Richard's ST2 pages - gearing

Information on this page last updated 08/17/01.

I switched to a 14 tooth front (in place of the stock 15 tooth) a while back and really like the results. This means an indicated 80mph in top gear corresponds to just a tad over 5000 RPM range which may bother some due to increased vibration but it works fine for me. I think the lowered gearing really helps when riding two-up at low speeds.

There is the question of whether the 14 will increase chain wear and this I cannot prove or disprove. I have done a few thousand miles with it and have noticed no increased wear but need several thousand more miles to know for sure. Since you can replace the front sprocket and still use the stock chain I was willing to do this as an experiment. If wear seems unreasonable then I can always go back to a 15 front and perhaps a 44 or 45 rear when it comes time to replace the chain and sprockets.

My particular sprocket is from Sprocket Specialists and cost about $40 US from Competition Accessories. I read on the Ducati list that genuine Ducati fronts can be had for less than that at some dealers, so it may pay to call around.

Send email to Richard

Back to home page