I've read in a few places that installing a 14T front sprocket is a great idea, as it improves riding in town and makes 6th gear more usable for motorway cruising. This sounds appealing as I have to endure a few long 30mph roads as part of my commute. However, with standard gearing on my 848, a steady 30mph (ish) is actually quite a nice cruise in 2nd (slower speeds being the pain, using 1st, occasional clutch slipping etc). My worry is that 14T would make for a buzzy 30mph in 2nd, or worse a lumpy, chugging cruise in the bottom of 3rd. Can anyone who has made the change comment on impact through 30mph limits? I've posed the question in general Ducati as I believe a lot of models have similar long gearing; happy to be corrected
I have changed to 14 t on my 848. Makes little difference out on the road, but on the rough track to my house it is great. Not sure about 30 limits as I don't really take any notice of speed limits, I just ride at the speed that the bike feels happy.
Tried that on one of the local roads, but at about 150 mph (indicated) I was getting so much buffeting and vibration around my helmet that I had tunnel vision. Keep it below 124 mph now.
In contrast, I went down to 14T on my 1198 and found it much improved through villages and slow bends... The previously unbearable bends at both ends of the high street in our village are now much more bearable to navigate the bike round. Best way I can describe it is, the bike is now much less agricultural when passing through villages and towns whilst out for a run
