2012 Ninja 250R Sprocket Change

[Ninja_2XXX]

I am thinking about changing sprockets on my ninja 250R but ive heard good and bad things about it. Any opinions? I use it for work and school and just general cruising around.

[Ghostt]

A common upgrade is +1 on the front sprocket. It's easy, inexpensive to do, and if your not happy, can be easily switched back. It's enough of a change to make a difference, but not too much to have too many negative effects.

One must keep in mind that the Ninjette loves RPMs, so don't worry about them.

I've done the +1 on both my Ninjette and EX and I'm happy with the results, as I use them both for community mostly.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Ninja_2XXX

I am thinking about changing sprockets on my ninja 250R but ive heard good and bad things about it. Any opinions? I use it for work and school and just general cruising around.

Are you replacing both sprockets because they are worn?
If so, what are the bad things that you have heard?

[dcj13]

It's a choice that each individual rider must make. If you want to cruise at a lower RPM, then bumping the front sprocket up one tooth is good. The trade-off is that the acceleration will be a little slower.

(I ran my Ninjette with one additional tooth in the front and one less tooth in the back and was happy with it).

[Mike V]

With the +1 sprocket change, what is the change in RPM's at 70 mph? I understand the 250 likes to rev, but my hand goes numb at 9k rpm after about 10 minutes. I suppose it's something I could get accustomed to after a while but I'm reluctant to try again (noob).

[Ghostt]

It's about 600 or so RPMs.

As far as vibrations goes, you could try heavy bar ends.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/blog.php?b=8348

Also better grips, Pro Grips brand are a good choice.

Another thing is try relaxing your grip, most noobs grip the too tightly, often called death grip.

[Mike V]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

It's about 600 or so RPMs.

As far as vibrations goes, you could try heavy bar ends.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/blog.php?b=8348

Also better grips, Pro Grips brand are a good choice.

Another thing is try relaxing your grip, most noobs grip the too tightly, often called death grip.

I'm thinking 600 rpm probably isn't worth the hassle.

I remember you've given me advice before Ghostt, and it's much appreciated! There are great people on this forum.

I was actually thinking about the death grip when my hand went numb. I loosened my grip a bit but at that point, I wasn't too far from home. I suppose I need to just go try another highway run. Unfortunately, the mornings here are already dark and a bit on the cool side already. Was 42 degrees this morning. Brr.

[Ghostt]

My numbers might be a little off, so check out this link http://www.gearingcommander.com/ and see for yourself.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Mike V

I'm thinking 600 rpm probably isn't worth the hassle.

You might be surprised at the difference dropping 600 RPMs can make when cruising.

[kevheads]

Originally Posted by jkv45

You might be surprised at the difference dropping 600 RPMs can make when cruising.

I agree, out of all the upgrades I've done, the front 15 tooth sprocket made the best improvement. Before the upgrade I was always searching the 7th gear.

[Ninja_2XXX]

Havent been on in a day guys sorry but I read all the replies so a front +1 and a rear -1 tooth? Correct?

[Ninja_2XXX]

I go about 40 miles or so to school everyday and then to work so maybe itll help with gas mileage?

[DmbShn41]

+1 front and -1 rear will help bring the RPM's down at cruising speed. Will back off the acceleration, but will add a couple of MPH on the top end. Should help with gas mileage. Will be more cruising friendly. Relatively easy upgrade, sprockets could be had in Amazon for less than $100 total.

I highly recommend the +1 in front. Makes it more rider friendly.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Ninja_2XXX

Havent been on in a day guys sorry but I read all the replies so a front +1 and a rear -1 tooth? Correct?

If you want to… The +1 front sprocket lowers the engine RPMs about 7%. The -1 rear sprocket lowers the engine RPMs about 2%. A lot of folks recommend changing both sprockets when one changes the chain. If money is tight, it’s OK to just change the front sprocket because the front sprocket wears about 3 times faster than the rear one. Of course, if they’re both really worn, then you’ll want to change them both.

Originally Posted by Ninja_2XXX

I go about 40 miles or so to school everyday and then to work so maybe itll help with gas mileage?

Maybe it’ll improve your gas mileage by one or two miles per gallon. Maybe…

The savings of getting 62 MPG instead of 60 MPG is negligible, however. If you ride 10000 miles per year, that represents a 5 and a half gallon savings.

[rojoracing53]

I originally had 15-42 but I use 15-41 now and like it a lot. I have no problems in slow traffic or city driving but most of the time I'm averaging between 70-80mph on most of my rides. 15-41 is almost a 1-100 ratio so at 80 mph your just a hair above 8000rpms.

I recommend trying the 15t first because it's only $15 then if you like the change and want more you can drop 2-3 teeth from the rear. 15-45.....15-41 can all be used with stock chain length and reasonably sized tires.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Ninja_2XXX

I go about 40 miles or so to school everyday and then to work so maybe itll help with gas mileage?

I went with a +1 countershaft sprocket on another cycle of mine and it helped smooth out the cruise significantly, but showed very little if any increase in MPG.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I originally had 15-42 but I use 15-41 now and like it a lot. I have no problems in slow traffic or city driving but most of the time I'm averaging between 70-80mph on most of my rides. 15-41 is almost a 1-100 ratio so at 80 mph your just a hair above 8000rpms.

I recommend trying the 15t first because it's only $15 then if you like the change and want more you can drop 2-3 teeth from the rear. 15-45.....15-41 can all be used with stock chain length and reasonably sized tires.

Same for me too. And haven't looked back. Bike doesn't struggle one bit at hwy speeds.

[Ninja_2XXX]

Thanks for the info guys. So best bet for lowering RPMs on the highway is to change both?

[Ghostt]

Yes, but lower too much will effect the acceleration, it's a trade off.

I personally run 15/43 set up, and 130/90/16 tire, @ 70 mph it's about 7,500 RPMs. It's not as snappy off the line, but it's not too bad. If I need to pass in a hurry(passing zone area) I generally will downshift to 5th.

I rode about 700 miles on the interstate from Kentucky to North Carolina coast, and it wasn't issue as I was going about 80mph, which was about 8,500 RPMs

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I recommend trying the 15t first because it's only $15...

Well stated!

[snot]

Originally Posted by kevheads

I agree, out of all the upgrades I've done, the front 15 tooth sprocket made the best improvement. Before the upgrade I was always searching the 7th gear.

+1

[fred smoot]

Ninja 2XXX,

I have a near new 15 tooth front sprocket I will send you for $30. PM me if you want it. I'm in STL so you will have it before the end of this coming week.

Fred