16 tooth sprocket review on a 2015 KLR 650

I swapped a 16 tooth on the KLR. What a difference for the kind of riding I do. Mostly commuting with light to medium of road. Expenses: 16 tooth sprocket from Amazon =$20. 27mm socket from Harbor Freight =$10.00 Breaker bar from Harbor Freight = $10. Total spent = $40.00 Best bang for the buck mod if this is the kind of riding you do.

[@michaelbyrnes4936]

7 years later and I found your video useful, thank you from a 2023 owner thinking about switching to the 16 tooth

[@gungho6798]

Thanks for sharing . Will follow suit.

[@alexmaccity]

The gains are negligible especially sacrificing lugging it or stalling it at low speeds especially off road. I'd rather just keep a few quarts of oil on hand and revving it out if I need to I want a 16t now, and you handled that accidental merge all wrong. There were no angry hand gestures, and you didn't punch their mirror off. That's verbatim from the handbook

[@MrPepper312]

Yes intrested to see how it works on the trail.

[@scottschafer9739]

I pass you sometimes in the am, I'm on the yellow and black klr650

[@ScratchBabble]

I've seen you! Not doing radio anymore but still riding! I'm hoping to hit Blackwater soon

[@ScratchBabble]

Nothing like finding misspellings after you upload.... 😬

[@scottschafer9739]

Well Sunday I'm going to ride the range. I know my way pretty good now. Its tough if you don't ride deep sand. Let me know if you want to go.

[@504BigStud]

Great video! You seem like a really cool, mellow guy. Keep the great videos coming!

[@nfd610]

I appreciate the on bike demo of the new sprocket's performance. I just ordered one and will be installing it this week. I'm looking forward to the lower RPM's at higher speeds. Currently I'm at about 90/10 road to trail ratio, so I think this will be beneficial. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@ScratchBabble]

Robert Moore Thanks Robert. That's my same ratio as it turns out. The sprocket and the windshield have made all the difference

[@0utriderzero]

Thanks for the review. Good info.

[@Ronbassettphd]

Nice video and thanks for making it. I'm installing the 16 tooth sprocket today and have good expectations for on pavement riding

[@ScratchBabble]

I definitely noticed a difference!

[@Ronbassettphd]

@@ScratchBabble first long ride today 120 miles with winds about 15 to 20 miles an hour on the return and there was a very noticeable difference after the addition of the eagle Mike Fork brace and the UFO low fender. I'm also loving the 16 tooth front sprocket and the longer first gear which it gives me.

[@ScratchBabble]

I'm torn on the fork brace. But then I'm doing a lot more off road now

[@ScratchBabble]

Hey I missed this yesterday. Regretfully we are full of activities this weekend but that would have been great

[@TheHooville]

Always enjoy spending a little time with you, my friend! It's still not a '67 Triumph...:(

[@ScratchBabble]

Yet.... I MISS YOU WOMAN!

[@stoneblue1795]

The 16T mod is also fantastic on the Versys 650.... takes the snatch out of it (wheelies) and calms her down 500 RPM's at highway speed like your setup.

[@martycech5844]

Like your ‘don’t hit me’ yellow helmet. Excellent video as usual.

[@kenhanson4015]

I have a 2015 KLR which has a pronounced high frequency buzz in the handlebars and tank just below 55 that I find tiring. I replaced the 42 tooth rear with a 41 which raised the buzz to 54 MPH, I would like to raise it to about 56 or 57. I travel a lot of 55 MPH roads, and that would let me know I'm too fast without looking at the speedo. I found a 16 tooth front sprocket online, but didn't know if it would fit with enough clearance. You answered that question for me, thank you. I will now order that part and I think that will give me the results I'm looking for. By downsizing the rear and upsizing the front one tooth each, I won't have to do anything about the chain length. There is enough travel in the rear suspension adjustment. Thanks for the post, this has been very helpful.

[@ScratchBabble]

Thank you sir. I try not to repeat things others have already done. At least not the same way

[@brunosbay7671]

Perfect. Was considering this change as well on my 2018, and always good to have more information. Peace :-))

[@georgetimm8203]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@ScratchBabble]

Thanks for saying so George.

[@manofmanythingz4812]

i just got a 2010 KLR

[@ScratchBabble]

+ManOfMany Thingz you're going to love it!

[@NWBikeButcher]

I'm running a 16 tooth on my 2008 705cc KLR. With the extra 55cc's it takes off the line better than a completely stock 650 KLRAfter installing the 705cc kit and carburetor mods. I did not notice very much difference in power till I removed the Air box door. The 705 needs much more air What a monster. I could not believe the power the 705 kit adds.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Jesse James I keep reading that. It may be in my future down the road.

[@NWBikeButcher]

My 2008 klr has not used a drop of oil since installing the 705 CC kit. Not even during break in.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Jesse James Yeah I understand the 685 or 705 are just about mandatory for some 08s

[@marcusaponte432]

Dude, you kinda sound like Mike Rowe. The guy from “dirty jobs”. Lol Thanks for the video! KLR is my next bike! I’ll be making the change before I ride the bike off the lot. Thanks!

[@ScratchBabble]

Ha! I wish I had his wallet! You'll love the bike and the 16t! Keep in touch and let me know how it works for you!

[@MindBodySoulOk]

why don't yall get married

[@ScratchBabble]

@@MindBodySoulOk Ahh jealousy

[@lalosdope]

Nice! I just got one and was wondering what the difference is. I will end up doing the conversion.

[@BuickFordAutocross88]

I have the 16 tooth sprocket in my 2015 klr 650 and the only problem I found was that my chain had rubbed on the front guard for the first couple of miles before it had a nice "Groove" and to those who are concerned you can still do wheelies. also I sit in 60 miles of stop and go traffic every day and have found no problems with the gearing. it does appear that I have lost maybe 8 mph off my top speed but I haven't tried wrapping out 4th gear on it.

[@ScratchBabble]

+TopLoader88 I've had no problems off road but it is flat around here. Things are a lot smoother at 75 that they were. I was out west on rocky downhills I'd probably go back to the 15

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Ugh if only I wasn't so lazy I would buy one too. I know I would get to the trails, switch to the offroad sprocket, ride, then just want to go home and not change back ha ha. Great video though Scratch! Looking forward to the next!

[@ScratchBabble]

I'd only do that for loooooong rides. I did learn today I need the 15 on sand. I may relegate the 16 to trips and keep the 15 on most of the time. I can ride within an hour of home. After that it's more like 5 hours. 16 will come in handy then. Also, Eagle Mike locking nut saves a ton of time.

[@henryhawk7038]

Scratch Babble you might try this set up. Go one tooth higher on the rear sprocet and 2 on the front for the highway but keep the 15 front for pulling when in the sand and trails. that set up for the sand and trail would give you some xtra zip on that rear tire.

[@jered2177]

Looks like Monday for blackwater ride,check out Pensacola adventure dualsport if your on fb.Its posted there.

[@johnhamilton2680]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@ralphwatten2426]

I do most of my riding on the highway and dirt 2 track. I found that the bike was a little over geared and bogged going up some pretty mild hills and had to downshift. I went up one tooth on the rear and the problem was totally cured. I live my KLR.

[@ralphwatten2426]

P.S. After these 2 larger sprockets, the new original length chain still fit.

[@ScratchBabble]

So you went up in size front and rear?

[@ralphwatten2426]

@@ScratchBabble Correct. I had a bog on the highway loaded with camping gear at 60 to 65 mph. That problem stopped when I down shifted and revved up to 70 and problem gone so I don't think I was into the power band. So I ordered one tooth larger sprocket on the wheel. Problem gone. Lots of grunt at 65. My engine is bone stock. Like I said, a new chain (unstretched) fit on both the larger sprockets.

[@tedatkinson5531]

amen brother to the klr. let the good times roll.

[@ScratchBabble]

+ted atkinson Every time I get on this thing I have fun. It's a little like me. Not too pretty, not too fast, just keeps on chugging along. I do like better in a "whistle thong" though

[@manofmanythingz4812]

Good video...

[@ScratchBabble]

+ManOfMany Thingz Thank you sir

[@jered2177]

possibly riding blackwater Sunday or Monday, if you like some easy gravel/ dirt roads I can show you around Perdido wma and or truck trial 17

[@RC62]

Curious to find out if you stick with the 16 tooth after you've been using it for a couple months. Sounds like it is working well your your style of riding.

[@ScratchBabble]

That may have all changed today after riding in sand

[@powertraingrpgroup4321]

I bought a 14 tooth for riding tighter trails which I like. My question/comment is that the raised portion of the 14 T I was told by the sprocket vendor that it goes out away from the KLR engine. You say inward towards the engine. confused now.

[@ScratchBabble]

I held it up to the original 15 and on both there was a raised hub on one side and it was kind of concave on the other so I just matched that. I've seen other videos where the hub is put on facing out. Confused me as well. Once everything was buttoned up the chain was straight and true.

[@jered2177]

I have a 14t on my 01 Klr,5000rpm at indicated 70

[@ScratchBabble]

That's pretty good. I was in the same range/speed with my 15 (gen 2). I'm really thinking about going back to it although the 16 smoothed it out a lot

[@scottschafer9739]

Hey, you sound like a radio guy in FWB!!

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Good stuff as always! What are the KLR owners group and KLR wrenchers group?

[@ScratchBabble]

Hey RNB, they are Facebook groups. Awesome community.

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Ok i'll check them out.

[@megavolt08]

Good review, better than mine. I see those mirrors on a lot of KLR vids. What are they? Better than stock?

[@ScratchBabble]

megavolt08 They're just cheap ebay mirrors and are way better if you are primarily on road. 8 recently replace them with Double Take mirrors. I talk about those on the 2000 mile review video I last posted

[@henryhawk7038]

that 16 tooth sprocket will hurt trying to ride in sand. you may want to try the Trans-American trail if not all at once maybe in sections. Begins in N. C. to Ca.

[@ScratchBabble]

That's the dream! I'm watching a series by Mototrekadv on KZbin right now

[@504SPANK]

I have the same year model KLR. Thank you for the video. I ride my bike on the road for the most part. I would like to know where you got your mirrors. I have the OEM round ones, and I don't care for them much : ( would like to get some like you have on your bike.

[@ScratchBabble]

SANDMAN 762 Hey thanks for commenting! Here you go... m.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Black-Motorcycle-Mirrors-Kawasaki-KLR250-KLR600-KLR650-/191559555169?hash=item2c99d6d861%3Am%3Am1q0zRGa4Z2zgGvsP2OK9TA&_trkparms=pageci%253Ab054b318-45fe-11e7-8ce3-74dbd180729f%257Cparentrq%253A5e87e79b15c0aa47cc7d3e27ffffa602%257Ciid%253A4

[@504SPANK]

Scratch Babble thank you so much for replying to my question. Also, thank you for sending me the website to get those mirrors. 😊

[@Me-yh4uc]

Ok. Long road trips 16. Around town n trails 15.

[@Rkevwill2687]

I've had a BMW RnineT and a T100. I've always wanted a KLR, but they are just too darn tall for me. I'm 5'9", 28-29 " inseam, and I feel like I am gonna fall over at every stop. Looked at lowering, but don't know if that will even be low enough. Too bad for me, as I like everything else about it.

[@ScratchBabble]

I'll look into that. Pretty sure the lowered links will work for you but let me check

[@dalaipanda4688]

With 40mm lowering links and the low seat ( 30mm lower ) I took the seat height from the standard 870mm to 800mm. I am only 5’7” and can ride it easily with both feet flat on the ground at stops, if I need it. Mine is the 2023 KLR 650 Adventure.

[@shivanksolaris]

Can i go 16 tooth for er6n, it vibrates over 4k rpm, i want to get better mileage at slow speed cruising without vibs when i have a pillion, and still keep up with z800s in my group on sundays. Thanks.

[@TheDonnieballgame]

Just won another subscriber just on the "KLR Community" comment!!! ;)

[@blank-cw6fr]

Sup fellas thinkin gettin a 2006 650 klr any advices from yall klr 650 vets .. great vid btw !

[@ScratchBabble]

Welp it's a great bike for everything except long highway miles in my opinion. There isn't anything like the KLR. Affordable, tough, fun, dependable, easy to work on, amazing community. Go for it!

[@oldmanriding]

though you were mia , more mods your pretty much done . do you have a klr dash for your electronics.

[@ScratchBabble]

We had rain for about 3 years it felt like! Still to go.... KLR Dash and DB, heated grips, Tusk Panniers. Eventually soft bags. Then I swear I'm done.... Allegedly...

[@oldmanriding]

dont know if you watch everide channel but he has links to buy stuff plus it helps him out. just a thought.

[@ScratchBabble]

+oldmanriding Im a big fan of his. My riding history, what little there is, is Long Way - Halfthrottle - Everide - learned to ride - bought my first bike this year ☺

[@TheTed169]

KLR ROCKS!

[@ScratchBabble]

Yes they do!

[@scottschafer9739]

Haha it is you! I just geared down to a 14 tooth. Do you have a range pass? Come ride with me and my buddy Tim. Aren't you Scratch?

[@masonsadv]

Hey Scratch.Glad you like it. Old Mason's KLR came with the 16 tooth and he likes it too. I spend too much time off pavement and i think it would lug too much for where i ride but having said that i do have one on the bench ready for a big trip :D Congrats on the 120 subs now!! wow awesome man! well done.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Masons ADV Mason I'm not sure I'm going to leave it. I did my first real off-roading Sunday and it was 90 percent sand. I'm going to give it one more shot this weekend the put the 15 back on for a couple of rides before I decide. Long ride on a slab the 16 is definitely the way to go. Got the Eagle Mike locking nut so I don't have to keep bending and unbending the lock washer. Now it only takes about 15 minutes to swap. I'll let you know what's what. Love the tail bag btw!

[@ScratchBabble]

And thanks for the kind words on the subs. Whoda think it

[@ScratchBabble]

And thanks for the kind words on the subs. Whoda think it

[@masonsadv]

Eagle mike has great stuff. Yeah, keep me posted for sure! and thanks, the tail bag is amazing.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Masons ADV Will do. Grabbed one of his trail jacks too. Amazing

[@johnnydare3606]

Nice.... thanks it's helpful....4sure

[@mike300406]

Changing 1 tooth on the front is like changing 3 on the rear but I feel more of a difference changing that front sprocket even 1 tooth I went down 4 on the back and it still felt like I did more by changing that 1 tooth on the front I don't no

[@ScratchBabble]

+BikeRidinManiac I went up 1 partially because if the vibes. Now that I'm used to it I'm thinking about going back to the 15

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Scratch, if I find myself having to ride in someone's blind spot

[@colindowns163]

Did you ever have any problems with your doohickey? Just wondering about mine.

[@jerrythecoo3295]

Some people say a person has to be a bit " Loopy" to drive a KLR,....... I say it's all personal preference!.👀😏😎👌👍👋✌️🇨🇦

[@ScratchBabble]

You are what you eat brother! 😎

[@dc85337]

PS - Just STACK the 2 together with longer bolts! Then It is easier to switch over! 😁😆

[@michaeltorrey3603]

How do you know how fast you're really going? I thought the speedo is off if you change sprockets. Maybe not for KLR...

[@ScratchBabble]

The speedo is off regardless. Used GPS to calibrate. Roughly 74 indicated was 70 on GPS. When I say I'm going about 78 I was indicating 82/83

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Speedo works off the cable attached to your front wheel hub...i think, haha.... yeah has to be.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Swanky Cat Best answer!

[@GregLanz]

There's no such thing as a blind spot if you're a competent driver. That said I do make sure if I'm beside someone for anything more than a couple seconds that I can see them so that they can see me, there are too many incompetent drivers

[@BigStrath]

I have heard that a 16t actually lowers your gas mileage. Can you confirm that?

[@ScratchBabble]

Strath09 I'm not seeing that. The only thing that affects my gas mileage is my riding style. When I ride like I have a brain I go 220 to 230 to reserve. When I ride it like I stole it it's 190 to 200.

[@mike300406]

ridiculous most of the time you change into 2nd gear fast enough anyway I no I do I even take off in 2nd not if I'm at complete stop but if still rollin pretty good I go right into 2nd and crack the throttle forget 1st gear

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

for those reporting loss of gas mileage, it has to do with they are usually (after the 16 swap) riding a bit faster (feels the 'same') but bucking increased wind drag etc. ergo the loss in 'mileage' if you're riding the same speeds, actually goes up a little as the klr carb gets a bit thirsty at higher revs.Seer

[@valhala56]

You need to explain what is the point of this, is this to change where you shift. BTW the clutch baket fractured in my 2016 and took out the Oil pump with it. It is been in the shop for 2 weeks and should get it out next week. Needless to say I am NOT happy camper.

[@ScratchBabble]

The point is to bring down the RPMs at highway speeds. At 75 mph I'm about 5k less. Makes for a smoother ride and less stress on the engine. If I need to go 80 I'll be just over 5 where I was over 55 previously.

[@ScratchBabble]

And that SUCKS about your bike. Has the 16 had issues?

[@valhala56]

I don't know if the 16 has issues, the shop seems to think it is a manufacturer issue. hopefully I can pick it up next week. thanks for explaining the purpose of the sprocket change.

[@RedNeckBiker109]

It should also improve your gas mileage as well. Not sure which sprocket you purchased but there are some manufactures that have issues. If you have not already found eaglemikes web site, I would highly suggest you give it a look. Don't know if you're on Klr650.net but there was a pretty good discussion regarding this very subject and not to mention it's the go to place on all things KLR.

[@ScratchBabble]

+RedNeck Biker109 I have. I'll keep and eye on it and get from EM next. I did get the locking nut for the sprocket hub, low profile oil bolt and trail Jack from him.

[@mike300406]

Can you go 17 teeth on front if it would even fit and put a 32 tooth on the back you gotta be guaranteed 100 mph then

[@ScratchBabble]

A lot of people go 17 but I'm actually thinking about going back to 15

[@mike300406]

that's what ive heard some people are going or already have went back there's nothing wrong with the way it's set up gear wise anyway far as other things like fork brace's- a new pipe'you don't need the hole header just a pipe that stock 1 is not to great at all most endure bike's that's the f1st thing to do is a pipe then little jetting if needed I agree with those mods more than anything

[@RJMay3]

17t is a nice road gear, but you have to massage the plastic cover. I put the stator wires on the outside of the cover because it got a little cramped with the 17t. I now have a 16/40t combo, keeping the revs below 5000 rpm at 75 mph. It's a 692 now with the KLX needle, modified airbox and Delkevic 14" muffler, so it's got the grunt to pull the gear. I can't find another 40t rear, so I bought a 38t rear to be mated with a 15t front, giving me a similar gear ratio... 2.53 vs 2.50 (stock = 2.866).

[@ChrisNole_]

What kind of side mirrors are those?

[@ScratchBabble]

Whyohwhy! Those are mirrors I found on Ebay. 20 bucks. But they stuck out farther than the handlebars and broke off every time I went down. I have Doubletake mirrors now

[@AlanTrades]

So all in all would you recommend this upgrade or not?

[@ScratchBabble]

ConditionRed If you don't plan on doing a lot of mountains and hill climbs off road then yes. I live in Flatistan so I don't have to worry here. If you mostly commute and flatter trail ride then do it! Lower rpms and less vibration.

[@AlanTrades]

Scratch Babble but can you still mountain climb in first with the 16t?

[@ScratchBabble]

ConditionRed Only if it's in your pocket

[@ScratchBabble]

SexJunkle I'll have to check it again and see. The biggest difference I've noticed is less vibes at higher speeds. If I were going off road anywhere but here in Flatistan I'd go back to the 15. But for commuting and touring I think the 16 makes a difference. Plus it only takes 10 minutes to swap them out....and I look for 6th gear later ☺️

[@AlanTrades]

Scratch Babble I took it to the beach with a 16t and it was great. Just clutch, gas and rpm management is key. Even drove through about a foot of water in the sand

[@kevinheimbouch8061]

did you change the rear sprocket?

[@ScratchBabble]

+Kevin Heimbouch no just the front

[@ScratchBabble]

+Kevin Heimbouch no just the front

[@redrider736]

link us to your KLR Forum Posts on your Install... Just so I don't have to re-ask that same questions

[@ScratchBabble]

Ryan Wonch Hey Ryan I never posted the video on the forums. Nor did film the install so ask away! It's pretty simple. I've never posted any of my videos on the forum. Didn't want it toook like I was trolling for views. Although others have posted one or two.

[@redrider736]

Scratch Babble . I was just looking for the link to your Post or Thread(s) on the KLR forums that answered your Install questions ect..

[@ScratchBabble]

Ryan Wonch oh OK here you go. This is the one I watched... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHPYqIOMn7NmrLc

[@Desertduleler_88]

60mph @ 4000rpm is not bad....

[@murraydupley9330]

quicker or faster? than stock, in jungle, between jungles, or in other jungle. all just klr luv me too looking for 2nd bike. Adventure Motorcycle good site i follow. best riding to all.

[@ScratchBabble]

Hey Murry I'll let you know this weekend. We're riding together for the first time

[@ScratchBabble]

Sorry, "Murray"

[@mikebigeasyrider]

If I did 4500rpm's on my Harley( 6th gear) , I would be doing over 100mph , Ok, on your difficult scale, how many beers ? This is only in fun, Glad your enjoying the KLR community, but remember you started on a Harley, LOL..........sorry , don't have any questions or concerns , so I'll just make some silly comments...... great looking bike Scratch. Ride safe

[@ScratchBabble]

Thanks Mike! And I will own a Harley someday too. If they made a freaking scrambler I'd one one a lot sooner! Good to hear from you Mike. Hope you're doing well.

[@ScratchBabble]

Oh and only a 1 beer. Maybe a half!

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Dam iPhone! Put your finger over your horn button until your clear.

[@ScratchBabble]

+Stafford Video Productions Hahahahahaha I was with you. I need to practice that for sure.

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Scratch, suggest a change in language.."47 mph 'indicated'"..I found the 16 also make my speedo more accurate :), And I go from 16 to 14 depending on where I'm going. 14 REALLY improves gnarly trail ability. Seer Oh, and your mirrors are dead stable (i.e very little vibration) compared to mine. :)

[@MotoAtheist]

WTF? You can be in their blind spot all day long and it's still not your fault!!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Great review man I just subscribed.. I have a klr650 2017 model so far loving this. Check out my channel if you have time I have a few videos of my bike there along with some videos. Keep up the great work

[@murraydupley9330]

you stress 1st part