Sprockets...Front or Rear?

[20Rebel07]

I just bought a brand new 2008 Honda Rebel 250 on Friday! So far I love it! Everyone says that I'll grow out of it too fast and want something bigger, but I have to say it is so much fun on 2 lane country roads. I took it out on Sunday for an afternoon ride and was averaging around 60mph on the straight aways and 45mph through hairpin turns, and it was awesome! The bike is so fun, of course not because of the power, but because of how light and nimble it is. For all those naysayers out there, I won't listen to anyone who dislikes these bikes until they ride one. They are little bikes, but they are much more fun then most people will give them credit for.

Now onto the question...I am looking at changing either the front or rear sprocket to make it so I can shift later and have a higher top speed. I am aware that the front sprocket has 14 teeth and the rear has 33 teeth. So I am proposing to either change the front sprocket to 15 teeth or change the rear to 30 teeth (which should be equivalent). My question is what is easier to change? I know the front sprocket has a casing over it, but it sounds like it might be easier than taking off the rear wheel. Please advise.

P.S. - I live just north of Houston, TX.

[ole Ed]

Hi and welcome.
I too am guilty of wantin more top end speed when I first got my Rebel but, I was told not to mess with it. I asked why and was then told it will get faster and have a little more umph when you get it broken in. Was true. It only clocked around 65-70 when I first got it and now will run at 80-85 all day long.
Now to the technical part: I asked about running a larger primary gear and was told there just not enough clearance. Yes theres enough to put the sprocket and chain on but in the event that the chain comes loose from the rear and trys to wad up in the front, the result COULD be case damage. That wasnt from here but from a very reputable Honda dealer.
If you were to use the smaller rear that would be better but would cause quite a strain on the clutch from slippin it more to keep from stallin it. Again, this is from a dealer and not from anyone here. I said but one tooth and he said thats quite a difference. I dont think so but--.
Do your break-in miles and change the oil and keep the chain lubed well til its broke in and then see where ya stand as far as power and speed. Now thats my recommendation .
Oh yeah, I have found a better oil for the chain than rear-end grease(80-90 gear oil) and thats chain lube for ya chain saw. Seems to stick better and lasts a little longer. Seems to do better than commercial chain lubes too.
These are just my opinions and do not reflect those of this station-LOL-but if you do those changes please come back and let us know how things went, good or bad.

Ole Ed

[txsizzler]

I agree with Ed... do the break in period first, then think about what you want to do. Your top end will increase with the break in. If you do decide to change the sprocket, most people will end up changing the rear one to the 30 tooth. I too would be interested to find out what happens if you do decide to go that route.

I need to try Ed's suggestion on the Chainsaw lube... I have been using the 80-90 gear oil and it seems to come off too fast. Thanks for the great suggestion, Ed!


Ian

[Drachen808]

I just bought an 06 rebel yesterday from a guy, and while we were signing the papers at the bank, he was telling me everything he learned about it and stated that he really recommends something called "chain wax." He said that it sticks very well and lasts very long. Also tell me how the sprocket mod goes. Thanks!

[Fisher]

I have been waiting for a 30 tooth sprocket for over 6 weeks, it has been on back order at the Honda dealer and no sign that it is coming anytime soon.

Does anybody have a source for one ?? I have checked ebay and tried googleing for one, but no luck.

[Big_J]

click on the bike bandit link at the top of any page on this site and search their site, they are pretty good about having items and shipping them timely.

[markmc76]

Rebel Sprockets can get you set up. They have 28 tooth-40 tooth rear sprockets. If you go with a 28 tooth and leave the 14 tooth front sprocket you gain about 9mph on the top end and increase mpg by about three.
I hope this helps