Advantage/Disadvantage of smaller front sprocket

I have heard that going to a smaller front sprocket makes your bike quicker and easier to wheelie.  I'm not sure about this so can anyone tell me what the deal is??!!?

I was told to think of it like a bicycle chain, the smaller the front sprocket the easier it is to turn the chain.
 
BUT supposedly the stock front sprocket is dampened and most replacements (If not all) are not dampened. Therefore you will get more lash with a smaller front sprocket.
 
Most around here go to a larger rear sprocket instead. -1 in the front = +2 in the rear. So you can go up two sizes in the rear and get the same effect.
 
Also you will lose top end with this mod but since most don't go up to 180 on a regular basis its usually not a big deal.

quote:

ORIGINAL: tomc1965

I was told to think of it like a bicycle chain, the smaller the front sprocket the easier it is to turn the chain.

BUT supposedly the stock front sprocket is dampened and most replacements (If not all) are not dampened. Therefore you will get more lash with a smaller front sprocket.

Most around here go to a larger rear sprocket instead. -1 in the front = +2 in the rear. So you can go up two sizes in the rear and get the same effect.

Also you will lose top end with this mod but since most don't go up to 180 on a regular basis its usually not a big deal.

i went to a 15t  from a 16 tooth on my 06-this is the way the bike should have came from the factory-sure i lost a few mph on top end  but who rides at 175? i used a driven sprocket-true it's not dampened like the oem- i experienced no lash-best mod for $30-get it from brad @ superbikesupply-phil

Dampened?  I don't know what that means but I  think I'll just leave it alone.

I think I'll just leave it stock, I thought you just simply changed the front sprocket -1 tooth.  Thanks for posting you answered my questions.  I don't want to risk "lashing".

There's no "lashing" or anything like that. You just get a little bit more vibration. Hardly noticable. I went down a tooth on my front a few thousand miles ago and love it! i noticed a little extra vibration for about 50 miles, but it was so minute that i quickly got used to it. Deff the best 30 bucks you can spend!

Sorry my bad. I read it on here somewhere that it vibrated more and the stock did not . I guess thats not the same thing.
I know many of you go for a -1 in the front and a +2 in the rear (At same time), or +2 to +3 in rear only, or -1 in front only.
Any reason for one over the other if the vibration is not bad? Is the only reason to be able to keep the stock chain?
Would going +1 in the rear do anything noticeable?

    you wouldnt really notice a lot with just a +1 in the rear.
-1 in the front will change the gear ration like a +2.5ish in the rear supposedly.
popular is -1/+1 or +2 and going to a 520 pitch

vibration isnt so bad, the oem one is big and heavy (i lost a half a pound from oem to a 15T 520 one)
so it cuts down on any vibration. the new one will buzz you feet a little if you are wearing sandals or sneakers but I have never noticed any vibration in my Astar boots.  a too loose chain will cause more lash than this mod.

Plus your speedo and odometer will be off about 10% high with the gear change...so you need $100 for a Speedo Healer!!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: blas32

Plus your speedo and odometer will be off about 10% high with the gear change...so you need $100 for a Speedo Healer!!!

then he already needs a healer-honda speedo's are off stock from the factory-i noticed zero vibration using a driven front 15t sprocket

quote:

ORIGINAL: openclasspro

quote:

ORIGINAL: blas32

Plus your speedo and odometer will be off about 10% high with the gear change...so you need $100 for a Speedo Healer!!!

then he already needs a healer-honda speedo's are off stock from the factory-i noticed zero vibration using a driven front 15t sprocket

very true
mine on the dyno read 185 while the dyno speedo read 176 while doing a baseline run

OKay.............Should I do it or not do it...yes or no?

try  it-takes 15 minutes to swap it back if you don't like it-highly recommend driven brand sprocket-brad has em at www.superbikesupply.com  i said you won't miss the top end speed-makes all the gears more useable on the street-imho-phil

Thanks buddy, I will check it out!

I went with a 15t and it has made a world of difference.  Only been on a few days and still tryin to get used to it but i agree this is what shoulda come stock on my 1000rr.  Gonna go +2 in the rear. 

quote:

ORIGINAL: txlitre

I went with a 15t and it has made a world of difference.  Only been on a few days and still tryin to get used to it but i agree this is what shoulda come stock on my 1000rr.  Gonna go +2 in the rear. 

that's what i'm talkin about!
x2-phil

quote:

ORIGINAL: vjhils

I think I'll just leave it stock, I thought you just simply changed the front sprocket -1 tooth.  Thanks for posting you answered my questions.  I don't want to risk "lashing".

 
i did one down in the front and it makes the bike much more friendly.  i wish i would have done it from the day i bought it.  i have ZERO lashing issues.  1 down in the front is actually equivalent to around 2.625 on the back if you are going from a 16/42 set up.  also 1 down in the front allows you keep the existing chain, up in the back requires a longer chain. 
 
it is very easy, and inexpensive, so if you do not like it you can always go back.
 
 

Sorry to bring up an old post, but I had a question as to whether using a smaller sproket will make the front end pick up easier than it all ready does. Especially in gears 2 and 3 etc.

quote:

ORIGINAL: cbrfireman

Sorry to bring up an old post, but I had a question as to whether using a smaller sproket will make the front end pick up easier than it all ready does. Especially in gears 2 and 3 etc.

yes but with proper body position it wont be a problem

quote:

ORIGINAL: cbrfireman

Sorry to bring up an old post, but I had a question as to whether using a smaller sproket will make the front end pick up easier than it all ready does. Especially in gears 2 and 3 etc.

maybe you shouldn't be on a liter bike then if this is a problem?

No, I never said it would be a problem. I was mostly asking out of curiosity based on how it would feel when under hard acceleration.  I have not  had a problem controlling the throttle in stock trim, Im sure with the added performance I will still be able to use the same control I have been, while at the same time utilizing the performance the way I want.