Rigid_EVO ^ Baker Speed Kit For Sportsters? Other Solutions

[Tomcatt]

Great info above.

I have a '17 1200 and have played with front belt sprockets from 28T to 31T. Keep in mind your rear tire circumference/diameter also plays a role.

28T front belt sprocket and a 160/60-17 rear tire (I don't remember what its' installed circumference/diameter is) gives me 20.5 mph/1,000 rpm in 5th gear so 60 mph is ~2,920 rpm and 80 mph is ~3,900 rpm. A 31T changes that to ~2,635 rpm @ 60 mph and ~3,515 rpm @ 80 mph.

IF I wanted gearing for runnin' down the road 75+ mph I'd run a 31T sprocket. It feels good at those cruise speeds but around town you're riding a bike with what is effectively a 4 speed. Not bad as 1st is usable for more than getting the bike rolling, but you spend more time feeling like the gear you're in is too low and the next is too high. I ran into this at last yrs Midwest M&G. I had a 30T installed and at the "group ride" speeds I was always between gears, 3rd & 4th. I wished I had a 28T installed.

[Sirrom1]

Front pulleys are available 27 to 32 tooth; but which one is right for you?
Pick the one that gives you a cruise rpm (stock cams) of about 3k for a 1200, 3.2k for an 883. If you have different cams your rpm requirement may be higher.
Don't have a tach?
https://www.883sportster.com/rpm-mph-charts
The link is a chart with '91 up 883 & 1200's with rpm and mph with the different pulley sizes.
Decide what existing mph is comfortable for you. Match that mph on the chart and the rpm is in the next column.
Match that rpm with the mph you want to travel at, that is the pulley for you.

[rejeanprimeau]

The worst thing I did to my Sportster was to install a 31 front sprocket. The loctite was not even dry the 28 went back on.