Shadow Spirit 750 and freeway speeds

[iamsmiling]

I ride 30 miles of freeway to and from work every day and I just picked up this 750 Spirit. I noticed my fuel consumption on the freeway is a lot higher than at lower speeds (i.e. a run over Mulholland Highway here in Los Angeles). I also seem to be running a higher RPM that I would like at 75 or so.

Should I consider a larger (more teeth) rear sprocket or what to reduce high speed RPMs. I don't want to kill my acceleration but I'm worried about too much wear on the bike.

Any suggestions?

[Spirit_1100]

Originally Posted by iamsmiling

I ride 30 miles of freeway to and from work every day and I just picked up this 750 Spirit. I noticed my fuel consumption on the freeway is a lot higher than at lower speeds (i.e. a run over Mulholland Highway here in Los Angeles). I also seem to be running a higher RPM that I would like at 75 or so.

Should I consider a larger (more teeth) rear sprocket or what to reduce high speed RPMs. I don't want to kill my acceleration but I'm worried about too much wear on the bike.

Any suggestions?

Actually, you want to go with a fewer tooth sprocket to decrease RPMs. The Spirit 750 comes with a 42 tooth sprocket. Most people will go to a 39 tooth...some go with 38...without affecting low-end performance too much. Just remember, you aren't riding a crotch rocket, so you don't need to take off like one.

You can start looking for sprockets at www.denniskirm.com and www.jpcycles.com.

Joe

[iamsmiling]

Doh! Well that says my knowledge of sprockets is minimal. Thanks, I'll check them out. Already found the article on the $20 cycle stand and I'm pretty good with tools.

[Spirit_1100]

Originally Posted by iamsmiling

Doh! Well that says my knowledge of sprockets is minimal. Thanks, I'll check them out. Already found the article on the $20 cycle stand and I'm pretty good with tools.

You are good to use the board jack stand on the Spirit 750...the motor doesn't extend below the frame on your bike.

One word of caution though...ok, maybe a couple...

1) You will need to lift the bike fairly high in the air to get the rear tire off the bike. The wheel will have to fit under the fender. Be careful about the bike stability when you get it that high in the air.

2) The stock chain does not have a master link. You will have to cut the chain. If you have a die grinder, it is easy work...just cut both sides of a link and the chain will fall free. You can use a dremel tool but make sure you get the reinforced cutting discs and take it easy. (Probably wise to wear safety glasses.)

3) You can re-use the stock chain but you will have to remove a link or two. Make sure you buy a new master link. If you buy a new chain of a shorter length (I think stock is 122, you will need to go to a 120 link chain), the master link usually comes with the new chain.

4) Make sure you tighten the sprocket to the hub in a star pattern (criss-crossing bolts...like you are supposed to do with your car tires). And make sure you only tighten them as much as called for in the manual. Over-tightening is not a good thing here. Also, I believe the stock sprocket has a small plate under the bolts that you have to bend down before you can loosen the bolts. Don't forget to do this before you start trying to remove the sprocket...and remember to do it when you are done with the sprocket install.

Ok, that is enough words of wisdom for now. Please be sure to ask questions if you have any.

Joe

[iamsmiling]

Excellent advice. I plan to strap it down before working on it. Do you think I'll have to change the chain (it only has about 1,000 miles on it) or just knock out a link or two?

[Spirit_1100]

Originally Posted by iamsmiling

Excellent advice. I plan to strap it down before working on it. Do you think I'll have to change the chain (it only has about 1,000 miles on it) or just knock out a link or two?

If it is that few miles, then pop links and insert a master link. Remember, you want to be towards the front of the tension adjustment with your "new" chain. If you are too far back on the adjuster, you will not have as much adjustment.

When I replaced the chain on a Spirit 750, I was amazed at how much I had to run the adjuster in before the chain was loose enough to install the wheel.

Also, make sure you clean the chain well while you have it off the bike. It is the best time to do it. Soak it overnight in a bucket of kerosene if possible. Do be careful what you use to clean the chain...gasoline probably isn't the best thing.

Lastly...make DAMN sure you tighten the axle back after tightening the chain...don't ask how I know this really needs to be done...just do it.

[iamsmiling]

Thanks, this has been a lot of help. I may be over my head making chain adjustments so I might just take it to a dealer or mechanic to do the work. Marina Honda seem pretty good or I can ask my auto mechanic (an ex-bike racer).

[carver4591]

Im running a 38 tooth sprocket and really love it....Brad

[WIL]

Welcome back to the world of motorcycling! Chain adjusting and the other things that you are considering are nothing that a normally capable (and thinking) adult can not tackle! Take your time, think it through,and ask questions here as necessary. You Can Do It!
Be careful, things have changed on the street since you were there last (25 years ago). If you have not done so already, I would strongly suggest that you take the MSF experienced ridercourse. Nosuch thing as too much training and education. Welcome back up on two wheels.....

[iamsmiling]

Originally Posted by WIL

Welcome back to the world of motorcycling! Chain adjusting and the other things that you are considering are nothing that a normally capable (and thinking) adult can not tackle! Take your time, think it through,and ask questions here as necessary. You Can Do It!
Be careful, things have changed on the street since you were there last (25 years ago). If you have not done so already, I would strongly suggest that you take the MSF experienced ridercourse. Nosuch thing as too much training and education. Welcome back up on two wheels.....

No kidding things have changed!

Took the basic course before I even bought the bike. I'm waiting for the next experienced rider course in my area too. I've been reading every decent book I can find and I've changed my driving habits to fit my experience level where I can . . . avoiding exposure to make left turns, etc.

I'm wearing reflective clothing (no black leather for me) and a full face helmet. I have no desire to meet any trauma surgeons, except socially.