Hello All,
'15 F800 GSA rider. Sorry if this seems repetitive, but I've tried searching round the forum for these specific answers without much luck.
Like many on here, I take issue with engine buzz around 70mph.
I am curious who has geared up the front or rear sprocket, which would be the better/easier option, and if they have reduced engine buzz at the 70mph mark? I've seen maybe switching the front from the 15T to the 17T might be an option?
I've been OK with the buzz, however im going to be doing long highway riding and that 70-75mph is pretty much the sweet spot for me. Im hoping a gear up would reduce the numbness in the hands after riding this speed for long periods.
Coincidentally, I just returned from visiting my daughter and while there her husband helped me install a 16 tooth counter-shaft sprocket (stock is 15) on my KTM Duke 390. On the way home today it had no problem pulling the taller gearing, although vibration has increased slightly due to using the throttle a little more when under a load in 6th gear. Fuel mileage seems to have gone slightly, from 66 to 68 mpg.
Thanks for all the replies.
Thanks for the link. I've just purchased the 17T. I'm sure at some point ill be on a lot more dirt, but at the moment its mostly highway. Ive also invested in Rox anti-vibe risers. Needed the risers anyway so those should help a little. Thanks for the help.
You could also think about fitting an AF-xied from Beemer boneyard . It’s a plug in device designed for the BMW’s that adjusts the fuel mix and helps the engine to run smoother. Plenty of info about it on Adventure rider . I’ve got Oe on order for my gsa.
Thanks for the help. Thought I would report my results since I like others who search to get answers from these threads like I would hope to -
I fitted the 17T, specifically the JT sprocket with the dampener and my goodness, for better or worse, it feels like a different bike. If anyone does highway riding a lot or highway commutes then I recommend this change. Of course, now its more tame so there is the trade off. Thought I would like a few pros and cons. They're pretty obvious, but it might help someone: Pros
- Most importantly less buzz all around. I mean seat, foot, hand buzz. Everywhere feels way more relaxed. The 'sweet spot' has a larger range and 70mph cruising is comfortable. I get 4500rpm at 75mph.
- More forgiving clutch control. Its not going to jump if you dip the clutch too quickly.
- Feels a bit more beginner friendly for anyone who wants to start out on this kind of bike but is a bit afraid of the power.
- Less noise. Lower revs means less noise from the engine
- Not tested, but fairly certain you save some MPGs
Cons
- You take the "Adventure" out of the adventure bike. You tame the beast. It feels more like a road bike and less like it can handle dirt.
- Easy stalls if you are going to tackle low speed/dirt and its going to be harder to get that power in low gears
- Even though this wasnt built for street speed, it does take some fun acceleration away
There are a few others, but the message is pretty clear. If you want to travel across the US to get from point A to B then this is a great swap. If along the way you plan to tackle mountains, rivers, and desert then stick with 16T.
Fortunately the easy swap means I can use the 17T setup for cruising and can swap to the 16T anytime I need.
Thanks again for the help.
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