Ozfazer6, thank you for posting the instructions as they were helpful :rockon:.
Finally, I put my Vortex 15T sprocket and Speedohealer v4 on. :cheer:
Just a little bit about the installation: For loosening the front sprocket, I put a piece of wood on top of the swing arm (and across to the other side so the rear wheel spoke will rest on it) to keep the rear wheel from turning while I turned the sprocket bolt counter clockwise. For installing, I stepped on the rear brake with my right foot (while standing to the right of the bike) and then leaning over the bike to turn the sprocket bolt clockwise for tightening. Both methods I got from this forum somewhere. I also used one of those chain alignment tools to realign the chain -- it worked out well.
I ran with 15T sprocket only for about 50 miles.
Some observations:
As with the 16T sprocket, I found that 4th gear RPM divided by 1000 was equal to indicated speedometer speed (e.g., 4K RPM = 40mph indicated). With the Speedohealer, this was still true -- but in 5th gear.
The 15T sprocket puts every gear in a higher RPM (i.e., closer to the power band making the bike that much more responsive). I think it really transforms the bike into something different -- more sporty and an "all-business" feel. With 16T, I rarely used 6th gear as there didn't seem to be enough torque to keep things interesting. With 15T, I finally get to use 6th gear on the highway too. I use 5th gear more now on the back roads when I'm just cruising around and the bike feels very responsive.
The way I ride, I tend to keep the bike in or near the powerband. With the 15T, this works out well even in 6th gear. This is true even on slower back roads.
The Speedohealer v4 is a great addition to this bike -- wow! I now have an actual speedometer and I don't have to calculate my actual speed -- woohoo! Also, I can look at my speedometer and see my speed instead of having to glance at my GPS (smaller speed indicator) to find out my real speed. The v4 has a top speed indicator that requires you to press some button attached to the Speedohealer unit via some long wire -- I won't mount this up (too much clutter).
In the end, I really like this mod and intend to keep it and still will keep the 16T around just in case I want to convert (e.g., to sell the bike or to put myself on "speed/torque probation"). There is one big problem, the torque is much better and the bike gets up to speed a bit faster -- the power is intoxicating and addictive and I need to be more careful to avoid wheelies or excessive speed.
This pic shows what I got when I pressed the "top speed" button :spank:
I think a radar detector may be useful
.
Dennis
I'll finish the handlebar mod this weekend and head over to the local dealer to see if they can order it for me, if not I'll order it online. god I hate winters, doing all these mods and having to wait till the weather's good and the salt has been washed away from the roads...
