Chain Length and Gearing for Ducati 999?

**999nero** · 13 Apr 07, 05:46 PM

Could anyone tell me if i go to 15t front and 38t rear if I need to have a longer chain? While I'm here, I'm running 14t F and 36t R at the moment, am I going to notice much difference? I know I've probably just let the lid off a massive can of worms, SORRY!!

**Triple9** · 13 Apr 07, 06:44 PM

48t!!!

Surely thats a typo??I dont think you can get them bigger than 43t.

**999nero** · 13 Apr 07, 07:00 PM

Ha Ha!! Bonehead, hangovers and computers don't mix!! Have edited it, thanks. I think I've found the answer to my question. Worms everywhere as I thought!

**andyb** · 14 Apr 07, 06:16 AM

The trouble with fitting larger rear sprockets using the std chain is you shorten your wheel base, when ideally you want to lengthen it.

i run 15 40 and fitted a longer chain to a) get around the sprockets, and b) to further lengthen the wheel base, looking for 500mm from swing arm pivot to centre of rear wheel.........

**999nero** · 14 Apr 07, 11:33 AM

Thanks for that was going to have a day of playing with it all today. However weathers too good so just riding it is then!

**Tortuga** · 16 Apr 07, 07:33 AM

I went up 2 teeth on the back sprocket which did shorten the wheel base slightly. It was a good mod and makes the bike handle alot better, the bike turns in much much easier and looses no stability. I did change the tyres at the same time and so this maybe contributed to the sharper handling however one year on the bike still feels great. I fitted Michelin 2ct tyres and they are great, the 2 things together transformed a slow turning beast into a still stable precise surgical intsrument :wink:

**andyb** · 16 Apr 07, 12:16 PM

good job its not like one of them new fangled models swingarm, all looks and no function.........you wouldnt be able to change the rear.... :wink:

**jamesguschi** · 16 Apr 07, 01:07 PM

Now that the can of Worms is opened......

I have myself a 14 / 39 set of sprockets

The gearing that we all have seen on the jap bikes are a lot lower. The standard gearing on my 999 when I first got it was way highly geared. At this setting I find the it was almost at the same as my RX Kawasaki ( not quite ) but close. The acceleration is great and with the big grunt twin it goes good. What I want to know is at a track day is this too much for the Track, obviously the long straights I will be down on top end but the acceleration out of the corners will be better.

**Gizmo** · 16 Apr 07, 02:14 PM

going up at the rear is usually the best option, smaller front increases chain wear, take a read of Shazaam's article I copied here and you'll find out why smaller sprockets on a high torque bike isn't possibly the best alternative.

**jamesguschi** · 16 Apr 07, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo

going up at the rear is usually the best option, smaller front increases chain wear, take a read of Shazaam's article I copied here and you'll find out why smaller sprockets on a high torque bike isn't possibly the best alternative.

Looks like I am a bit drastic at 14/39. It goes like a sh*t of a shovel though.

I might put the 15 back on the front and a 41 on the rear.

**Gizmo** · 16 Apr 07, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesguschi

Looks like I am a bit drastic at 14/39. It goes like a sh*t of a shovel though.

vertically

you'll not need many front tyres Jim