Sprockets

[2019z900]

What would an 8.7% torque increase feel like? 1 tooth down front sprocket. 1 tooth up rear sprocket.

[Led Zed 70]

Wheelie machine like a MT09😎

[Zaniac948]

  I was really rusty, from not having ridden for years, when I got my Z9. I'd sometime forget to downshift all the way to first when I rolled to a stop.        So much torque on tap that it would pull away in second without slipping the clutch.  If you love constant wheelies, gearing down might be the answer for you but these beasts already come up very easily!

[Led Zed 70]

Yeah I went the other way one up in front to calm the beast a little! Still has plenty low down grunt just not as many unexpected wheelies now!

[Chrisc]

One up in the front made an awesome bike better...

[kevperro]

I'm planning three down in the rear with a 520 conversion once my chain is toast. 

[Chrisc]

I can defo say one up in the front made a huge difference, with no noted change in acceleration. Chain sounded quieter too...

[kevperro]

A  16/44 is the most common adjustment I see made because it only changes one sprocket (the front) and has no impact on chain length.   

If you are swapping out both sprockets and the chain it makes the most sense to me to go 15/41 which is almost identical to the 16/44 gear ratio, but you have 2-links shorter chain, and the sprockets see the same link far less often, promoting even wear.       Weight is less because the rear sprocket is smaller, and the chain is 2-links shorter.   It would be minimal but hey... unsprung weight always matters in my book.   The effective length between the center of the front sprocket and the center of the axle is about 1/8" shorter, which is fine. 

Doing the 520 conversion, the cost is about the same as replacing it all with 525 components so I don't really see a downside.    The better 520 chains will easily handle the z900 power.   

[Chrisc]

I see what your saying, makes sense.
May consider that when changed, but only done 3000 miles.