Any idea why ducati went with the rear sprocket change instead of the front?

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Just curious as to why Ducati went with goin up 2 teeth rear sprocket change as opposed to going one down in the front? Wouldn't going down 1 in the front allow you to keep the same chain and be easier? Any theories?

zvez · Mar 17, 2013

I've absolutely no way of knowing for sure. But it's possible they feel going down to 14 in the front is a bit of a sharp turn for the chain. People have been doing 14t forever tho so have no way of knowing if this is the reason.

Dylzduc said:
Just curious as to why Ducati went with goin up 2 teeth rear sprocket change as opposed to going one down in the front? Wouldn't going down 1 in the front allow you to keep the same chain and be easier? Any theories?

Brickcues · Mar 17, 2013

Chains wear out quicker with the smaller front sprocket. I believe one in the front is equal to 3 in the back.

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

zvez said:
I've absolutely no way of knowing for sure. But it's possible they feel going down to 14 in the front is a bit of a sharp turn for the chain. People have been doing 14t forever tho so have no way of knowing if this is the reason.

I saw it on here somewhere, but we are 15/39 stock correct? It's probably the 14tooth...you're likely correct. Lots of guys run 14t on other bikes though..I'm sure it would be fine

Trauma · Mar 17, 2013

It allows them to sell a new chain! Plus easier to swap rear. I've had the 14T for sometime now, and yes, most do that without issues. As far as a tighter curve, there are bikes with an 11 in front. And it is 1 down in front = 2 up in rear for this size:

OEM: 15/39 = 2.60
Mine: 14/39 = 2.78
Kit...: 15/41= 2.73

If you decide to go with the kit, I suggest to go with an AFAM install instead. You will most likely have to pay the $30 to install the new map (if you choose to, not requiuired), but you will sil be ahead price wise. Even if you never switch sprockets again, it could help resale.

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Trauma said:
It allows them to sell a new chain! Plus easier to swap rear. I've had the 14T for sometime now, and yes, most do that without issues. As far as a tighter curve, there are bikes with an 11 in front. And it is 1 down in front = 2 up in rear for this size:

OEM: 15/39 = 2.60
Mine: 14/19 = 2.78
Kit...: 15/41= 2.73

If you decide to go with the kit, I suggest to go with an AFAM install instead. You will most likely have to pay the $30 to install the new map (if you choose to, not requiuired), but you will sil be ahead price wise. Even if you never switch sprockets again, it could help resale.

i take it you meant 14/39 for yours. I'm going down one on the front on my RSV4 as well. did you do both your sprockets at once or one then the other. Would the one down on the front or the 2 on the back give a for sure different feeling or tough to tell on these bikes. Most of my sprocket playing has been on harleys......

Trauma · Mar 17, 2013

Dylzduc said:
i take it you meant 14/39 for yours. I'm going down one on the front on my RSV4 as well. did you do both your sprockets at once or one then the other. Would the one down on the front or the 2 on the back give a for sure different feeling or tough to tell on these bikes. Most of my sprocket playing has been on harleys......

Ha! Yes, I did mean 39 and changed it back. Yes, neither you nor the bike know which sprocket you changed the teeth on. Most people drop one or 2 in front, becaause it is the cheapest way to go (no chain change). People change the rear because they believe it is easier on the chain, and it is easier to switch it back and forth for different tracks.

An important thing to remember about the kit map from Ducati - it is for the 41 (or a 14 if you did, or choose that instead), but their instructions are to not to remove the map if the customer doesn't like the new ratio. So it either helps the stock ratio as well, but at least won't hurt.

Desmo Dave · Mar 17, 2013

The new map addresses a few other software changes like smoother quickshifter action (probably adjusts the cut time) as well as others.
The 15/41 will give you a better drive out of the corners and reduce top speed slightly BUT the overall low to midrange will be improved greatly.
Trust me, you will love this.
You will still have the OE map that came with the bike on your USB.

Marcbc · Mar 17, 2013

Honda changed to a rear 41 too when they changed the CBR100RR in 2008.

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Trauma said:
Ha! Yes, I did mean 39 and changed it back. Yes, neither you nor the bike know which sprocket you changed the teeth on. Most people drop one or 2 in front, becaause it is the cheapest way to go (no chain change). People change the rear because they believe it is easier on the chain, and it is easier to switch it back and forth for different tracks.

An important thing to remember about the kit map from Ducati - it is for the 41 (or a 14 if you did, or choose that instead), but their instructions are to not to remove the map if the customer doesn't like the new ratio. So it either helps the stock ratio as well, but at least won't hurt.

I'll check out that AFAM kit. I'm more of an acceleration junkie as opposed to huge top end runs, so this may fit the bill for me perfectly. Saw you talkin about it somewhere, but what would be a good price to shoot for on that kit.
Thanks

Desmo Dave · Mar 17, 2013

I can tell you that Renthal are working on a Panigale quick release carrier and also a 41T rear sprocket.
Should be ready in 6-8 weeks.

Trauma · Mar 17, 2013

Dylzduc said:
I'll check out that AFAM kit. I'm more of an acceleration junkie as opposed to huge top end runs, so this may fit the bill for me perfectly. Saw you talkin about it somewhere, but what would be a good price to shoot for on that kit.
Thanks

Kyle has the best I think, $340 with the ZVM-X chain.

AFAM 520 Sprocket Conversion Kit for Duc 1199 with DID Chain!

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Trauma said:
Kyle has the best I think, $340 with the ZVM-X chain.

AFAM 520 Sprocket Conversion Kit for Duc 1199 with DID Chain!

Thanks, appreciate the info.I'm not familiar with AFAM products. Are these high quality,lightweight sprockets and how bout the chain? When they ask what color for the "hub"...what exact piece they referring to? I want to be 100% sure before picking a color..haha

SoutheastJay · Mar 17, 2013

Dylzduc said:
Just curious as to why Ducati went with goin up 2 teeth rear sprocket change as opposed to going one down in the front? Wouldn't going down 1 in the front allow you to keep the same chain and be easier? Any theories?

Because they are Ducati and they wanted to... Thats why ......!

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Dylzduc said:
Thanks, appreciate the info.I'm not familiar with AFAM products. Are these high quality,lightweight sprockets and how bout the chain? When they ask what color for the "hub"...what exact piece they referring to? I want to be 100% sure before picking a color..haha

Disregard,I know what they are talking about hub wise...my brain was in neutral. Wonder if the gold would look good or not..hmmm...

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

SoutheastJay said:
Because they are Ducati and they wanted to... Thats why ......!

Thanks for the info..haha

Dylzduc · Mar 17, 2013

Desmo Dave said:
I can tell you that Renthal are working on a Panigale quick release carrier and also a 41T rear sprocket.
Should be ready in 6-8 weeks.

I've got Renthal on the way for my Aprilia. If the AFAM stuff is top notch,I'll give them a try for the Pani. If Renthal was a for sure 6-8 weeks I'd maybe wait, but often 6-8 weeks never works out unfortunately.

Trauma · Mar 17, 2013

Dylzduc said:
Thanks, appreciate the info.I'm not familiar with AFAM products. Are these high quality,lightweight sprockets and how bout the chain? When they ask what color for the "hub"...what exact piece they referring to? I want to be 100% sure before picking a color..haha

They really mean the carrier. The sprocket is alloy colored.

Dylzduc · Mar 28, 2013

Seems several on here have had good success with the 14tooth,I'm not debating that, but had an interesting/confusing conversation yesterday. Setting up an appointment for service..and with a very highly regarded Ducati tech person who's been in the Ducati game for ages said the bike will never run right or as it should with the 14 tooth sprocket.He said to go with the 41 tooth and he'll set the trimmer on my ECU.I've never even heard of the trimmer? I would have thought it would be non issue regardless of what sprocket is changed..front or back...weird??

Trauma · Mar 28, 2013

You're right, makes no sense. Mine said my 14 or the 41 are basically the same (math/physics agree). He also said he would suggest not putting the new map on unless I had issues. Furthermore, he said the map won't hurt/help stock gearing. He gathered this from the fact that Ducati says if the customer decides to remove the 41, he doesen't have to remove the map. Would be nice if we could see the settings the map actually does that are different.

Any idea why ducati went with the rear sprocket change instead of the front?

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