Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Lower Gearing

[MJS]

Ran my 996Bip at Silverstone a couple of weeks back, and noticed that even on (probably) the fastest circuit in the country I didn't use 6th gear, so I figured that I'd probably be better off reducing the gearing a bit.

Bike is standard at the moment, so I did some searching on here and seems the easiest/cheapest mod is to go to a 14T front sprocket. Assume I can do this without changing the chain (525 I assume), but I've read stuff about the smaller front sprocket giving the chain a hardtime, so is it a better solution to go to a larger rear - if so, what size and would it involve replacing the chain as well?

Cheers
Martin

[TP]

Originally posted by Urban996
Ran my 996Bip at Silverstone a couple of weeks back, and noticed that even on (probably) the fastest circuit in the country I didn't use 6th gear, so I figured that I'd probably be better off reducing the gearing a bit.

Bike is standard at the moment, so I did some searching on here and seems the easiest/cheapest mod is to go to a 14T front sprocket. Assume I can do this without changing the chain (525 I assume), but I've read stuff about the smaller front sprocket giving the chain a hardtime, so is it a better solution to go to a larger rear - if so, what size and would it involve replacing the chain as well?

Cheers
Martin

Depends how short you want to go Martin.

I initially went to 14/36 (just a 14t front) and have recently gone shorter again to 14/39. I didn't need a longer chain for 14/36 but I did for 14/39.

On 14/39 my 996 is a lot livelier. I'm taking it on track on Monday for the first time with that gearing so I'll let you know what it's like.

[keefer]

I have 14/38
feels good

[MJS]

Originally posted by TP

Depends how short you want to go Martin.

I initially went to 14/36 (just a 14t front) and have recently gone shorter again to 14/39. I didn't need a longer chain for 14/36 but I did for 14/39.

On 14/39 my 996 is a lot livelier. I'm taking it on track on Monday for the first time with that gearing so I'll let you know what it's like.

Thanks Tony, I think I'll go 14/36 for starters and see how that feels - be interested to know how you find your even shorter gearing on track

Cheers
Martin

I have a 14/39 combo with a 96 link chain on my didning table after 3 years on 14/36.

It shall be fitted in time for the 1st session at Brands on Monday ...

All on TP's advice ...

[rockhopper]

It doesnt appear to have hurt my chain at all but the smaller front sprocket itself is knackered after only 10,000 miles.

but they are on £17 .... so no real biggie

[JPM]

Just go a 14T front for mine, job for tonight, thus my post last week about what chain on my R, I don't think I even made 5th at Silverstone more than a few times. So that'll be the first step to getting that sorted, which I'm hoping as with other Ducati's will make the riding around town a bit easier also.

[rockhopper]

I've gone for a Renthal one this time! (£25)

[MJS]

Maybe the over-gearing explains why I was dog-slow out of the corners.... no, more likely that was the rider on board!

Looking forward to hearing feedback on the shorter ratios at Brands though....

Martin