I need to change the chain on my 89 hurricane 600. I'm not quite sure if the sprockets need to be changed, but assuming I do, what would be the best combo for me? I drive to school and back mostly which is just city driving, but I want to take some longer trips into the mountains and curvy roads. I would like to take it to Big Bear at some point in the summer. Big Bear is about 3 hours away on a car (I'm in San Diego).

I understand that the stock tooth count on my bike is 14 front and 44 rear(?). I've also heard a great combination for my bike is get a rear sprocket with 47 teeth with a stock front. Would this affect my cruising speed drastically? I like to cruise at around 85mph (according to stock speedo) on the freeway.

Also, there is a popular kit being sold called a 520 kit which is 14/47 but uses a 520 chain and aluminum rear sprocket. I'm guessing this means the chain is not as thick as the stock 530? I'm not concerned with shaving ounces off my bike. Even 3-4 pounds isn't much since I'm not racing and occasionally carry passengers and would prefer a chain of equal or greater strength than stock.

Thanks

 

stick with stock gearing. it is a good compromise and optimal for everyday usability.

don't bother with aluminum sprockets kits unless you are racing, they will not last anywhere near the lifetime of steel kits, especially with normal chain maintenance intervals.

 

Thanks for the suggestion michigan_313,

I'm a little confused as to the stock gearing. I found a catalog that states stock is 15 tooth front (http://www.sbmotor.com/chart_image.a...age_222069.jpg)

Anyone know for sure?

 

15 is the stock size, for sure. you don't want to go too much lower in teeth as it becomes worse for the chain to make a tighter turn.

 

Agree with Michigan_313. I rode the crap out of mine with stock gearing, highway, track days, cruising, canyon bashing... I only changed them now so I can have more poop coming out of the turns and it's a little better for riding around town. I lost 1000 rpm in 6th gear. Used to be stock, 6th gear, 6000 rpm, 75mph. Now with current sprockets, 6th gear, 6000 rpm, 65mph.