If you have gone to a 14t sprocket on your bike, what are your impressions of the gearing change from a 15t?
It's suggested that it's better to go up 3 on the back rather than down 1 on the front. Much easier on the chain - and less likely to dig into the swing-arm pivot. I've gone up 2 and it made my 996 rideable around town. Then +3 which is lots of fun.. Much more dynamic and more like a modern bike. Stock is crap tbh... and it amazes me how many people just run stock... it sucks
I originally fitted a 14t to my 916 as it was a cheaper option than replacing the 36t rear with a 39t which also requires a longer chain. When it was due for a new chain, I went back to the 15t front but with a 39t rear which is pretty much the same ratio as the 14/36 but is 'technically' better as there is less loading on the front sprocket. Either way it's a big improvement, gears more usable, especially in slow traffic and it'll still pull it's top speed, in fact probably easier due to the higher RPM. 14/36 gearing is good for maybe 190mph at the limiter but the bike/engine is only good for 165 - 170mph at best and, realistically how often do you do that...? Not sure how the 998 gearing is, checkout; https://www.gearingcommander.com/ for useful info.
