Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Optimum gearing for a 996

[Redrocket996]

I need to change the chain and sprockets on my 996s which has about 120 rwhp after Sigma performance did some work on it. At the moment I have a 14t front sprocket and the standard 38t rear. Should I keep a 14t front and go up to a 39 rear or maybe even a 40t rear? What's the general view on this? Obviously the 996 is overgeared as standard so what is the optimum gearing for fast twisty road, track riding and balistic wheelies whilst still maintaining an acceptable top speed and reasonable touring ability? I often ride it to France and this is my only road bike so I still want it to be acceptable "real world" roadbike.

[Mr_S]

Checkout the chart at the top of this thread

http://217.199.188.40/xmb/viewthread...6156#pid142860

[Redrocket996]

I've checked out the thread and picked up a lot of relevent info but like a lot of things getting an answer to one thing can just lead on to another question so here goes. On the chart it says that 15 - 43 is the optimum gearing for the 996s but with such a large rear sprocket would this significantly change the rear ride height? Also what chain sprockets would you all recommend? As an after note it seems that having a smaller 14t front sprocket has caused the chain to eat through the plastic protecters at the front of the swingarm and cause a minor damage to the swingarm!!!

[keefer]

don't forget you are changing the links on the chain also.
so I would imagine (because I haven't done it) it should work out about the same position as normal, give or take a cats whisker.

[weeveetwin]

Redrocket996..

I received this link in the mail a few days ago. I've never used it myself so can't vouch for its accuracy, but maybe it'll give you some idea?

http://www.go-faster.com/supermoto.php

[TP]

I have the Sigma mods done that you are talking about. The standard gearing for a 996 is 15/36. I changed to 14/36 and ran it like that for a while and have just changed to 14/39.

I haven't ridden it much since then but it goes a bit harder and the front lifts a bit easier - I reckon the mod is well worth it. I know someone considering going to 14/41!

[ils]

Redrocket 996,
I changed from standard to 14/40 on my 996S and the bike was transformed! - No more bogging down at low/town speeds and not a chance of stalling pulling away at lights. The bike accelerates like a b-----d at the expense of top end speed. It's the best mod I've made & would definitely reccommend it.

[Redrocket996]

Originally posted by ils
Redrocket 996,
I changed from standard to 14/40 on my 996S and the bike was transformed! - No more bogging down at low/town speeds and not a chance of stalling pulling away at lights. The bike accelerates like a b-----d at the expense of top end speed. It's the best mod I've made & would definitely reccommend it.

Thanks I think that 14/40 is equivelant to 15/43 which is the recommended gearing on Shazaams chart and what I'll go for