5% or 10% Higher 5th

[B Murr]

I know there is a choice of 5 or 10% for higher 5th gear on the GS. I believe the 10% requires two gearwheel changes. I have a suspicion that the 10% is for race purposes and that it may not be appropriate for a bike that has to last a bit longer than a race. I hear that the 5% makes a difference but cant imagine that its much other than about 4-500rpm or so, then again that might be just enough. Would 10% be too much such that you have to change down to 4th when going up hills with luggage? Has anyone here compared them, would the 10% overload bearings?

 

[Rob Farmer]

I cant say I have an issue with the standard gearing. Personally I'd sooner reduce the loading on the output shaft as much as possible. You're going to a lot of trouble and expense to save a few hundred RPM. Of course if your gearbox is being rebuilt anyway then it's not such an issue.

 

[Beemerboff]

5% is around 200 revs at 100 km/hr, and you wont notice that on a well tuned bike.
It is also about twice the difference in revs between some new tires, new to worn out, and you probably dont notice that either
You can get most of the change just by swapping the tire size to one with a larger rolling diameter, and it might even be free.
IMHO worst bang for the buck you can spend on an Airhead, performance wise.