Right now I am running stock gearing on my 03 and I find myself clutching up 1st to get it up at 10 - 15 mph. I was planning on ordering a new chain with a standard front and +12 in the back. The reason I wanted to do this is because I don't want to burn my clutch up so quickly and be able to just power it up. I don't plan on riding the track or over 100mph anymore on this bike. I want something to stunt with, but I didnt want to jump in over my head. I have a couple of questions...

1)Would this eliminate the need to clutch up in 1st gear at those speeds?

2)could this be too aggressive of a gear combo to step into from what I've been doing?

3) what would you recommend for stunting as well as commuting just to and from work (50%/50%)?

 

Not sure about the 03 as they are FI, but I have an 01 with+2 and i can power it up at about 15-20 (though i dont look, its just from feel, and prefer to clutch) and still have enough top end to keep up the the other set of guys i ride the twistes with. I am thinking that a +12 may be a little much, especially commuting..but, to each thier own. and i don't think there is much "too agressive" as long as you keep your head, take it slow and relearn your bike. Good luck.....that is such a vague answer, the more strait answer, I can't think of a reason to go more than +4 on a bike you plan on still rideing on the street.

 

your input is greatly appreciated! I was thinking exactly what you said. I just need to take it slow and relearn the bike. If I don't like it, I'll change it to a smaller one. it's cheaper to go smaller than it is to go larger (as far as the chain).

 

i got an 01 r1 with 10 up in the rear. i use it to go to work every day and it works great for me. i can trottle up 1st pretty easy, but i still use clutch everytime i wheelie. and as for twisties, i still can still pull away from the guys i ride with. all in all, super fun highway bike.

 

1. clutch everything.
2. little much, alot of higher rev, gotta click up to 3rd just to cross the
intersection. Lol.
3. -2 front: very cheap and keep stock chain.