SuzukiSavage.com - Chain Conversion for older Savage

wvhunter62

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Chain Conversion for older Savage
04/01/07 at 22:52:03

I want to do the chain conversion, my Savage is an '87 model 4spd. The majority of my rides (90+%) are on US Routes and country back roads, with the rare short hop on the interstate. Not really interested in going 80, 65-70 with some throttle left to get out of trouble(read blue hair). What do you think would be best for my bike 17/45, 17/43, 14/45, 14/43? 14/43 would be 3.07 should be a 7.25% decrease in RPM. Any knowledge of some one else making this conversion will be greatly appreciated.

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mpescatori

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Re: Chain Conversion for older Savage
Reply #1 - 04/02/07 at 01:20:17

Hi WVHunter, I have the same problem and I'm even on the other side of the ocean !!!

I have a 4sp. '88, and I've been made to understand the standard belt drive final raito is (about) 3:1 .
Given that most of my riding is to be interstate, cruising about 65/70mph, I want to be able to do that at 3700-3800rpm, nothing higher than 4000. 70mph is roughly 4500rpm on my two-bit rev counter bought at the five&dime store (eBay).

My choice is going to be a 45 tooth rear, and I intend to buy both a 15 tooth front sprocket for city/mountain touring (where you need closer gears for the climbs) and 17 tooth for general purpose thumpin'round.

...and maybe a tiny 12/13 tooth for scorching the expensive, highly modified HDs that sprout in the summer Grin

Maurizio from Rome, Italy
PS Check the other, 15-page thread on Rubber Side Down! on the same topic, Hutch&Co. really know the business!

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Maurizio Pescatori, Esq.
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Mikuni BST40, K&N filter, Stage2 cam, Verslagen tensioner, Sportster muff, 120 proof moonshine, Pirelli MT 66 tourers... and a chain conversion too !

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Hutch

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Re: Chain Conversion for older Savage
Reply #2 - 04/02/07 at 07:01:24

wvhunter62 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:04:

I want to do the chain conversion, my Savage is an '87 model 4spd. The majority of my rides (90+%) are on US Routes and country back roads, with the rare short hop on the interstate. Not really interested in going 80, 65-70 with some throttle left to get out of trouble(read blue hair). What do you think would be best for my bike 17/45, 17/43, 14/45, 14/43? 14/43 would be 3.07 should be a 7.25% decrease in RPM. Any knowledge of some one else making this conversion will be greatly appreciated.

A 3.07 gear ratio would be an increase, NOT a decrease in rpm's.For the type riding you do the best ratio would be either the 17/45(2.65 ratio) and a 10.25% redution in ratio, or a 16/43(2.69ratio) for a 9% change. Either ratio would save you about 400-500 rpms at 65-70mph. The 4 speed and 5speed are very close to the same final ratio. Suzuki just added an extra gear but didn't change the final out come.
Hutch

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wvhunter62 YaBB Newbies Offline Posts: 35 Gender:	Re: Chain Conversion for older Savage Reply #3 - 04/02/07 at 14:24:54 Thanks for the info, I had been told the final drive was 3.30 thats why I thought 3.07 would be a reduction. I think I'll try the 16/43 first with the new Maxxis 150/90-15WW should bring the rpms down and make life easier on my thumper.
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Hutch

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Re: Chain Conversion for older Savage
Reply #4 - 04/02/07 at 14:39:29

wvhunter62 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:04:

Thanks for the info, I had been told the final drive was 3.30 thats why I thought 3.07 would be a reduction. I think I'll try the 16/43 first with the new Maxxis 150/90-15WW should bring the rpms down and make life easier on my thumper.

The stock ratio is 2.96 and you are right the 16/43 with that tire would be a reduction of about 10-11%. It will definately make it not work so hard, but will cruise great at 65-70mph. Hutch

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