I know this info states 04 on but it may be useful to know what gearing changes overall, may give some ideas?
04> RSV Gearing
Top speed in 6th gear with stock 16/40 is no more than 10,000rpm, but often only 9700rpm.
Sprockets - Wheelbase - (62mph/100kph) - (80mph/130kph) - (168mph/270kph)
F/R - Wheelbase - RPM - RPM - RPM
16/40 - Standard - 3,600 - 4,700 - 9,750
16/42 - shorter - 3,800 - 4,920 - 10,230
16/44 - much shorter - 3,970 - 5,150 - 10,700
15/40 - longer - 3,850 - 5,000 - 10,400
15/41 - approx same - 3,950 - 5,120 - 10,650
15/42 has about same wheel base and tops out at 165mph/265kph at 10700rpm
Note.
1. In standard 16/40 gearing it is not likely to be able to rev to over 9,750 in 6th (168mph/270kph). However it should rev to 10,700 or more in 6th with 15/41 gearing, so gearing down should not lose any top speed.
2. Although changing the final ratios does change the revs at a given speed, this is not the primary reason for achieving better acceleration. It is more to do with the ratios and the ‘thrust’ that they produce.
3. 15/41 is basically the same as 16/44, but 16/44 needs a longer chain.
4. Altering your gearing does not affect your speedo as it takes it's readings off a sensor at the rear wheel.
5. Going to a 16/44 will require a longer chain. 16/43 MAY fit at a squeeze when new, but with some miles on the chain will have stretched a little and should fit.
6. Going to a smaller front sprocket will reduce your chain life a little. But if you want the higher gearing such as 15/41 or 16/44, it makes more sense to go 15/41 and just replace the front & rear sprocket as it is much cheaper than going 16/44 & having to replace the rear sprocket and the chain. Sure you will eventually have to replace the chain 1000 km sooner when you use the 15/41, but the 16/44 owner has to do the same very shortly too, and it will be their second replacement chain.
