GS550L 18 Tooth front sprocket

[Smart_Ace8]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in dropping the RPMs on my 1980 GS550L and I would like to make my gears last a bit longer for some highway cruising this year. My brother recommended switching the front 15 tooth stock sprocket with a new 18 tooth front sprocket. Has anyone ever done this before? Will this set up work with the stock rear sprocket and chain for GS550L?

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks,

Dain

[Nessism]

Hi Dain, your brother is nuts; a three tooth change is too much - first gear would be killer tall plus the engine isn't designed to lug around, it wants to spin. Try one tooth. You will need a longer chain but your current chain may be able to accomidate if the rear wheel is in the middle to rear in the chain adjustment slot on the swingarm.

[Smart_Ace8]

He put an 18 tooth on his GS400 and loves it. What would be the risk of trying the 18 tooth on the GS550L? If its that bad would a 17 tooth be ok to use?

[Suzuki_Don]

I would think that an 18 tooth sprocket would not fit and if you did manage to get it on then it would probably mangle the clutch pushrod.

[Smart_Ace8]

Does anyone know if there is a size chart for front sprockets on a GS550L? I have searched high and low. Would anyone know off the top of their head what the max size would be? 16? 17? is there anyway to measure it? Thanks.

[kochic]

The size goes from 13-17t in front and 38-52t in rear.
As a rule, 1 tooth less or more on the front sprocket is the same as 3
teeth less or more on the rear sprocket for the same ratio.
Marc

[Smart_Ace8]

Thanks for the help everyone. I purchased a 16 tooth this afternoon.