, any recommendations on tooth changes, and how much would I loose in acceleration ( My 1100 pulls pretty hard, but I am around the 260 lb mark ).

thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Derrick

[Anonymous]

thanks Earl,
I guess I should have done the math before posting my question, I am not sure I want to give up that much performance.
Maybe I wil hunt or other ways to reduce the handlebar buzz, a little slower is ok, ( My riding style is a little more relaxed at 40 than it was at 20), but SSLLLOOWWW.... is always bad!

thanks
Derrick

[earlfor]

THE number 1 vibration reducing solution I have found is a really good carb synch. Afyours already are well synched, then epoxylead shotting the handlebars and thicker grips may help. I used to by some oversize rubber grips from J.C. Whitney because of vibration. (no, not for the 1150 LOL)

Earl

thanks Earl,
I guess I should have done the math before posting my question, I am not sure I want to give up that much performance.
Maybe I wil hunt or other ways to reduce the handlebar buzz, a little slower is ok, ( My riding style is a little more relaxed at 40 than it was at 20), but SSLLLOOWWW.... is always bad!

thanks
Derrick