I just got a 1992 nighthawk 750. The previous owner mentioned he kept the gearing stock. I am planning on driving this bike out of state and having the 5th gear hit high revs at 50mph is worrying me about that prospect. I have found a gearing calculator online. Some ratios looked promising to me. 16/38 front/rear 15/43 and 16/42. As far as I know the chain is a 520. Any ideas what I should be looking into?
By high rpm, what do you mean? At 50, you'll probably have around 2500 rpm in top gear, maybe slightly more.
Gear, stock, should be 15/38 which gives a 2.55 ratio. There is NO WAY you are turning high rpm at that gear ratio.
So, if it is high, then either the gearing is not stock, or your clutch is slipping.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!
I'm running 16/38 on my '93, one tooth up in the front. 3500 rpm @ 55, 4200 @ 65. The change added 40 miles to range before I needed reserve, and I was surprised at how much better the bike rides the city streets. Still easily does second gear starts.
They say a 17 will fit, but I don't think it's needed. These are relatively small piston motors, so running higher rpm is preferred over heavy loading. Oh, and the chain is 525.
If I don't have a reason to ride the ride is the reason.
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