15/42 - **** me pants!

Finally got around to changing the sprockets on my R to 15/42. Christ, I just about crapped myself when I gunned it the first time in first and second gear. The friggin wheel jumped off the ground in first and would have in second had I not exercised some caution. It's going to take a little getting used to, but I like it. Went for a spirited run and like the way she comes off of the corners better and I like the way she runs on the highway between 50 and 70 mph. I used to have to keep shifting between 5 and 6. Now she handles the lower end of 6th gear better for the highway riding that I do. I'll be taking her for a proper run this weekend for my usual Saturday outing and I'll see how she handles fast highway speeds as well as some of the better twisties that we have around here (not too many unfortunately). The more I ride this bike, the more I wonder why I didn't buy one earlier. When I ride my T, I'm a 21 year old in a 53 year old body.

It really wasn't hard at all, but I had my concerns when I started. I was able to locate some decent how-to threads in the Aprilia forum (I like pics). I also referenced the service manual. I particularly wanted to get the torque specs right and there is a small section on how to tighten the bolts in proper sequence. Don't have the service manual in front of me, but I recall that the bolts are labeled A, B, C, D, E and you tighten A halfway, then something like C and so on. The hardest part of the entire exercise was getting the friggin chain off - just be patient and curse a lot. Also, I don't recall the how-to saying this, but I found that giving the chain plenty of slack at the beginning makes the entire process easier. Kind of obvious, but at first I was ahead of myself and overlooked this. Once given slack, it went fine. Make sure going into this that you have a 32mm socket to loosen the back axle bolt and a torque wrench that goes to 120nm (I think). I didn't have the proper socket and had to run out and buy one. My only concern is how she will handle on longer rides. I suspect that I'll lose some gas mileage, but I have my Sprint for touring. The T is my have fun bike. When you decide to do this, just be patient and take your time and everything will be fine. Heck, I found removing the darned cannister from under the rear cowl more difficult than changing the sprockets.

I missed the second part of your earlier question. My 2008 R came with 16 front / 40 rear and I went to 15 front / 42 rear. Again, it was easy and sprockets are fairly inexpensive. I went with the plain steel rear sprocket from AF1. It's black and looks fine to me. My son liked the gold ones, but I don;t think that enough of the sprocket shows to justify the additional cost and I think steel lasts a whole lot longer than aluminum.

Regarding gas mileage. Yep, the right hand has a lot to do with it and on this bike it's hard not to twist the wrist. That said, I did some riding today - meant to keep it short, but it was so nice out today and ended up doing well over 100 miles. I reset trip 1 at every fuel stop and the fuel warning light came on at 107 miles - just about where it normally does. I filled her up last night, so all of those miles were with the new sprockets. As far as I can tell, no difference, or at least no noticeable difference in fuel mileage with the 15/42 setup.

Wolfman, I have to ask; is that an x-ray of one of your legs? If so, then you must of been laid up for some time.

shvlheadwolf said:

And no, that isn't a leg, it's my right elbow. 24 screws and two plates for the humerus and two 6" pins and wire holding the ulna together. Deer vs Buell. Couple of weeks in the hospital and a total of six months off work, then back to my usual gig as a trauma nurse... Kinda ironic isnt it?

Click to expand...

**** that sounds painful as all hell. Must be a ***** when the weather changes or when you try to go through the airport. I hadn't noticed until yesterday that the pic was an x-ray and then I noticed all of the friggin screws. Well, I hope that it doesn't bother you too much, especially when you ride.