Gearing for the VLX 600

[Bignicope]

I was wondering what a good sprocket setup for the VLX 600 is. I want to get a higher top speed on my Shadow. I like the current get up and go that the stock version of the shadow has but I would like to extend the top speed. I have a 98 Shadow 600 VLX. Any help on a good sprocket setup up?

[Free Spirit]

First, let me welcome you to the forum (aka The Nuthouse) :jester: .

Second, I would ask if you had tried the search button. AirportFF is really big on that and will most likely tag you for it (he's anal about that stuff):madani: . But I just tried it and got nothin, so you're safe there. :jamming:

Finally, I did come up with one link that might help you out... http://www.frost-works.com/galactic_...ames/NOOBS.htm

[Shadowflame]

My buddy also has a 600 vlx, and he is wanting the same as you are. I have the SS 750, which is a five speed, but still a little steep geared. I went from a 41 tooth rear sprocket to a 36 tooth rear sprocket, and it gave me between 10 and 13 miles per hour better speed. In other words, I used to shift into fifth at 55, now I can wait until 65-68 mph and the engine is running the same. So it makes a big difference. I haven't noticed any significant loss of power on the bottom end, but then I hadn't gotten on it yet either because it only had five hundred miles on it. The sprocket came from www.sprocketspecialist.com (http://www.sprocketspecialist.com) . I know they make a smaller rear sprocket for your bike, cause my buddy is ordering himself one. I also believe they make a larger front sprocket, maybe a tooth larger or so. I got the steel rear sprocket, it cost me $42 shipping and all, with a masterlink for my O-ring chain. It took me about 40 minutes to change the sprocket, take out a link, install the masterlink, and take it for a test ride. I guesstimate that each tooth smaller than stock gives you about 2.25 mph faster.

[RustyJake]

I was wondering what a good sprocket setup for the VLX 600 is. I want to get a higher top speed on my Shadow. I like the current get up and go that the stock version of the shadow has but I would like to extend the top speed. I have a 98 Shadow 600 VLX. Any help on a good sprocket setup up?

Shoot a message to Ghost_Rider on the forums, I'm sure he should have some information on the subject. He just posted some pics of some VLX's over HERE (http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/showpost.php?p=22914&postcount=23)

[Bignicope]

Thanks for the reply. I will search those sights to see which sprocket sets they have.

[Purpitrator]

Bignicope,
I just did the Rear sprocket on my 2002 VLX, I went from the 44 factory to a 41 tooth. It help tremendously with top end speed and with the vibration @65. The only set back That I noticed was that before the change I was cruising in town @35 mph in 3rd and that was just bout right, now it seems like 2nd is too low and 3rd is too high for in town driving so I shift alot more between 25 and 35. But was worth it for the top end. Just a little difference in take off. Also, depending on how worn out your chain is you MAY have to change it. Mine was in good shape and didn't need changed. Just something to keep in mind. Hope it helped.

[Ghost_Rider]

I was wondering what a good sprocket setup for the VLX 600 is. I want to get a higher top speed on my Shadow. I like the current get up and go that the stock version of the shadow has but I would like to extend the top speed. I have a 98 Shadow 600 VLX. Any help on a good sprocket setup up?

I'm still using the stock set up 16/44 and like it since I ride around city. If I'm not wrong you can get about 7% reduction of RPM by using either 17/44 teeth or 16/41. Switching the front with 17 will require some filling to the shifter shaft behind the sprocket.
If you switch the rear to 41 there should be no other adjustment needed. IF your current chain has stretched past halfway of the chain marking (at the wheel axle), then you need to cut a link or two. With this mod you will loose some low end performance though, but this could be fixed a bit with rejetting, add high flow intake, increase exhaust flow, and the most popular (plus no cost!) advancing the ignition timing 3-4 degree. I have done all these and they gave tremendous boost in performance.

Oh yes, the stock rear sprocket usually will last for 2 chain. I'm on my second chain and the sprocket teeth is still in a very good shape just like new.

[Purpitrator]

I'm still using the stock set up 16/44 and like it since I ride around city. If I'm not wrong you can get about 7% reduction of RPM by using either 17/44 teeth or 16/41. Switching the front with 17 will require some filling to the shifter shaft behind the sprocket.
If you switch the rear to 41 there should be no other adjustment needed. Unless your current chain has stretched past halfway of the chain marking, then you need to cut a link or two. With this mod you will loose some low end performance.Curiousity is getting the better of me. Why would you have to file the shifter shaft?:huh:

[Ghost_Rider]

Curiousity is getting the better of me. Why would you have to file the shifter shaft?:huh:

If you open the front sprocket cover, you can see that there is a little clearance between the shifter shaft and sprocket teeth in front of it. In some cases 17 teeth will hit the shaft, so you need to file either the shaft or all 17 teeth to hv some clearance.

[Purpitrator]

Hmm....dont remember the shifter shaft being that close............Oh well...Im not going to change the front out anyway

[anderpipe]

With this mod you will loose some low end performance though, but this could be fixed a bit with rejetting, add high flow intake, increase exhaust flow, and the most popular (plus no cost!) advancing the ignition timing 3-4 degree. I have done all these and they gave tremendous boost in performance.

Hey I was reading through some of these old mods and this "advancing the ignition timing 3-4 degrees" caught my eye. Ive already rejetted made some straight pipes with home made adjustible baffles and replaced my stock air filter with an unrestricting cone filter. But haven't heard of doing this before could you inlighten me with a quick how to.
Thanks

[Ghost_Rider]

Hey I was reading through some of these old mods and this "advancing the ignition timing 3-4 degrees" caught my eye. Ive already rejetted made some straight pipes with home made adjustible baffles and replaced my stock air filter with an unrestricting cone filter. But haven't heard of doing this before could you inlighten me with a quick how to.
Thanks

Hey nice work to ur bike.

Check this out for timing mod.
http://www.sa750.com/timingmod/

VLX has 2 magnetic pickups, shift both of them counter-clockwise. Try to move both at the same distance, using feeler gauge will help to measure the gap exactly. 99+ Few things that might be usefull for you: your VLX (99 and up) use liquid gasket for the crankcase cover. To secure the magnetic pickup, I add blue loctite and spring washer to the mounting bolts, just to make sure they wont move.

You will love it. Good luck for your mod, great plans, keep on posting ok.

[anderpipe]

Thanks, I had almost gave up on you. I'll give this a try. Your bikes a real inspiration. :cheers:

[anderpipe]

Got ER Done. I got to admit thought it was gonna be a little sketchy when
I did it but damn its runnin great now. Thanks again .:thumbsup:

[Ghost_Rider]

Damn that was fast, great job!