Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Gearing up a 2005 XT600E Gearing up a 2005 XT600E
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 26 Mar 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: On the Road
Posts: 235
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu View Post
I would agree, with one small observation. Manufacturers these days are not free to engineer an ideal compromise between performance and economy, because of noise and emissions laws. Two bikes I have owned recently (Ducati 1000 and Yam XT660R) were both badly over-geared in stock form. This is, I understand, to pass noise regs which measure noise at a certain road speed. Gearing the bike up makes it quieter at the measured speed.

Both bikes had useless 1st gear (the Yam wouldn't plod on a trail, and on the Duke I had to feather the clutch on a tight low-speed turn) and a pointlessly-high top speed. I fitted a +1T sprocket to the gearbox on both bikes and they were transformed from a riding point of view, with a useable 1st gear and much better acceleration through the 'normal' road range. It was interesting that, in both cases, the bigger sprocket was available from the manufacturer as an accessory part.

I would argue that, by doing this, I returned the bikes to the gearing that was best for normal use, and that without the noise/emissions regs that is what the manufacturers would have given us in the first place.
Absolutely spot on with these points Richard although the XT was never affected by emissions regs as far as I know. It also underlines the value of freeing the gas flow first and experimenting with gear ratios later.
Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 27 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu View Post
I would agree, with one small observation. Manufacturers these days are not free to engineer an ideal compromise between performance and economy, because of noise and emissions laws. Two bikes I have owned recently (Ducati 1000 and Yam XT660R) were both badly over-geared in stock form. This is, I understand, to pass noise regs which measure noise at a certain road speed. Gearing the bike up makes it quieter at the measured speed.

Both bikes had useless 1st gear (the Yam wouldn't plod on a trail, and on the Duke I had to feather the clutch on a tight low-speed turn) and a pointlessly-high top speed. I fitted a +1T sprocket to the gearbox on both bikes and they were transformed from a riding point of view, with a useable 1st gear and much better acceleration through the 'normal' road range. It was interesting that, in both cases, the bigger sprocket was available from the manufacturer as an accessory part.

I would argue that, by doing this, I returned the bikes to the gearing that was best for normal use, and that without the noise/emissions regs that is what the manufacturers would have given us in the first place.
Think you may have made a typo, gearbox sprocket needs to be smaller to reduce the ratio. Other than that I agree with your sentiments entirely.
Fortunately on modern bikes it is easy to get at and change a gearbox sprocket. Sadly not so for the pre EFI Enfields.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 27 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
Fortunately on modern bikes it is easy to get at and change a gearbox sprocket. Sadly not so for the pre EFI Enfields.
Same with me old 1969 Trumpet - REMOVE:

Footrest
brake pedal
primary casing
clutch assembly
undo really tight nut
Clutch hub & alternator c/w primary drive chain
Catch 20 x small clutch hub rollers
remove sprocket cober & seal
undo another really tight nut
remove drive sprocket

Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 28 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigford View Post
Same with me old 1969 Trumpet - REMOVE:

Footrest
brake pedal
primary casing
clutch assembly
undo really tight nut
Clutch hub & alternator c/w primary drive chain
Catch 20 x small clutch hub rollers
remove sprocket cober & seal
undo another really tight nut
remove drive sprocket
At least with the Triumph you don't have to remove the inner casing of the primary drive there is an access hatch behind the clutch. On an Enfield you need four special tools, three pullers and a clutch locking tool, although it is possible to bodge the clutch locking tool. I have to say it is not a job I am looking forwards to. Still it is more mechanically efficient than the modern ones and I cant afford to waste any HP.
Incidentally, if you remove the 20 rollers, there is no need on a Triumph to remove the engine sprocket. I learned this at the side of a road in the middle of the moors in 1964. (duff batch of clutch sprockets from Qualcast).
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 31 Mar 2010
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
Think you may have made a typo, gearbox sprocket needs to be smaller to reduce the ratio. Other than that I agree with your sentiments entirely.
Fortunately on modern bikes it is easy to get at and change a gearbox sprocket. Sadly not so for the pre EFI Enfields.
Oops, thanks for spotting that. Yes, I meant -1T, not +1T. From 15 to 14 in each case, IIRC.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Posts: 126
I'm thinking about dropping my gearing, -1T on the front, as I find first gear too tall for town traffic and off-road. Am I right in thinking that I actually won't change the top speed at all as my bike doesn't have the power to rev out in top gear anyway, I'll just hit a similar top speed, but at higher revs?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2 Apr 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I have an almost new (10 miles) 41T rear sprocket made by JT, if anyone is interested in trying it out.

It's great with a 16T front but too long with the standard 15T in my opinion.

£10 (inc p&p)..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 3 Apr 2010
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Quote:
Originally Posted by -ralph- View Post
I'm thinking about dropping my gearing, -1T on the front, as I find first gear too tall for town traffic and off-road. Am I right in thinking that I actually won't change the top speed at all as my bike doesn't have the power to rev out in top gear anyway, I'll just hit a similar top speed, but at higher revs?
Yes, pretty much. You might lose a few mph at the top, but it will be in the 80/90 mph area where it hardly matters. My 660R was geared for about 110, which is crazy for a trail/enduro bike. You gain a lot more than you lose.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 7 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: greatstone, kent
Posts: 5
altering gear ratio's
hi all, my 97' xt6e is down with an electrical prob at the mo & i thought while working on it i'll do chain & sprockets as well.........been thinking 'bout altering gearing for a while as i often do a 60 mile evening trip, lack of speed on the return leg is getting me down & i dont like making the engine "scream".
parts supplier near me said try bike alert in london, their website allows you to enter your model bike & gives you recommended stock chain/sprocket settings as well as ratio's according to altering front or rear sprocket size.
mind you im still confused lol, im aiming for comfortable 80ish cruising speed, gonna start with stock 15 front, 43 rear & new 520/106 chain, & see how that is ?.
heres link to their website, although i dont think they deal direct with the public, trade only.........

www.bikealert.com: Home

JT Sprockets: Catalogue
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 7 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Try Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Gearing Ratio Sprocket RPM Speed Chain Calculator and/or search the forum, theres a lot of info outthere.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Xt600e gearing, as low as possible Jens Eskildsen Yamaha Tech 2 5 Nov 2009 23:17
xt600e gearing? wot you got/recommend? carwyn Yamaha Tech 19 19 Dec 2008 12:54
KLR 650 Gearing bravnug Kawasaki Tech 4 5 Oct 2006 05:39
AT gearing adamiko Honda Tech 3 30 Aug 2005 01:50
XR 600 Gearing XR Max 600 Honda Tech 0 29 Apr 2003 01:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top