Kawasaki Versys X 300 - 15 Tooth Sprocket Installation
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2018
- In this video I install a 15 tooth sprocket on the Kawasaki Versys X 300. The sprocket spaces the shifting points out a bit more than the stock 14 tooth. It also let's the bike rev a little lower at any given speed. Sorry about the typos in the captioning... I was in a hurry getting this finished.
One note that is not that obvious in the video - Before torquing down the sprocket nut, I tightened the rear axle temporarily. Then loosened it after to do the alignment and chain slack.
It is important to also note that you can only change the sprocket ratio a small amount on the Versys-X or you will get an engine code and/or your gear indicator will fault out. I believe you can go up or down one tooth on the front, or up or down 2-3 teeth on the rear sprocket (but not both) to stay within the limits of what the bike ECU is expecting. My 15 tooth sprocket has now been on several hundred miles and is a great upgrade, and I have had no issues with it or the bike since installing it.
The sprocket I used is JT Sprockets JTF1539.15 and I purchased on Amazon here:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
I recommend an impact wrench for this job, but it is not completely necessary. The one I have was from Harbor Freight and was less than $40 with a 20% off coupon they send me just about weekly. It is not the best impact wrench by far, but I only need one very few times a year, and it has worked fine for over 2 years of occasional use. Many big hardware and even auto retail chains even rent or loan tools... or maybe you know someone with an impact. - Авто та транспорт
All these critics on here lol. He didn’t claim to be a master mechanic. Just sharing what he did on his bike. Some people are so unappreciative.
Shout out to this guy for giving a part number. As a autozone worker this guy speaks my language.
I changed to a 15t and it makes a big difference to the bike - and mine will pull 12k revs in top gear !
Large zip tie through the sprocket & around the swing arm👍👍
Bang, boom, Ouch. Thanks for the video.
Yamaha xt 600 e front sprocket fits in that engine. 15z and it works well
Not to be a critic but, when torquing - if you place the wrench in the 3 o'clock position and then apply pressure you'll save your back and achieve torque far easier, may need an extension to clear the frame - thanks for posting.
Thank you for the tip. I am by no means a mechanic! I will try that technique in future projects.
@@Versysxnet When "Stunt Driver" said you may need to use an extension, he means a socket extension and NOT a torque wrench extension to give you more leverage. I am sure you knew that but just in case someone else reads it and thinks he meant it so it would be easier to apply torque, like with a breaker bar. Placing torque force anywhere other than the handle of the wrench will give a false torque reading. The movement of the wrench should be a continuous motion, not jerking, as you move the wrench through the tightening process.
I've found that when putting the side covers back on if you lube the center holes of the grommets with wd40 the panels pop back into place easier with less chance of the grommet pushing through to the inside.
Yes, you can use something to help them slide, Vasoline works well also.
Yes good job !!
use some rubber grease. also helps the stay pliable
I would get the wrench checked for torque as it looks like you are applying much more that 95 lbs. I am 70 and need only one arm, also when taking the lock washer start with a chisel then go to a punch, less damage to the washer. to stop the wheel put in gear than tie the brake down should hold. and to brake the nut loos put a box end wrench on and tap the other end with a good hard rubber hammer. Great video.
The right way!
Never underestimate the wisdom of elders.
I want to do 2 things, one is to change the front sprocket cover, and another one is to claim independence from my dealership after the warranty expires, and leave basic to medium things for me, because they charge a lot for the minimum shit.
Your videos are going straight to a playlist, because i used to disarm my previous bike, and i want to disarm the Versys for stuff like these things you've uploaded.
Hi, I am not sure what you mean by change the sprocket cover... is there something wrong with the cover it comes with? I also do not know what independence from a dealership means. I got mine at a dealership and have a one year warranty from Kawasaki. Doing your own basic maintenance does not void your warranty (oil changes, even valve adjustments, etc etc). Even adding a new sprocket should not void anything, but I am not sure. Sprockets are wear item and I believe user replaceable. Did you get some kind of maintenance plan that the dealership dictates that the dealer must do all the work, or is it a regional thing? In the US, the dealer/manufacturer cannot void your if you decide to do your own maintenance as specified in the owners manual. I much prefer doing my own, since I know how it was done and many dealerships here often seem to have technicians that don't really care about the work they do. I also find it is fun and a learning experience taking care of my own bike.
Versysx.net here in Costa Rica they force you to take it to the dealership for the routine maintenances, if you change your oil, filters, and do work on your bike and not at a certified workshop of the brand, they will void the warranty because they'll claim that any defect was caused by mishandling, and they charge a lot every time, and i found some metallic front sprocket covers from the Ninja 300 and i wonder if they fit to this bike.
Oh that is a real pain for the consumer to force them to use the dealer for every little thing. I am not sure about the Ninja sprocket covers fitting, but my guess is they would since the engine is exactly the same and the mounting bolts that hold the cover would be in the same place. If you find one with a return policy or super cheap, it would be worth it to test it out. If you find any locally, you could take your cover off in 2 minutes and take it over next to one to check the shape would fit in that area. Clean it off first, lol. But I am almost 100% certain the bolts would line up fine, just maybe the shape might get in the way regarding differences in bodywork from the Ninja to Versys-X.
Versysx.net yeah, i could install extra stuff like windshield extensions and some screws to the back, but that was it, you're allowed to do aesthetical mods to it, just never allowed to touch the engine or the fueling, including oil changes.
I think the covers that i saw are like 10$, and when i inspect the original sprocket cover better, I'll see if they are compatible.
I found chesp bar raisers close from home too, 10$, i guess I'll give them a try, to see if they actually make a change.
achei muito legal, porque na ninja 300 o marcador de velocidade é no pinhão e quanto coloca o de 15 dentes altera marcação no painel de velocidade, e já na versys x 300 não é no pinhão
I am fuzzy on the translation that google give me for this... but if I understand you are saying the speed indicator is in the transmission/elsewhere on the Ninja 300. So it may affect the speedometer indicator being accurate on the Ninja. On the Versys-X the speed is calculated by a sensor on the rear wheel, so a sprocket change will not alter speedometer accuracy (assuming it is accurate, lol). Going up or down in tire size would affect the speed accuracy, however.
Maybe kawasaki puts the speed sensor on the rear wheel because they know the gearing ratio is very short on this bike and the owners would change that, by a bigger front sprocket or smaller rear sprocket and speedometer would works fine (calibrated).
They should have put the sensor on the front wheel... however the speed sensor checks against RPM and if you make any gearing changes more than 10-12% than stock, you will get a fault light come on the dash. 15T front sprocket falls just under that and works fine.
They are called Splines that you are supposed to grease. All splines should be including shift lever to shift shaft etc...
I find with the larger sprocket I cannot reach the full revs at higher speeds which loses top end speed also I find that the engine struggles with a light passenger. I believe with the original sprocket I would not be bogged down and this problem would be solved. Although I will not change back as I go off road a lot and can stay in 1st for long periods so it keeps me from the redline.
I don’t find it to struggle with getting to full revs at higher speeds, however… we are taking about a 300cc bike here with a lot of drag. It’s really not a highway cruiser. I’ve had a passenger on it only a few times and it does ok with the 15T, not great, but again… 300cc. I weigh 195lbs and I’d guess I have 30-40lbs of add-ons to the bike over bone stock. I don’t do any true off-roading, mostly county dirt back roads, fire roads, two-tracks and well worn trails. I also rarely take it on the highway, as I feel the bike is most fun at speeds under 70 mph.
Did you have any issues with the stock chain? Would you recommend a different number of chain links to make up for the difference in sprocket tooth count?
I did not have any issues with the stock chain other than it developed some surface rust rather quick and since it was changing the sprocket I wanted to install a higher quality chain while I was in there. The length of the chain (links) is still the same for 15T sprocket, so no need to get a new chain if you don't need/want one. I will say for less than $100 the D.I.D. chain I got was well worth it, much nicer than stock.
not required , enough room in adjusting the rear wheel
Which engine/header pipe protection plate is that? Looks really cool.
It is the Ricochet Offroad skid plate... I think I have a video of installing it. ricochetoffroad.com/products/kawasaki-versys-x300?variant=5483734663200&Google%20Shopping&_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqaK_s66n6wIVStbACh3JPA8QEAQYBCABEgLxfPD_BwE
Have you heard of any issues regarding sprockets that cross over between the Versys X and the Ninja 300 being 'micro-off sized / aligned' and thefore damaging the chain? Someone commented on my tutorial swearing by it but i have found zilch. Great vid man I subbed and belled ya.
I have not. But I haven't really researched it at all. If you install it correctly and align your rear/wheel chain well, I don't see any "micro-off sized" things being an issue. Chain and sprockets aren't exactly precision mechanics.
@@Versysxnet , chain and sprocket sets ARE exactly a precision mechanism !
@@diversionbob8482 Well that would be relative in many ways. But a drive mechanism like chain and sprocket that is generally lined up with a sight guide and your eyeball judgement, along with generally imprecise hash marks on the swingarm is definitely not as precision mechanics as say crankshaft bearing tolerances. If the chain is "micro sized off or misaligned" as mentioned, I doubt it makes much of a difference since the range of acceptable alignment is probably decently wide comparatively. Same goes for chain slack, it's just not that precise. Obviously anyone changing sprockets and chains should follow the service manual for correct alignment procedures.
It would have been easier to take off the sproket if it was on side stand, that way you don't have to stick a wrench in the rim.
I am not so sure... your bike could also roll and fall on you that way.
The complaint with the non-rubber cushion 15T sprocket is noise. What difference in noise have you noticed ? I'm working on a 15T solution with JT Sprockets with the rubber cushion currently. We'll know more in a week or so. Thank you.
I guess I haven't really had an issue with noise, but I would certainly welcome a 15T sprocket that is more like the stock part. I swapped my sprocket out pretty much after break-in about 600 miles on the bike, and also installed a nicer chain... I guess I don't remember what it was like and if it was "better"... I think beyond noise it's probably a buffer in driveline lash maybe. Again, if they offered it with the rubber, I think they would sell more for people on the fence for the mod. Overall I am happy with the change even without the rubber cushion.
@@Versysxnet I"ve been on the phone with JT Sprocket's Technical Staff and we are working on an alternate sprocket with the rubber cushion. There is a physical difference in the width and I have parts coming to me to install. I'll provide full detail once this is proven to be 100% legit. Thank you for your response. I've been a Versys X300 owner for a short time and would be interested in your experience up through the last 3 years from the time you uploaded all the content with the many upgrades. So far I really like the Versys X300. I feel it is the right choice for the do all bike that is also lighter and easier to maneuver and operate.
@@trekOCLVone , subbed to your channel , LOL
i changed to a non rubber 15 T sprocket and there is no noise at all...
@@graantmnz Thank you for the feedback. The J.T. Sprockets 15-tooth rubber bumpered alternate sprocket now has 6,600 miles on it and it looks new and working perfectly. When I bought my X300 in 2021 other X300 owners were complaining about noise from a non-rubber bumpered 15-tooth sprocket so that is why I searched for a rubber bumpered solution. Either way going to a 15-tooth sprocket seems to be a favorite modification for a lot of X300 owners. With the 15-tooth sprocket it puts the X300 in line with the gearing on the 300 Ninja which the X300's engine came from. The next big maintenance item for my X300 is the valve adjustments at 7,500 miles. My X300 is nearing 7,000 miles now. Enjoy your X300 ! Thank you.
Communication rocks! Why not explain why you're doing this mod. I'm on the fence re buying an X300 due to hwy gearing complaints.
You are increasing torque to the rear wheel, by increasing 1 tooth on the front equals 3 teeth on the rear. You may gain acceleration but loose top-end speed. Also any sprocket change you should change the chain as you will get uneven wear.
@@gavinr1834 Isn't the other way round? By increasing 1 tooth on the front you _decrease_ ~3 on the back. Reducing torque and also reducing RPMs for the same speed.
@@andresilveirah larger front sprocket means more top speed but will reduce torque, smaller front sprocket equals more torque (faster acceleration). remember manufacturers find a happy place for their gear ratios and they cater for an avg rider weight. If living in hilly areas or off road where low end is more important go with a smaller front sproket, more hwy driving go with a larger one. Now rule of thumb is for every tooth you take off the front it automatically adds 3 to the rear.
eg is if your stock gear ratio with 15 t front is 3.20 and you reduce to a 14t front it now is 3.43 . If to leave the front and increase the rear by 3 teeth the ratio is the 3.42 the same. effectfively doing the same thing .
@@gavinr1834 then he is right, your first comment was incorrect.
Hello, why does my motorcycle change the big sprocket of 42, the motorcycle will have a warning light failure, can you solve it?
You cannot change the ratio more than 10% or it will cause a warning light. The speed sensor on the rear wheel checks the speed against RPM/gearing. If it is more than 10% out of the programmed range, it will throw a warning. You can go up or down 1 tooth on the front sprocket OR I think 2, maybe 3 teeth on the rear, but not both. 15T on the front works fine with no warning.
@@Versysxnet Hi guys, what does the warning symbol look like ? I have done this mod and when at steady revs I get a 3 ball symbol which is triangular, when I twist revs on itgoes out.
That would be the eco symbol I believe. It tells you you're getting the best mpg at steady revs. If you Rev it goes away.
could you check the speed with gps? to see the difference with the new pinion 15
I will try to check it at some point, but there will probably be no speedometer difference since the speed sensor is on the rear wheel for the Versys-X.
Versysx.net it does not matter, the rotation speed of the rear wheel will change, so the speed change will be visible...
@@fabianobenedetti6692 I am not sure what you mean. The sensor is part of the ABS sensing unit at the hub of the wheel. Any gear/sprocket changes aren't going change the accuracy of the speed readings or odometer. If you changes your tires size, that could.
@@Versysxnet if you compare rpm/speed before and after you'll see the gain(actually loss) in rpm.
do you have better fuel consumption on highways?
I don’t know for sure. I average about 58mpg overall. I’m rarely in the highway and it will all depend on how you ride. Theoretically you should get a small bump in mpg on the highway with this, but it’s also a tall bike and after about 65mph I think you’re fighting wind resistance and drag more than anything.
Wonder if a klr 650 15 tooth would fit
It will not fit. I believe the Ninja 300 15T sprocket would, but you should double check. I listed the aftermarket part that fits in the description.
Does anybody know if a 15 tooth sprocket causes a loss in power, particularly in sixth gear?
You do not technically lose any power, your gearing ratio just changes slightly. Basically it just shifts your rpm about 800rpm lower at the same speed if you had the 14T. Since you control when you want to shift, you control the power. The only place you may lose a little torque would be on take off in 1st. Otherwise you will always control the power band by shifting when you feel appropriate. I personally like the less buzzy and super short shift in 1st of the stock by swapping to 15t. The change isn’t drastic and if you do it yourself, it’s under $30 mod. If you don’t like it, just put back the stock. The chain does not need to be swapped for this mod. IMO it makes the bike much more rideable… everyone’s preference may be different.
Yes, you will definitely lose power. Especially in high gear. These engines will barely pull redline in high gear as it is. I would like the gears to be spaced a little more down low. But the loss in power isn't worth the trade.
Thank you so much both of you. Now I need a third response for the tie breaker! 😂
Thanks again!
92NM is the torque for the front sprocket ?
Ft lbs. Whatever that converts to in Nm.
Where can i get a 15 tooth sprocket I have tried every where???
JT Sprockets JTF1539.15 15T Steel Front Sprocket on Amazon. Shows in stock. Any aftermarket 15T sprocket that would fit a Ninja 300 will work...
The raised lip side faces towards the engine, regardless of what others may say. Measure and compare the stock sprocket against the new one and you’ll see that the raised lip spaces it outward from the engine the correct amount.
Ebay has a lot. That's where I got my15T sprocket and centerstand.
Lump of wood in the rear sprocket at the bottom...harder the wood,the better
Yep, Harwood dowels are good
Man, the harder the wood the bigger the lump on your head !
check the speed
The speed is fine. The speedometer is linked to the rear wheel so sprocket changes, etc do not affect the speed accuracy.
Why didn't you say what sprocket come the bike, why your changing it and results. Most normal people can already do what your video shows.
Why don’t you make your own video where you can explain all these things for all the normal people who can already do this? If you already know how to do this procedure on this model bike, why are you even watching this video? I believe it’s well known to those interested in the X300, that it comes with a 14T sprocket. A common modification is to change to a 15T in order to adjust the gearing ratio. I’m also pretty certain all this information is mentioned and discussed in the video and comments.
I sincerely hope you didn't mar your swing arm.
I didn't. But thank you for the concern!
dear friend, I have the impression that you have made the wrong mistake ... the star that has the new gear in the one thousandth millimeter or more prevents the movement of the chain because it is not in the same line! I would say so it would be good to eat it in a turnoil
Hi, I am not sure exactly what you are saying about this being installed incorrectly. To the best of my knowledge, the sprocket is installed the correct way, in the correct orientation, and with the lock washer in exactly as it should be. My chain is lined up straight and I have put about 3,000 miles on the bike since and it has worked flawlessly. Certainly everyone should do their own full research or take their bike to a qualified mechanic if they are unsure, however I do believe my installation is 100% correct. If you could be more specific, please let me know as I would not want anyone to do it wrong.
Your chain is loose
I installed a new chain after the sprocket and adjusted it according to the factory service manual. This video does not cover that part. I'll have a video of that procedure when I have time.
There is such a thing as too much grease, just FYI
Is this a video how not to do something!
True!
Is this the how to video on how to ruin your motorcycle by a backyard mechanic ?
It is. You should definitely not follow any of my advice, lol. However, the sprocket has been fine and worked flawlessly since installation.
Does this sprocket make the bike faster?
No, it just changes the gear ratio. if you’re looking for a fast bike, this is not the motorcycle for you.
@@Versysxnet when you changed sprocket, then you don't go through gears so quick?