Just change gear. It's the cheapest option. Whatever you gain at some point in the rev range by changing sprocket, you will lose somewhere else.
Standard chain fits, but requires a lack of mechanical sympathy when squeezing it over the rear sprocket!
I think it’s a bit more complex than that. More to do with matching power delivery characteristics, road speed and gear selection. Also about how you ride. If I was doing massive mileage with a lot of motorways, I’d probably stick with the standard gearing. I don’t, I do a lot of A & B roads, and the difference makes a good bike great. If you haven’t tried it, a front sprocket is the cheaper option. Give it a go, you might be surprised.
So why don't Ducati do it from new? If it was better for the majority of riders then that is how the bike would be sold. Whatever gear the bike is in and whatever revs its turning at, then that can be replicated in another gear but with a bit more or a bit less either side dependent on whether the change is up or down a gear. My 1200DVT is fine for the majority of the time for me. Even if i changed it, it would still be a compromise.
It does raise the ride height tho, as the wheel needs moving closer to 6 o’clock. Next size up chain and it’s back to standard ride height
I’m not entirely sure. Noise regulations or emissions? It’s not unique to Ducati either. Aprilia are the same. Personal choice at the end of the day.
I went 39 tooth rear and 14 tooth front, 7% reduction in gearing, less weight to spin at the rear wheel also.
Whatever Ducati do as their standard set up might not necessarily suit everyone. Which for instance is why they put rider modes and suspension choices.
I've been looking at going to a 42 tooth rear sprocket when I need to replace the chain at the end of this year. It looks like you'll need a 110 link chain rather than a 108 link chain as standard. If you're not planning to replace the chain, it might be easier to fit a 14 tooth front sprocket in the meantime. I've been looking at the Carimoto website for options and prices.
Tried to put on my 14 tooth front this weekend on my 2018 1260. I could not see any way to get the chain off the front sprocket or slide the sprocket off , etc. There is not enough clearance between the case and the sprocket. Seems you need to break the chain ot I am missing something, lol. Might have to do the 42 tooth rear.....
It can be done - I watched a technician at PT change the front sprocket on my 1260 at 13K miles without breaking the chain but it was a very tight squeeze, not sure I could have done it and a previous tech didn't manage it either . He slackened the chain right off and fed it up into the gaps before pulling the sprocket off, the new one was fitted the same way - Malcolm is an ace Tech!
Well he must be a damn magician, lol! I am a good wrench and I couldn't get it with 3 hands. I tried for over an hour and the chain was off the rear sprocket all together.......ugh. Think I will just get a 42 tooth rear, lol. Never had that much trouble changing a front sprocket. Maybe if I used some olive oil.......
Well. I've ordered it. Gone for a new standard 15 tooth on the front with 42 on rear, along with a DID chain. I will have it all put on in a months time when I have the 9000 mile service. I will get back with my thoughts on how I find it, good or bad!
Loosen front sprocket so it would come off it it wasn’t for the chain, then back the eccentric off until you can get enough to slide off the front spindle. Then do opposite to refit.
Tried that....had the chain all the way off the rear......the frame is in the way from allowing enough side movement to get it off the front sprocket and the engine case does not allow it enough room either. I would love to see someone do it......maybe I need a helper to rotate the wheel while I guide it off.
