Some things I noticed since switching to a 16T front sprocket about a month ago.

1) I keep trying to shift up again on the highway.

2) You really have to be careful with applying the throttle in first and second gear on corners. I've slid out the back tire twice (no crash) while my knee was out since going to a 16T.

3) The sprocket is somewhat louder at lower speeds.

4) The speedo is off by 5-7 mph. This is judged by quite a few speed traps I passed.

I'm still not sure I'm going to stay with the 16T. I might switch it back to a 17T.

 

It's probably like having a creeper gear (1st gear now) and riding around in 4th on the highway. I know the feeling I bought a DR Z-400 last month. The previous owner put 3-teeth larger on the rear (off road application). It is screaming at highway speeds but goes 0-60 in a flash of an eye. I need to change it back as I plan on more on road than off riding.

Dropping a tooth up front is about the same as adding 3 to the rear in most cases.

I can't blame you if you go back. Unless you are coming off the line rapidly all the time and don't care if you are replacing rear tires often, I'd go back.

 

I had a 15 on for a very short while.......................EEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK
You can outrun just about anything,off the line but............no, way too much.
Even 16 - I'd rather go up on the rear sprocket - less wear on the chain.

 

I like the fast pickup more than top speed. Speedo says 130 mph at about 8K rpm.
The other downside is the gas mpg drop at normal highway speeds.

 

My bike had a 16T when I bought it several years ago, and I rode it that way until 6 months ago when I had to replace everything due to wear. I went with the factory settings and I like it a lot better. Honestly, I couldnt tell much of a difference in acceleration loss, but I dont redline mine or ride it very hard either.

With a smaller front sprocket the speedometer will be off by a % amount. That means, the faster you go, the more the speedometer will be off. i think mine was 11% off with a 16T.