Just bought a CBR F4i this month (my first bike). Wondering if there's an easy way to determine if the bike has been geared lower? Speedometer reads over 10mph slow probably between 40mph and 70mph, and friend who has similar age Kawasaki 600 says the CBR has way more lower end torque than his bike. Thanks for any thoughts!

 

The easiest way is to count the teeth on the sprockets (they may be labeled) and compare with stock numbers.

 

Most bikes with OEM sprockets, speedometer reads 7-10% higher (faster) than actual speed when compared to GPS reading.

Which Kawasaki 600 is your friend talking about?

 

I found a list of things a previous owner did to the bike which includes:

"DID 525 X-Ring chain & Vortex 45T rear sprocket" - anyone know if these imply stock gearing or otherwise?

I'm almost certain that my speedometer is off by more than 7-10%, more like at least 20% off.

Friend who was surprised by the lower end of my CBR rides a zx6r (which he doesn't like all that much at this point).

 

Stock rear 1s 46T. Thats a -1 sprocket.

Compare your readings here: Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Speed, RPM, Chain & Sprockets Calculator

A speedo healer or stock sprocket will fix your speedo. You may have one already that's not set right.

 

Please be specific, 20% off meaning speedo reading 20% above or below actual speed?

 

Many thanks for the info!! That Gearing Commander site is awesome!!

 

Sorry, digital speed read out seems 20% or so above actual speed.

 

If that's the case, the current gearing on your bike is likely shorter than OEM 16/46 combination.
If the rear sprocket is a 45, the front much be really small like a 14.

 

Would something like a 14/45 combination be pretty unusual? Just wondering why someone might do that...