Yet another question so I’m going to put a 14t front sprocket on my bike has only done 3400 miles from new so I don’t think I will need to change the chain and rear sprocket so the question is if I put 14t on do I need to replace the chain or will it adjust up with what’s on also is the nut for the front sprocket normal thread or left hand thread thx in advance Also what is the best front sprocket to get anyone got a link please im sure ive read somewhere about a solid or rubber centred sprocket minds confused lol doesnt take much
With that mileage, I wouldn’t bother changing the chain. There’s a torque table somewhere on here that should answer your other question, but be prepared to be patient, getting the old sprocket off and the new one on, takes a bit of time!
I never felt the need to change the gearing in the 1260, it was a huge improvement when I did it on my original 1200 (pre DVT)
Thanks I think it’s the first comment I’ve read on different forums that didnt agree with it on the 1260 so thanks food for thought anyone else any input please
For me, the bike is over geared from standard. 6th ends up something like an overdrive. If you do a lot of touring, I can see the sense. I don’t so it was the best mod (maybe along with the throttle spacers) that I did to the bike. Yes, It accelerates quicker, but there were other benefits. In short, the gearbox made more sense!
Thanks again I’ve just been reading about. 42t rear is better than 14t front is this true if so would I need to replace the standard chain ?
I think you'll have trouble finding a 14T sprocket with the rubber noise damping ring. I couldn't find a 14T with that feature. In reality I found it makes little or no difference. As to brands; I'd be looking at JT, Esjot or AFAM. All can be bought on eBay, just make sure it's from a reputable dealer or sprocket specialist. I agree with @gc6269 that this is one of the better mods for the bike. Combine it with an exhaust servo delete and a throttle spacer to transform low speed riding. As to differences between 14/40 and 15/42. The former goes a little further on the gearing change but worked well for me. Personally, if I were in your position, I'd try the 14/40 option first as to go 15/42 you'd need to buy everything again. Whereas 14/40 you'd just need the front sprocket. I have a 14T JT sprocket in the garage waiting to go onto my 1260 Pikes Peak. Rear sprocket is 1500 miles old and DID Gold ZVMX chain that has less than 500 miles on it. 2500 mile tour in June and no concerns over gearing. Have been here before with my previous 1260.
I found myself constantly needing to shift down a gear with the original setup on my 1260 when touring and wanting to keep the speed limits. For example, if you are at 130km/h, 6th on the gearbox and for some reason you need to drop to 120 or 110km/h and then go back to 130, with the original setup you can't do it without chain slapping and torturing the engine if you remain in 6th. The revs are just too low. With the 15/42 or 14/40 combination you can do it without shifting. Depending on the situation this can get very tedious and frustrating (loaded bike on a 5% steep road), unless you enjoy shifing down all the time, which I don't. I've seen no change in consumption whatsoever at that speed range but the 14T non-damped front sprocket definitely brings some "whistling" noise to my ears (only audible in low speeds though). It's the cheaper solution as custom rear sprockets tend to cost a lot more than front ones. It's the more difficult to do though. You can change the front sprocket without removing/breaking the chain but with a lot of patience and effort. Changing the rear one is easier without breaking the chain. Also, front sprocket does not need a different chain. Rear 42T sprocket needs a longer one to maintain the bike's setup/adjustment clearance.
Hi Bumpkin Ive just tried to fit a new JT rear sprocket to my 1260s as previously discussed the JT sprocket came with the sprocket carrier having assembled it i fitted in the axle but the nut will not go on far enough to allow the retaining clip to fit on. Have you had this problem, i have fitted the collect space?
Hmmm, no. Mine went together without issue. Firstly I assume that the carrier is the correct one for the 1260 as on the JT website. Important that the cush drive inserts are correctly located. Did you fit a different, fancy, sprocket flange at the same time as that might be the cause of your problem? Check that everything, spacers etc, is in the correct place, the parts diagram can be useful here. Here's mine.
Morning thank you for for the info and diagram. Yes all fitted correctly, but the nut will not go on far enough, its about the same amount as the rear spacer (12 on the diagram. I'm wondering if the spacer needs to be removed? The carrier is a JTR760B and the sprocket is JTR763-40
Can you measure the exposed thread you're left with after refitting the sprocket+carrier+flange? I've just recently done this myself with JT sprockets and had no problems. All the original spacers are refitted in the same position as they came out.. Spacers 3 and 12 are different. Just check you've not got them swapped around by mistake...
Hi Yes the spacer 12 is the thicker one, the amount of thread is less than the thickness of the nut. I have decided to sent the carrier and Sprocket backs i believe it's the incorrect carrier as the washer (12) should touch the end of the flange (i maybe wrong). I have ordered a new sprocket that doesn't need the carrier. So hopefully it will all fit as I'm to Spain the following Sunday (17th) But thanks again for your help.
