Has anyone fitted a 38 rear sprocket on a standard 96 link chain? I decided to go 2 up on the rear rather than 1 down on the front, I've managed to get the chain on but it has the pushed the rear wheel right forward, not touching the swingarm but has shortened the wheel base by a good inch. I should have put a 98 chain on but only ralised that afterwards. I've not been out on it just yet, I think I would have been better off with a 14/36 ratio on a 96 chain to maintain the wheelbase. Maybe a 14/38 then or is that going to be too extreme?
My experience with a 15/39 and longer chain has been very positive. The slightly longer wheelbase is amply compensated for by means of dropping down the forks and raising the rear ride height, so the steering remains sharp. Bear in mind though that I am not a finely tuned racer with micrometer sensitivity to the bike's geometry. I did toy with the idea of attempting to retain the original length chain with the 38 rear sprocket, so I'll be interested if you choose to try it.
I run 14/39 which I found to be a perfect balance between acceleration and not losing to much top end. I was flat out down the straight at Valencia at about 156 mph. somewhere like Silverstone I'd look to maybe stick a 36 rear on
I went out for a quick ride this evening and the 15/38 sprocket on a 96 chain is great, the steering seems a lot quicker too now I have shortened the wheel base. Much better than the constant chuddering and clutch slip required on the 15/36 standard setup.
