KLR650 16 tooth sprocket
Changed my work location so I will be doing much more highway riding then before.
Sustaining highway cruise speed seems to be getting to me as increased vibration and the motor seems to be in the upper section of the rev range. Although i believe that i won't be putting too much strain on the motor, i do believe that changing the sprocket from a standard 15tooth to a more freeway orientated 16tooth would bring down the revs and vibration significantly and result in a more sustainable and relaxed highway cruise.
I went down to my local Kawa dealer and picked up the magic sprocket for a cool R230 and proceeded wit the install.
The install took me about 1 hr as this was my first time.
Next time should take me about 30 min.
The biggest time waster was adjusting the chain to the correct tension as i wanted to nail this exactly.
I have included the method that i used to do this in a step by step guide.
I'm sure more that more comprehensive guides are available on the web but this is what worked for me and details difficulties that i had that someone else might also run into.
Checks to perform before getting started:
- Verify that you have actually bought a 16 tooth sprocket by counting the teeth on the new sprocket. (there should be 16)
- Check that you have the correct tools for the job laid out on the work bench for easy access
- Check that you have this crude manual on hand for reference
- Check that you will have sufficient daylight time to do this (set aside at least 1 hr)
- Have a container handy for the bolts that you will be removing
- If you have a center stand or bike lift, that would make it very easy to work on the bike, else you can do without
Instructions:
Firstly you’ll need the following tools:
- 16 tooth front sprocket for the 2008 KLR650
- 10mm socket to remove the chain/sprocket cover
- 27mm socket to remove the sprocket
- Large socket wrench (torque wrench would be ideal)
Let’s get to it:
- Use the 10mm socket to remove the three bolts that secure the chain/sprocket cover.
- Use the 27mm socket and torque wrench to remove the nut that secures the 15 tooth sprocket to the KLR. The nut is a regular thread, turn counter clockwise to remove. Note:Remove the 27mm nut can be difficult and if you’re not careful your KLR can lurch forward and drop off the stand. To avoid this, I sat on my KLR with my right foot on the rear break and my left foot on the ground, then (with the rear brake applied) I pulled up on the torque wrench until I heard a snap and the nut released.
- Once the nut and washer have been removed simply remove the 15 tooth sprocket and insert the 16 tooth sprocket.
- Simply reverse the process to complete the install.
*Make sure to double-check your chain tension with the 16 tooth sprocket in place. I noticed that there was far too much tension on my chain and had to complete a chain adjustment as well. Not including the chain adjustment, changing the the 16 tooth sprocket took me approximately 20 minutes. Now that I know how to do it, I’m sure that I could complete the task in 10 to 15 minutes.
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| 15 tooth sprocket (still looks good) |
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| Picture of Installed 16 tooth sprocket |
Review
After riding with for a month with this new sprocket I do believe that this is the best mod that you can do to your bike. I cant explain it but the bike feels much more at ease and actually more lively than with the 15 tooth. No more cruising thru parking lots in second gear. Vibration has decreased a lot and the bike just feels more willing and more comfortable at sustained high speeds. I would definitely recommend this for any person that travels on highways often and even for the person who does the run around town it will still be worth it
Awesome Thanks
ReplyDeleteRick