anybody running 15t/45t sprockets on xt600?
 

hi. i ordered a 'standard' chain and sprocket kit the other day and when it arrived it had a 45t rear sprocket and im currently running a 40t. im off to africa on it this weekend, so will be doing a lot of off road (once i get there!) so am not overly fussed, but i wondered how much of a difference (too much?) it'll make? any thoughts? cheers, karl.

E-models use 15-45 stock.

I think you will hate the high rpm's of the 45, if the 40tooth suited you before.

But use it until you can source another, or fit a 16cs sprocket with it, to give you something in between.

Hi Karl,

I'd say there is going to be a big difference if you put the 45 tooth sprocket on.

A lot more fun off road, but the bike will be revving a lot more on the road on the "transition" stages (all through Europe!)

Not sure for the XT's but standard for the new Tenere is 45/15. The older ones (34L, 55W, 3AJ) is 40/15.

Good Luck in Africa.

I am running a 15/45 on my 86. I replaced a 14/42 and chain with the larger sprockets. Stock is 15/42 on the 80's XT600. This is the perfect gearing for the mountains in Colorado. It is good for running around town too, not too good for long distances, but I don't do that anyway....

I thought the earlier models were geared down more compared to the later E models?

Anyway, I like the 15/45 on my 1990. It seems like it lacks some of the low down grunt of the previous model but it will cruise on the freeway no problem. The bike will happily putt along at 75-85mph in 5th gear, and 4th pulls hard from 50mph up to 85ish when it redlines.

The 90 and up (IIRC) has taller gearing in the transmission so it'll probably be different for your bike.

Edit: Nvm, the older models had higher gearing.

I like the 15/45 its good for everything!

went for a spin today and basicly i think for the trip it will be fine. i reccon all the gears have shifted down 1, so ive lost 5th as it were, but gained 1 really low down.

otherwise try to pick up something like a 42T rear and fit it on the bike somewhere, the chain should fit it and if it turns out to be more highway speeds you can toss it on to drop the rpms down.