16 tooth on a 650

[Bem]

Just tried out the 16 tooth front sprocket today rather than the standard 17.
As we have such a low speed limit here I am not too bothered about top speed.
Pleased with the change, means that I now have a choice of 1st, 2nd or 3rd at 25mph.
Checked speedo before and after against GPS, seems to have made no difference.

This change is not for everyone, but I am happy.

 

[steve hughes]

Interesting, please keep us informed on long term feel. Also fuel consumption, how much did it ( if at all) increase.

 

[MBronskill]

I've had the 16-tooth sprocket on mine for over two years. It makes for quicker acceleration and easier throttle control both in town and for light off-road service. No detectable difference in mileage but top speeds are restricted here to 100km/hr (in principle).

Mike

 

[Bem]

Quick update on the sprocket front -
fuel consumption appears to be unaffected (was 62, now 63 over several tank fills)
performance feels a little bit chipper in the lower gears
as noted, able to select one of three gears in any situation rather than one or two = result!

 

[steve hughes]

Makes sense , i was climbing up a local lane the other night , two up 20 mph in first, It really is tall gearing on the f650 twin . Thanks for posting

 

[Tim Cullis]

If the gearbox only had four speeds I could understand the high first gear, but with six ratios to choose from BMW could have had a high top gear and low first gear with the others nicely spread.

But then that would have meant they couldn't use the close ratio box out of the 800S/ST.