I installed a 16T front sprocket this weekend. I can't say enough about the improved behavior of the Versys with this mod. Much less twitchy at all speeds. Even though I've only had this bike for two months, I was starting to get concerned about my lack of comfort due to the abrupt throttle response. This is my first bike with fuel injection. It's also the largest engine I've controlled (last bike was Ninja 250). I strongly recommend this mod to any Versys owner.

Installation went about without much of a hitch. Brother-in-law's impact wrench wouldn't budge sprocket nut. Used a three foot steel conduit for extra leverage to get it loose. Although I believe "Dallasdon" has moved on to his Honda GoldWing forum, his instuctions and pictures were invaluable in changing the sprockets. Thanks Dallasdon.

Could you list which sprocket you purchased and a link for the instructions you followed. Thanks.

In the twitchy throttle department, I'd say my previous V-Strom DL1000 fell into that category, with its on-off throttle.

Tony

A small thing that helps a lot, is adjusting the excess slack out of the throttle cable. Not so abrupt, afterwards. :D

And adjust your idle...

I can't believe anybody uses the words Versys and abrupt in the same sentence... :huh:

All FI systems will seem abrupt compared to carbs, when you shut off the throttle on a carburated bike fuel is not shut off completely, on the contrary, you get a slightly rich condition, because what you turn of is really the volume of air rushing past the carb. On a FI system the fuel is reduced to what is required for idle as soon as you close the throttle to avoid excess emissions of unburned HC. This is probably the best sorted stock FI I have ever ridden.

Gustavo

We'll here I am sitting on a new 16T sprocket in anticipation to put it on, but apparently I found the way through discovery that I need a chain tool to remove the old and rivet the new--so I have to wait longer to test out the benefits (as suggested) by the 16T.

On a side note--and not to thread jack--is it recommended to take the bike in for its 15,000 mi service? I can change/check most things, excpet for valve timing and syncing the throttle bodies (if needed). If it is highly suggested, I might just fork out the money to have the sprocket and chain replaced at the same time.

Thanks.

We'll here I am sitting on a new 16T sprocket in anticipation to put it on, but apparently I found the way through discovery that I need a chain tool to remove the old and rivet the new--so I have to wait longer to test out the benefits (as suggested) by the 16T.

On a side note--and not to thread jack--is it recommended to take the bike in for its 15,000 mi service? I can change/check most things, excpet for valve timing and syncing the throttle bodies (if needed). If it is highly suggested, I might just fork out the money to have the sprocket and chain replaced at the same time.

Thanks.

No need to break the chain, just slacken chain off ( no need to hook off of the rear sprocket), then can slide front out/back in no problem.

A 16t sprocket with rubber dampeners will reduce whining.

- if not capabale of checking valves then yes, at that milages, get it checked by someone for piece of mind.

No need to break the chain, just slacken chain off ( no need to hook off of the rear sprocket), then can slide front out/back in no problem.


The V is my first bike, and to be a bit honest I was little abusive to the chain for the first few thousand miles. Hence, at now almost 16K, I am going to change it out and figured I'd do the up conversion on the sprocket as well.

The V is my first bike, and to be a bit honest I was little abusive to the chain for the first few thousand miles. Hence, at now almost 16K, I am going to change it out and figured I'd do the up conversion on the sprocket as well.

Are you sure the chain needs replacement? It should be able to handle a fair amount of abuse, considering the relatively small power output of the engine.

How are you determing need of replacement? Have you measured for out-of-spec chain stretch?

If the chain actually needs replacing, most likely your rear sprocket does as well.

hdatontodo -- To find the instructions/pictures for changing the front sprocket: 1) go to forums 2) click on "modifications - performance" 3) click on "sticky - replacement of front sprocket .... If you don't have an impact wrench, you'll need to place a 2x4 thru the rear wheel and swingarm. This prevents the bike from moving when applying a great deal of force on the front sprocket nut. Having a helper stabilize the bike is a big help. Please let me know if you have more questions.

The sprocket I used was rubber damped. Some members said the non-damped (cheaper) sprocket caused some noise. The Versys original sprocket is rubber damped. You can find it at BikeBandit under OEM parts. Part number 5964054-001. After my AMA discount, and Bandit Bucks applied, cost was about $40.

Thanks for the extra tips texrider and bear.

Are you sure the chain needs replacement? It should be able to handle a fair amount of abuse, considering the relatively small power output of the engine.

How are you determing need of replacement? Have you measured for out-of-spec chain stretch?

If the chain actually needs replacing, most likely your rear sprocket does as well.

I haven't officially checked the length of stretch, but the past four/five times I have cleaned it, I have had to moved the wheel back to maintain proper slack. In combination with the fact that I have ridden it in all year, that my cousin's chain broke and through off his crankshaft, and the encroaching winter, I'd just change it.

I can't believe anybody uses the words Versys and abrupt in the same sentence... :huh:

All FI systems will seem abrupt compared to carbs, when you shut off the throttle on a carburated bike fuel is not shut off completely, on the contrary, you get a slightly rich condition, because what you turn of is really the volume of air rushing past the carb. On a FI system the fuel is reduced to what is required for idle as soon as you close the throttle to avoid excess emissions of unburned HC. This is probably the best sorted stock FI I have ever ridden.

Gustavo

+1 on the FI. Real smooth. I went 16T to stretch out first gear.

Thanks for your input Gustavo. Glad to see you agree that FI is abrupt compared to carbs. Enjoying my Versys that much more with sprocket mod. I guess it's all about personal experience, and making adjustments to your own tastes.

You can find it at BikeBandit under OEM parts. Part number 5964054-001. After my AMA discount, and Bandit Bucks applied, cost was about $40.

Thanks so much. Ordered the part.

Tony

:dgi:
Hold on a minute.....a 16t front sprocket? When I first read this I assumed the stock was 17t, but its not it's 15. Why would you want to add a 16th front and effectively make the bike higher geared? Does that not kill the lowend tourque the bike already has? I mean we are talking 650cc here and not liter.:feedback:

I doesn't KILL the low end, but it does take a little 'spunk' away. The trade off is better highway cruising.

I switched to the 16T for awhile, then went back to stock. I like the 15T better...

:dgi:
Hold on a minute.....a 16t front sprocket? When I first read this I assumed the stock was 17t, but its not it's 15. Why would you want to add a 16th front and effectively make the bike higher geared? Does that not kill the lowend tourque the bike already has? I mean we are talking 650cc here and not liter.:feedback:

Some just go with a couple less teeth on the rear sprocket. Gives similar results.

Thanks for the clarification. After riding the Versys i think I would want to raise the rear up one tooth and make it more of a Hooligan on the street. For the X-country I would drop it back down.

Thanks for the clarification. After riding the Versys i think I would want to raise the rear up one tooth and make it more of a Hooligan on the street. For the X-country I would drop it back down.


Now you got it! It would be a wheelie machine for sure!


(We need a wheelie smiley!)

Now you got it! It would be a wheelie machine for sure!


(We need a wheelie smiley!)

I'm very happy with the cruising capability of the Vee, but I'd love to have more bottom end power. I don't care about top end - that's ticket stuff, but having better acceleration would be killer!

Not to totally change the subject but since we are on the subject of chains, I went on a 915 mile journey down towards you (BEAR) this last weekend. On my way home i noticed when i got on it hard in first i had a clatter sometimes on the left side down buy my foot. Not that i could do anything about it, i was to far from home and tools. I checked chain slack, seems ok. I only have 4600 on it so sprocket should be fine?
What do you think?

I would definitely investigate further. Check the front sprocket & all around it. If you can duplicate it regularly, it should be fairly easy to find. It may take a little time, but worth it...

It is not on a regular basis, Last night it was 27f degrees and i could not make it do it. I would not think the chain or sprockets would contract much with temp but you never know?

It is not on a regular basis, Last night it was 27f degrees and i could not make it do it. I would not think the chain or sprockets would contract much with temp but you never know?


27 degrees!? They're begging for mercy man! Go inside & sit by the fire with your snuggie & cup of hot chocolate ASAP!!

:D

Temperature has a big impact on my troubleshooting abilities. Too hot or too cold & I just quit working altogether...

:D

I like adventure, nobody will ride with me because of it. My buddy went with me this last weekend and was crying like a girl because it was cold. We left Canon City, Co at 5pm on Sat night, we only made it to Clayton, NM before he insisted we stop. I was warm. We woke up Sun morning to fog on the ground and mist.

It was fun. I am an ex -snowmobiler though so i am a little crazy..