Hi, read a bit about sprocket changes to the 998 bringing improved gear ratios. I've a 998 I use mostly on the road and wanted to try out this mod. Am I right in thinking that a rear change to 39T is a good start? Some say 14 on front, others talk about chain tension increase from going smaller in front and ride height from changing out rear.... Again mostly trying to improve the bike for road use. Any advice on this and parts/brands worth fitting would be appreciated thanks. Al
Hi mate I have a nearly new quick release renthal chain carrier,chain and sprockets for sale if your interested??
Hi. I may be... But first was after advice to know a bit more about sprocket size recommendations for this bike before getting the gear. What size is your setup please?
I have a 998 and went one up on the rear sprocket to 37 and that for me was good enough to lower the gearing to a more manageable level. I do use a quick change carrier though and have a number of 525 sprockets, but I have not found the need to change what I have settled on. Below might help.
Cheers mate. I may do as the chart recommends and go for a 38T Rear then. Any ideas of good brands I should look at for parts?
I use Talon quick change sprocket carriers on all my bikes (3) two are 748's so changing sprockets around is no problem as they are different models with different original standard gearing. Second hand Talon sprockets often appear on eBay and can be had cheaply. If you lower the gearing too much it can make the bike a bit prone to lifting the front wheel too easily and possibly when you don't want it to.
I couldn't get on with standard gearing at all way too high, initialy I went to a 14T front and found it a lot better but wanted more settled on 14-38 for a few years however with a standard length chain the more modern profile rubber will scuff on the front of the swingarm - not good - I'm now running 15-41 Renthal QR with a 520 98 link chain which is spot on for me. So my advice would be get a new (longer) chain and larger rear sprocket & keep the front as is
Thanks to both of you for the useful info. 15 Front and 38T Rear is a recommended setup on the Gearing Options - Ducati Up North chart and sounds not too much of a leap but should bring noticeable benefits over the standard gearing setup. Having rung a few places, it looks like going to the 14T front is the cheapest quickest mod to feel out the change and then perhaps when things wear more, looking at a QR rear is the way to go.
Very kind mate. They not so expensive tho, so have a 14T Renthal on the way now, and will slap that on and try it out... should be noticeable. I figure I can assess from there and then if want more or less, can play with the rear and perhaps consider a QR when things wear. Anyone used and recommend an affordable Chain tool that works more than once!
I got the afam one thrown in when I bought the chain and sprockets from bike torque racing. If you decide to go the 15/38 route, you'd also need a 2 link longer chain. I wanted to replace the sprockets and chain so went this way. If your chain is still decent, maybe a 14T front would be best. Cheers, ian
I didn't need to alter my chain when I went to 14 teeth. That's why it's the lazy man's solution... Just one tooth difference can easily be accommodated by adjusting the chain
Fitting a QR rear sprocket will also keep those cush rubbers from eating into the chain adjuster, when they let go.
Just a follow up to this. I fitted a 14T front and for the road it's made a huge difference to reduce the clutch work off standing start. Really helpful when cutting through towns or traffic. I even used 6th the other day! Having ridden with it as stock for a long time It's a bit of a change, but for road usability a great mod to have finally got around to doing. Cheers for the advice all
