Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > One Down On the Front?

[chris.p]

Thinking of going down one tooth on the front of my 748, what are the advantages & disadvantages of doing this?


Chris.

[Rob B]

Better acceleration, bike won't be trying to shake itself to bits around town etc.

Did it to both my Ducs, one before I even picked it up from Baines.

Rgds,

Rob

[Bungi]

well it err alters the gearing

makes pulling away easier, as they hve a very tall first gear with the 15t std front
will potentialy lower the max speed if reving to limiter in top, but in reality will be more likely to improve it as you will achieve your bike max speed more easily, they just wont rev that high in top gear as standard and its not like your likely to be riding at 150mph plus much is it???

there are some threads about more stress on the chain, being a tighter corner for the chain to turn around etc etc, but I dont think this is much of an issue,

14t front sproket is probably one of the most low cost & effective performance mods. I did it to both my 996bip and s and would personaly recommend it.

Bungi

[nelly]

The standard gearing on the 748 is 14t on the front.
You can get 13t, but they are rarer than hens teeth.
The other problem is that the radius starts getting pretty close to being too much for the chain and can stress it if the chain isn't 100%.
I ran one for a while. Good fun for a time but I got cheesed off with the revs all the time.
The best way to do the gearing is with the rear but this is more expensive.
a 13t front is equivalent to having a 41t rear.
If you'd like to try it, I have the 13t lying around somewhere. You could try that for a while and if you like it, think about going the route of changing the rear?
Mail me if it's of use to you.

[Chef]

I agree with Nelly

John Hackett advised me to go up 3 cogs on the back (equal to 1 less on the front apparently). Really improved the drive & helps at low speeds around town too - less snatchy.

I fitted a Renthal quick release kit (£180ish)/new DID 520 Chain/ and a renthal 14F and 40 rear (mines an SPS so it had a 37 originally - I think)

Some people say the STM kit is better as it is designed to keep the cush drive rubbers in place - I think tecmoto sell it

My honest advice is if you have the cash go up at the rear

But from what I've heard Nelly can source & fit any of this kit if you live near Nottm & comes highly recommended

Cheers

Chris

[flyingbanana]

Tried various configs during 748 spec. settled on a 39t rear pretty much a good halfway house still revy but keeps your top end realisticly high regularily saw 149/ 152mph on motorways, ooops must get that sticky throttle sorted I'm still running a 39t rear now the bikes an 853 but have opted for a 15t front, Yum.

[Nigel Booker]

IMO probably the best £4£ mod you can do on a 748/9**. Did it on both my 748 and 996.