30 Tooth Transmission Pulley Sprocket==Comments/Interest to Buy?

[XHanlon]

Over the years there has been some discussion (pro/con) and thoughts regarding the 30 tooth transmission output sprocket.  The stock OEM EH Super X's all had 32 tooth output sprockets, and for some riders this ratio was too tall and would sometimes lug the motor.

The EH motor prefers rpm's above 2200 plus and the performance curve improves, so one of the options at the factory is we were testing a 30 tooth output sprocket, as it changes the rear ratio leading to more usable power to the rear. Like on an automobile, going from a 3.09 rear ratio to a 3.30 rear ratio. Not a large variation, but enough to notice the difference without sacrificing fuel economy and engine durability.  Top speed is not sacrificed, as a stock motor cannot redline in 5th gear with the stock pulley as there is not enough power.

SEE THE ATTACHMENT for the specifications on comparing a 30 tooth sprocket to the 32 tooth.  At 70-80 mph in 5th gear, about a 200 rpm difference.  At the factory, we were going to use the 30 tooth on the American X, and as a dealer option on other models.

I run this sprocket on my American X, and the bike has a real nice performance curve, and about 12000 miles on the bike now. I plan to put a 30 tooth on a couple more of my bikes, and was thinking there might be some other EH riders that would like to know about this option and might want to consider it.

We’re thinking about making a small production run and selling for about $299.

Does anyone have any comments or interested in purchasing one?

Thanks.

Dan H.

[domichop]

Sign me up for that new sprocket.....

[franknsr]

I like to keep mine over 2000 RPM and around town that means 5th gear is out of the question, but man she is smooth on the highway. I'd be afraid to change a thing for fear of upsetting such a nice overall experience.

[wytfut]

When I got into these bikes back in the day, I've always picked up that these beauties are more of a hi rpm engine, and that the rider should keep the rpms up a bit.
I don't remember where I heard this, but 2250 should be the low end of downshifting or maintaining speed.
Obviously taking off from a start this can't be done practically.
With that.... At speed in 5th gear, that will be a real 55 (comparing to actual OEM speedo reading of roughly 60).
........ Uh, everyone knows our uncorrected OEM speedos are off.... Right?

Not all, but most X's I've ridden have the sweet spot right in the real 65 mph range (OEM speedo 70). I could ride for what seems for ever at that speed.... Just a wonderment. All frequencies jelling together.

That would also be around 2800-2850 rpms.....   Not bad in other gears, but fabulous in 5th.

Riding with a large group of X's the past couple of years.... I've witnessed more times than I wish, X owners riding in way too low rpms, trying to pull up for another shift, or just going down the road. I'm not sure why.... If its because they don't know, love the sound, don't care, to lazy to down shift. But from my point of view,  I don't think its the best on the mains.
Bruce

[2CoolWheels]

Bruce,
   Is the lower RPM excessive stress on the mains, or does it have to do with breathing (and burning valves) since our engines have multiple valves? I thought someone told me that the lower RPM's will overheat the exhaust valves under load.

[wytfut]

Makes sense to me Mike....
I've heard it referenced to the mains...

Actually none of this is gospel.... Just casual conversation thru the years..

[Jumper]

Ya know... I'd take another 30 tooth... Just cuz...
Jumper
 

[Mad River MoCo]

Me too!