FZ1 Sprocket Exchange: Part II – The Ride

If I had to sum up the difference between the 17 tooth and 15 tooth front sprocket it would be something like:
Say goodbye to the mundane daily commuter and hello to the twitchy street fighter.

I have since reverted back to the 17 tooth front sprocket but the 15 was fun while it lasted. The reserved FZ1 was not eager to get up into the rev range. After a few days though, I found the performance to be too jerky and it felt less powerful than previous. This is due to the decreased torque from the smaller front sprocket.

When I change my chain and sprockets again, I intend to keep the 17 in the front but go two up in the rear. This should smoother in delivery and potential more powerful my seat. I haven’t done it yet because it is significantly more expensive but you can count on me blogging about it when it happens.

Happy riding!

3 thoughts on “FZ1 Sprocket Exchange: Part II – The Ride

  1. Actually, this is backwards. The smaller sprocket up front increases the amount of torque, which is what made it twitchy to you. It gets you into the fun zone quicker because of the shorter gearing, thus making the torque of the engine available to you quicker. The stock sprocket offers lower revs, but also slower revving, thus making available torque come on later.

  2. Hello Troy,
    Thanks for your comment. You are correct that it gets to the fun zone quicker, I think what I meant to say was that it decreases the leverage the engine has on the rear wheel because the chain is closer to the fulcrum point due to the smaller sprocket.
    Either way, the real solution is to change out the transmission all together to get the gearing I want. 🙂
    Take care and happy riding.
    – Jeremy

  3. Pingback: Yamaha FZ1 with larger rear sprocket | jeremy​blanchard | blahg

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