How much speed can be increased by changing from 15 to 17 teeth on a motorcycle?
3 Answers
Changing from 15 to 17 teeth on a motorcycle can increase the speed by 6 km/h. The following is relevant information about motorcycle gears: 1. Definition: A gear refers to a mechanical component on the rim of a wheel that continuously meshes to transmit motion and power. The application of gears in transmission has existed for a long time. With the development of production, the smooth operation of gears has gained importance. 2. Working principle: Each protruding part on the gear used for meshing. Generally speaking, these protruding parts are arranged radially. The teeth of the paired gears come into contact with each other, resulting in the continuous meshing operation of the gears.
From the perspective of gear transmission, changing the motorcycle's sprocket ratio from 15 to 17 teeth can increase the top speed by approximately 10% to 15%, depending on the engine performance and tire size. If the original front sprocket had 15 teeth, switching to 17 teeth increases the gear ratio, allowing the bike to go faster at the same engine RPM, but torque will decrease, potentially making acceleration from a stop in city riding slightly slower. Fuel consumption may increase slightly due to higher engine load. I recommend checking chain and drivetrain compatibility before modification to avoid excessive wear or slippage. Additionally, high-speed cruising will be more stable, but don’t expect it to push the bike to its absolute limit—safety first! Always maintain control while riding and be mindful of braking distance due to increased speed. Overall, the modification isn’t too difficult, but it’s best to have a professional shop evaluate whether your bike model is suitable to avoid damage.
As a rider, I'd like to share some practical experience: After switching from a 15-tooth to a 17-tooth sprocket, my top speed increased by 10% to 15%, and the bike felt noticeably smoother at 100km/h. However, acceleration from traffic lights in the city became sluggish, with slower RPM buildup and slightly higher fuel consumption. The modification isn't expensive—just replacing the sprocket and chain with some tuning—but don't overlook potential risks. For instance, the engine faces greater stress at high speeds, which could lead to premature wear over time. Additionally, reduced control makes the bike more prone to slipping, especially in rainy conditions. I recommend test-riding a similarly modified bike first to gauge the performance improvement before deciding. Remember to check tire pressure and chain tension post-modification, as regular maintenance can extend service life. Overall, it's worth it if you're after speed thrills, but not ideal for daily commuting.
