A perennial question asked on here with two very defined camps of advocates. Well, after just over 50,000 miles with a 14F/40R set up, for a change I decided to try 15F/43R. Currently, the only way I found of getting a 43 tooth rear sprocket was to convert from 530 to 525. If you are a competent home DIYer and you have the tools, it is a relatively easy job, with the rider, if everything goes smoothly. Mine didn’t but I had spare parts on the shelf, an eccentric hub and brake pads because both of mine were on their last legs. I had an enjoyable and spirited ride out today and although only very slight, I did notice a difference. 15F/43R seems to be slight higher gearing than 14F/40R by about 100rpm at 30mph in 3rd gear. With the custom map on my bike, that actually worked nicely, giving me the ability to punch out of bends in 3rd, not 2nd. MPG is going to be very similar but possibly a bit better because I can select a lower gear earlier, if touring. Scratching, there’s going to be nothing in it. On the whole, I’m pleased but can safely say, with the 14F/40R, I had no issues with premature wear on the sprockets or chain. If you need to change sprockets and chain, I can say, do consider converting to 525 but if you are happy as is, it’s not a must do. Andy
Hi Andy, what does the conversion entail: Sprocket carrier & matching 525 chain & sprockets? Or is it more involved than that? Thanks.
Nothing complicated, because I do quite a high mileage, I wanted a steel rear sprocket and coincidentally, the aftermarket one piece I bought is for the first gen Diavel. That meant I could use my existing cush drives and carrier plate. If you do less mileage and are happy with an aluminium sprocket, then yes, you’d need a carrier. There is a choice of aftermarket steel front sprockets, I just chose the JT one with the rubber because it is similar to my Panigale V4. 525 chains are plenty, again I’ve used that Japanese make for several years. You need to remember to buy a new deformable lock washer for the front sprocket and I found it made things easier to pre bend the edge of the washer so I could get a pry bar under it. Andy
