Installed a Pro-tek 16 tooth front sprocket today and wish I had sooner!!!

[RobZ900]

Originally Posted by 3alfa3

15/42 makes the wheelbase 8.52mm longer. If a 112 link chain is used, the wheelbase is 7.44 mm shorter.

Whichever way, 8mm is tiny, so not really an issue.

[Zed62]

+1 on the wheel base topic.  You can feel the difference.  Not a problem usually, but it changes the handling. 

[Zed62]

Update: I am loving the taller gearing.  The Z900 engine is so tractable and the fuel economy is great as we are now at over $2.00/liter for ethanol free 94 octane in BC this summer.

[Andreasy]

I'm also considering the 16t front or maybe both front and rear (41-43 rear). Can someone explain, when it is necessary to either change to longer chain or cut links from existing? If I just change the front to 16 will I need to change chain? and if I change rear as well to 42 or 41? In general when do you consider changing to longer chain?

And also, this discussion about removing the rubber from front sprocket, in which case do you need to remove it? because I see that it serves a good purpose

[Zed62]

Regarding the rubber on the front sprocket,  I do not believe that people are removing it, but most aftermarket sprockets do not come with it. The rubber seems to make it a bit quieter.

[Andreasy]

what about chain size? how do I know if existing chain will be sufficient if change to 16/41 or 42 or if I'll need to get bigger?

[rucierw]

114 still fits on 15/42....

[rucierw]

How did you get that to fit I tried doing install on a 16 up front  And it wouldn't clear the chain guide inside the sprocket cover

[NickH1994]

I wanted to provide an update for anyone who cares. I have now gone back and forth a handful of times. Started with the stock 15 tooth. Installed the Pro-Tek 16 tooth. Back to stock and now have a rubber JT 16 tooth. It's been a little over 3k miles since I made the initial swap.

With the 16 tooth installed I can tell a difference in the flat out acceleration especially in the lower gears from a stop and in 6th gear trying to pass without down shifting.

Part of me really likes the acceleration I feel with the 15 tooth when I really rip the throttle and race from red light to red light lol.

On the other hand I love the taller gearing and how the bike feels overall when cruising around with the 16 tooth. There really isn't that much acceleration lost and the top end seems to gain more. I'm always cruising in lower gears with the slightly lower RPM and the overall feel of the bike is better with the 16 tooth installed.

At this time I am going to continue using the JT 16 tooth, but in the future when I get a new chain I may go back to the stock 15 tooth front and play with the rear a little to find a nice middle ground. The 16 tooth is almost perfect for my riding style only if it gave a little more acceleration.

I recently had the bike tuned and it really rips now. I am curious about putting the 15 tooth back on to see how much of a difference it may make.

I still recommend trying the 16 tooth for anyone still using the stock setup.

[RobZ900]

Just a thought, but you seem torn between the 2. A change of 1 tooth on the front is equivalent to a change of 3 teeth on the back. Could you not try a middle ground by keeping the 15 tooth on the front and dropping the rear by 2 teeth. That would get you 2/3 of the change the 16 tooth front does, so maybe a happy medium