Hi, I have a 1200S Multistrada. I’ve seen a lot of recommendations to change the front sprocket from 15 teeth to 14 teeth as this seems to offer a number of benefits. Does anyone have any experience with this please?
I ran my road 1200 with a 14 tooth front sprocket for tens of thousands of miles without any adverse wear and tear or reduced life on chains and sprockets. The benefit of dropping 1 tooth is you don’t need to change the number of links in the chain. On the 1200 I use as my track bike, I went up 3 teeth on the rear but had to increase the number of links on the chain by 2. That too has proved to be very successful. Andy
Found the mod very beneficial for riding. Thought it did produce more chain noise, presumably more friction on guides. Have had no problems through doing it.
This is another mod I have planned for the next couple of months ready for the Spring, I even ordered a sprocket over the weekend. All the research I've done on here and elsewhere suggests it's really worth while.
If just changing the front sprocket, on the 1260 at least, it's a bugger getting the front sprocket off without splitting the chain. The chain fouls the casing. You can slacken off the rear and remove the chain there to give you a lot more wiggle room, might be easier with a worn chain but last time I did this the chain was practically new. Some have ground a tooth or two off the the old front sprocket to help.
Go up 2 teeth on the rear. Less wear. The bike will be much happier at 30mph. I’ve done it. Recommend.
