2017 to 2022 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket Rubber Cushion 15T sprocket part 2 of 2

This video is Part 2 of 2 - The 2017 to 2022 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing of the front sprocket from the stock 14 tooth Rubber Cushion to a JT Sprocket 15 tooth Rubber Cushion. The JT Sprocket is an alternate sprocket that is different in the width of the sprocket at the center spline. This video is how to do this update and what is needed to take care of the width difference. The solution is to use two Kawasaki washer parts numbers to in essence fill the gap. The stock sprocket is 9.3mm wide and the alternate is 5.8mm wide. At length the JT Sprocket tech confirmed that this alternate will not be an issue with the narrower width. The two videos will walk you through the process and provide the part numbers of everything needed. (the JT sprocket and the two Kawasaki washers). This is a pretty easy task to do it you have a the right tools. Ask any questions in the comments. The road test went great. There is an advantage with the 15 tooth sprocket to lower the RPM of the bike through out the gears. The new gear provides: 5500 rpm at 50 mph, 6700 rpm at 60 mph, 7700 rpm at 70 mph and 9000 rpm at 80 mph. About a 10% lowering in 6th gear.
And the results - 100% install and test ride and it works perfect and it is silent - as in no gear noise.
Sprocket sourced from (Dennis Kirk dot com) link: JT Sprockets Front Rubber Cushioned Sprocket - JTF565.15RB Dirt Bike Motorcycle | Dennis Kirk
The two different part number Kawasaki washers sourced from (Partszilla dot com)
Partszilla.com link: www.partzilla.com/
Quantity of THREE of the 92200-0851 Kawasaki washer, link: Kawasaki 92200-0851 - WASHER | Partzilla.com
Quanity of ONE of the 92200-1389 Kawasaki washer, link: Kawasaki 92200-1389 - WASHER | Partzilla.com
They are all inexpensive parts for this sprocket swap.
Disclaimer: I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL Actor! No critics please. lol
I've published a 2 part video that explains the front sprocket swap to a JT Sprockets 15 Tooth Rubber Cushion. The links:
2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket 15T rubber cushion (part 1 of 2) - KZbin
The 15 tooth Rubber bumpered sprocket denniskirk.com link: www.denniskirk.com/jt-sprocke...
The 15 tooth Rubber Bumpered sprocket Amazon.com link: www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-J...
2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket Rubber Cushion 15T sprocket part 2 of 2 - KZbin
This is the third attempt to do this and is 100% now available to all . Enjoy !

[@trekOCLVone]

Please start with part 1 and here is the link: (8289) 2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket 15T rubber cushion (part 1 of 2) - KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_SY6ycrK9qbLM&ab_channel=trekOCLVone Pardon me as it was a Ka-billion degrees and I look like a mess. Here is all the info for all parts and these video links: And the results - 100% install and test ride and it works perfect and it is silent - as in no gear noise. The 2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing of the front sprocket from the stock 14 tooth Rubber Cushion to a JT Sprocket 15 tooth Rubber Cushion. The JT Sprocket is an alternate sprocket that is different in the width of the sprocket at the center spline. The videos are how to do this update and what is needed to take care of the width difference. The solution is to use two Kawasaki washer parts numbers to in essence fill the gap. The stock sprocket is 9.3mm wide and the alternate is 5.8mm wide. At length the JT Sprocket tech confirmed that this alternate will not be an issue with the narrower width. The two videos will walk you through the process and provide the part numbers of everything needed. (the JT sprocket and the two Kawasaki washers). This is a pretty easy task to do it you have the right tools. Ask any questions in the comments. The road test went great. There is an advantage with the 15 tooth sprocket to lower the RPM of the bike through out the gears. The new gear provides: 5500 rpm at 50 mph, 6700 rpm at 60 mph, 7700 rpm at 70 mph and 9000 rpm at 80 mph. About a 10% lowering in 6th gear. What you will need: quantity of ONE JT Sprocket Part number JTF565-15RB, quantity of ONE Kawasaki washer part# 92200-1389 and a quantity of THREE Kawasaki washers part# 92200-0851. Sprocket sourced from (Dennis Kirk dot com) link: JT Sprockets Front Rubber Cushioned Sprocket - JTF565.15RB Dirt Bike Motorcycle | www.denniskirk.com/ The two different part number Kawasaki washers sourced from (Partszilla dot com) Quantity of THREE of the 92200-0851 Kawasaki washer, link: Kawasaki 92200-0851 - WASHER | Partzilla.com Quantity of ONE of the 92200-1389 Kawasaki washer, link: Kawasaki 92200-1389 - WASHER | Partzilla.com There are all inexpensive parts for this sprocket swap. Disclaimer: I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL Actor! No critics please. lol I've published a 2 part video that explains the front sprocket swap to a JT Sprockets 15 Tooth Rubber Cushion. The links: (8289) 2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket 15T rubber cushion (part 1 of 2) - KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_SY6ycrK9qbLM&ab_channel=trekOCLVone (8289) 2017 to 2021 Kawasaki Versys X300 changing to a JT Sprocket Rubber Cushion 15T sprocket part 2 of 2 - KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWW1g5uGjNyXmNk&ab_channel=trekOCLVone

[@govinda102000]

Worked great. No longer having to frantically change gears from a start and it allowed me to ride highway at lesser RPM for a quicker break in period.

[@trekOCLVone]

@@govinda102000 Fantastic ! Every ride I am conscience of the lower RPM and knowing that the engine will last longer. I've just put on some Dunlop Trialmax Mission tires and going to try some "light" off road and will evaluate the sprocket change from that aspect. Always evolving. lol

[@user-kq7uq2tc2b]

when replacing the star, was the chain long enough?

[@trekOCLVone]

@@user-kq7uq2tc2b Yes - the chain was long enough. It made very little difference.

[@jrobwebb]

Thanks for posting this. I watched it and went ahead and switched mine out. The washers as spacers worked great! The impact gun is a must. The one issue I had was retorquing the sprocket. I ended up having my wife stand on the rear brake while I used my torque wrench LOL. It is a noticeable improvement in rideability. Thanks again.

[@trekOCLVone]

Fantastic !

[@trekOCLVone]

May 16, 2023 - there is now 5,600 miles on the 15-tooth rubber bumpered sprocket and I've checked on it several times and it still look like it is brand new. Nice and quiet.

[@govinda102000]

Thanks for the part numbers. Getting my kit soon and anxious to use the rubberized gear. Awesome that JT's advised you of the suitable replacement with the washers to use.

[@barrychetkett8448]

Thanks for the information ordered sprocket from amazon here in Australia can only get the one without the cushion here but it is the right thickness but your fix seems OK and the video was fine.

[@trekOCLVone]

The world isn't one shopping place. In Thailand J.T. Sprockets has at drop in 15 tooth rubber bumpered front sprocket for the X300. Thailand X300 owners posted pictures on the X300 forum. Here the J.T. Sprockets technical staff (on the phone) said that he has been trying to get J.T. Sprocket to offer (make or import or ??) a drop in 15 tooth sprocket with the rubber bumper. It's a small world but not for sprockets. Can't you order a sprocket from Amazon US ? I would think shipping cost would be very high and prohibitive. Or maybe order one from some other J.T. Sprockets source? You are closer to Thailand than I am - just fly there and pick one up. lol

[@trekOCLVone]

Another milestone - 8,000 miles on 15-tooth rubber bumpered front sprocket and I continue to check out the sprockets and chain and it all looks and functions as new. Along with my Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires with over 6,500 miles on them also looking great with 10.3/32nd of an inch tread depth will be going to at least 12,000 miles before I consider a tire change. (new the Trailmax Mission rear had 14.3/32nd of an inch.

[@govinda102000]

Over a year and love my sprocket change. This video and the parts list is the solution in using a 15t rubber cushion sprocket. trekoclovone did the homework.

[@trekOCLVone]

I now have 3600 miles the 15-tooth rubber cushioned front sprocket and will stay with it until I sell the bike. The goal was to have a quiet Versys X300 - or eliminate all sources of noise that is possible so - 1. The 15-tooth rubber bumper solution was found and implemented. 2. A massive time-consuming project of designing a custom windshield (one for hot days and one for cool days) that would eliminate all wind noise and all helmet buffeting so, consuming over 100 hours of my time the solution has been installed on my Versys X300 and it is quiet. Really quiet - see my videos on the windshield project. What I'm left with is engine noise, tire noise with the Dunlop Trialmax Mission tires and still some front sprocket noise (matches stock 14-tooth rubber bumpered sprocket). The Versys X300 is quiet - I do realize that I'm in the minority of the X300 owner wanting to go in the quiet direction. That is the fun part about the Versys X300 - you can make into whatever you want. I'm having fun finding a lot of solutions to installation of accessory's problems. Enjoy!

[@DTBB515]

Well done, Dave! Thanks for the videos. I love them all! Question: Did you lube the spline and new sprocket with grease, oil, or even a combo of both before putting everything back together? Thanks!

[@trekOCLVone]

I lightly coated the splines with grease. More of a rust prevention. Thanks for the comments.

[@DTBB515]

Made the change following Dave's instructions! Probably couldn't have done it without an air impact. Friend stood on the rear brake. I put the rear tire on the ground a few times while loosening and tightening the front sprocket nut. Sort of equivalent to leaving your car off the jack while loosening and tightening lug nuts. Love, love the results. Can use 1st now without waking the neighbors at 6 AM, better fuel efficiency, and all the other gears are stretched out longer/taller too! Was: 1st: 0-8mph 2nd: 9-16 3rd: 17-22 4th: 23-27ish 5th: 28-32 6th: 32+ Passing at high speed: No dropping down to 5th bc revs are already plenty high. 5th is overkill. Now: 1st: 0-14 2nd: 15-22 (or longer and No Big Deal) 3rd: 22-28 (or longer & NBD) 4th: 28-35 (or longer & NBD) 5th: 35-41 (or longer & NBD) 6th: 41+ Passing: Whatever you want! Dropping to 5th doesn't feel like Versys 300 Kamikaze death. (Bad Japanese bike joke) Again, well done, Dave!

[@trekOCLVone]

@@DTBB515 Fantastic! At only 200 miles on my X300 I changed out the front to the 15-tooth rubber bumpered front sprocket and never looked back. There are X300 owners that go in the other direction with a 14/47 for extra low-end torque. The X300 engine is from the 300 Ninja that has 14/43 I believe. So, the 15--tooth was the first modification I did on my X300. Glad is all worked out for you and enjoy your little Versys.

[@jackiek]

Thank you fore the detailed video. I have one question. Why did you use 2 locking washers behind the new sprocket for the 3.5mm spacing? Could you not use 2 more of the Kawasaki splined washer? (the first washer you put on the shaft before the 2 locking washers) Thank you.

[@tylernelson7995]

If I hadn’t already gotten used to the louder chain noise, I’d probably do this on mine. 👌

[@freshanything6629]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a Versys x300 new and want to change out the front sprocket to a 15T, do you know if this would void the warranty?

[@trekOCLVone]

I don't think so. But I'm not Kawasaki either. I found the gearing just too low and quickly researched and came up with the best 15 tooth rubber bumpered solution out there that was available. I was the first to do this. Several other X300 owners have how done the swap following this video and I get many BIG THANK YOU'S. I made the switch to the 15 tooth front rubber bumpered sprocket with the help of the J.T.Sprockets Technical Staff discussing what was available (alternate sprocket) and what was needed to 100% be confident that the end results were spot on. So that was the beginning of the KZbin Versys X300 explosion of world of Farkling. lol I now have quite a few videos up and I'm deciding where to go next. That is what is great about the X300 in that it is customizable to be whatever you want it to be. Any of my modifications can be changed or reversed at any time and something else can be tried. Example is the first modification to the T-Rex Heavy Duty Skid Plate with a 5th bracket was to address the fore/aft lack of support only to take off that bracket and replace it with the TWO new angle iron bracket back to both M10 center stand / frame mounts in order to life the bike up in the air on a standard motorcycle lift. I have the video here on my channel to show you the brackets and how/why I felt the need to do that modification. Now I can do maintenance and cleaning without sitting on the floor. And with the T-Rex Heavy Duty skid plate already installed going from the one 5th brace the the new 5th and 6th brace was not a big deal. I suggest a cutoff/grinder to deal with the 2 inch angle iron which made that job a piece of cake.

[@rorysinger5546]

Enjoyed your video. I also have a x300 and changed gearing by installing a smaller rear sprocket. Going from a 46 to a 44 tooth. No extra parts needed other that a new rear sprocket. New gearing of 14/44 is very close to your 15/46. You mentioned removing and installing the front sprocket. How did you remove and get the sprocket nut torqued properly? That's always a concern when working on a front sprocket. Thanks

[@trekOCLVone]

Great questions. Yes - the 14/44 or 14/43 is about the same as the 15/46. I chose the front as it seems easier without the need to remove the rear wheel. I have the center stand and now I've even beefed up the T-Rex Heavy Duty skid plate to lift the whole bike in the air on a motorcycle jack. The front sprocket removal was talked about and I used a pneumatic impact air gun once I had the fold over washer straightened up and away from the 27mm sprocket nut. The nut instantly came right off. Thinking about it before you lift the rear up off the ground use a breaker bar with the 27mm socket to break free the large nut then put the bike up on the center stand to continue. If you don't have a center stand it would complicate things a bit, I think it still could be accomplished. The thing is you need to take the tension off the chain to be able to take off the 14 and put the larger 15 tooth rubber bumpered sprocket. As far as the tourque spec it is 93.7 fl.lbs which a weird value and that can be done with the bike back on the ground. I wedged a 2"x4" under the rear wheel and it worked great using the wood with the bike on the center stand. The issue is don't put stress on the transmission with it in 1st gear and start banging on the nut or do the re-torquing. I've read that it's just not a good idea to use the transmission but use the tire on the ground instead. If I didn't answer your questions just let me know. Thank you.

[@KF1]

Nice change and good homework done! I heard the newer versions (2020+) can accept a larger gear ratio change than the previous models. What do you think about dropping 4 teeth on the rear sprocket? Would that also be okay?

[@trekOCLVone]

In 2022 there were X300 owners of the 2022 bikes will not set off all the dashboard drama if you change the sprockets beyond 14/43 OR 15/46. Then in late 2022 and again in 2023 there were more X300 owners of the 2022 and 2023 models that say the dashboard drama indeed does still happen going beyond the 14/43 OR 15/46. So, the numerous X300 are saying both " going beyond 14/43 OR 15/46 is no problem " AND " there is dashboard issues going beyond the 14/43 OR 15/46 ". So, I'm confused at the moment. Some of the X300 owners that experience the dashboard issues say that the bike will reset itself and run trouble free after 3 or more longer rides. I think staying with 14/43 OR 15/46 is where I will stay. My 15-tooth front is working great with 6,900 miles on it and it still looks new. The secret is keeping the chain and sprocket clean and that means cleaning off any crud and lubing the sprockets/chain often. That is what I have been doing and I expect to go well past 10,000 miles with the OEM chain and the 15/46 sprockets. I hope this helps.

[@KF1]

Thanks very much for the info. Sounds like 15/46 or 14/43 is a lesser potential headache. I'm looking at a used 2022 model with 9,000 miles on it. Dude even added highway pegs on the crash bars. Cute, but I'ma take those off!@@trekOCLVone

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

I didn't like the stock gearing on my used bike so ordered a 48 tooth rear sprocket instead of the 46 for a lower first gear. I changed the front too for a rubberized 14 and discovered the previous owner had installed a 15. So now my gearing is 10% lower than what I had been used to. The bike now accelerates like crazy. I use 6th gear a lot more on dirt roads now. It's ok until about 115 kph, then it just revs too high for nothing. I don't have much asphalt around here so am not worried about it. Going to a 47 rear when ever I feel like it. According to GPS, the speedo is off by about 8 kph at 110.

[@trekOCLVone]

Changing the gearing is one easy way to change the character of the bike.

[@jackiek]

Follow up question, How does it right years after changing to the 15T sprocket?

[@trekOCLVone]

If I understand correctly, the 15-tooth rubber bumper front sprocket is a total win. There is no wear that I can tell with over 8,100 miles on it since I installed it. The sprocket and chain is kept clean and lubed and is expected to last a long long time. There is no down side at all.

[@ALL-gr4gu]

Hi there, I'm wondering what's the result now? Kawasaki must find out the improvements you're doing to Versys X300 because it can benefits everybody. However, it can also help them to build the Versys X400 that many people are looking for. Take care and thanks again!

[@trekOCLVone]

The 15 tooth rubber bumpered front sprocket has been on the bike for nearly 6 months and about 1700 miles. It is what my bike needed for my style of riding ( country and easy going ). The RPM is about a 10% decrease and 1st gear is a bit more useful. The acceleration is affected by probably the same amount (down 10%) but I'm not going on the highways and hammering 70+ mph. So for me it was my first modification to my X300 and will stay on the bike as long as I have it. At any time the stock 14 tooth front sprocket can be put back on in probably less then 30 minutes. Thanks for the question.

[@user-kq7uq2tc2b]

Hello. I put the rear star on another 2 teeth more to have more traction, I'm not chasing speed.

[@trekOCLVone]

The Versys X300 is adaptable to different riding styles.

[@user-kq7uq2tc2b]

@@trekOCLVone I changed the windshield on my VERSYS X300, the gearbox leg from the KLX250, put the brake foot expander, the footrest expander. I ordered something from Aliexpress, and something from GIVI

[@CriisLuda]

I'm sorry but that front sprocket you poste is 565 link chain, but versys 300 is 520. Am I wrong?

[@trekOCLVone]

The front sprocket is “series” 565 but it is for a 520 size chain. The full part number you need is JTF565-15RB. The JT “F” (front), 565 is the series, 15 (teeth), RB ( rubber bumpers. I hope this helps.

[@trekOCLVone]

If you have any more questions, please ask.

[@CriisLuda]

Men, now i'm clearer than water. Thanks a lot for your response 🙏🏼

[@trekOCLVone]

@@CriisLuda I'm here for you and all X300 owners. I'm now working on combining my Cardo communication unit with a wireless inside the helmet mic to my GoPro mounted out in front of my custom windshield. There have been many setbacks but it is near completion. Wish me luck!

[@mike216ism]

I had some bad vibs going with vortex aftermarket front sprocket. Went back to OEM cushion front and it eliminated 95% of vibration. I will never use anything else in the front after my experience. I I have a 2018 gsxr 1000R. Just a heads up to anyone searching for sprockets

[@trekOCLVone]

I've just reviewed what the 2018 gsxr 1000R is rated at: (202 hp, 186 mph). That is completely opposite end of the street bike sprectrum. I've don't have any experience with Vortex or a 202 hp machine like the 2018 gsxr 1000R. I would probably not put any 3rd party parts on the gsxr especially the drive train. Thanks for sharing the detail. Vibration on any bike is a warning sign because vibration means movement and movement means fatigue and we know where that ends - bad things will happen. The JT Sprockets front sprocket was discussed with the technical staff (engineer) that provided prints and details on the alternate sprocket used in this video and is used on up to liter bikes. JT Sprockets are a good choice for Versys X300 and following the installing procedure within the video there should be no issues.

[@mike216ism]

@@trekOCLVone excellent advice. I've been riding for more than 20 years. I've never experienced any aftermarket sprocket that caused that much more vibration. I will be following your advice on sticking to OEM for critical parts. I bought a really nice EK3D chain and supersprox rear. It's now so much better with the OEM cushioned front. I did some research and find it's a hit and miss on opinion on front cushioned OEM sprockets. It appears some of us pay more attention to detail. Have a safe summer. Take care

[@trekOCLVone]

@@mike216ism Thank you very much. I was a life long bicyclist and back in the 1990s there was a huge market for super light weight parts that would lighten up your race bicycle. You could erase pounds off the race steed with enough money thrown at it. I bought into the crazy and become a "gram-a-hol-lic". Trading $100s of dollars to take a pound off my race bike. That backfired big time. A ultralight crank snapped and sent me to the ground with a ride in the back of an ambulance to the ER. Left side took a hit and broke my collar bone and destroyed my left shoulder. (separation). I learned my lesson to not to that kind of stuff ever again. I took off all the 7000 series aluminum parts and all the titanium parts and put back all the Chrome Moly parts. So with the Versys X300 I would not consider suggesting any crazy aftermarket parts. The videos will show that no stock parts are altered or stock wiring is ever cut or messed with. That is how I roll. Take care also. And enjoy your gsxr. I can't imagine going 186 mph on a bike. Back in the day my Kawasaki GPZ 750 topped out at 130 mph and that was crazy to do that.

[@mike216ism]

@@trekOCLVone I'm 45 myself. The late 80'S and 90'S was a great time. I was into the freestyle scene. Motorcycle was the most natural step forward getting in my early 20'S. I had a Ninja ZX6 a very long time ago. The good old days. I made many, many mistakes buying aftermarket crap. I vowed not to do that with this bike. Supply chain issue and my impatients is why I bought the vortex front. They make good stuff don't get me wrong. But what a difference a cushioned OEM front makes compared to anything without the rubber molded damper. Hopefully some of the younger folks see your excellent advice about sticking to OEM. I definitely get it from experience. Take care

[@dexter2433]

found part 2..

[@trekOCLVone]

Fantastic ! This was my first video (ever) and I didn't know how to edit videos so I just posted 2 parts straight from my GoPro. I'm much better now. lol

[@jackiek]

Thank you fore the detailed video. I have one question. Why did you use 2 locking washers behind the new sprocket for the 3.5mm spacing? Could you not use 2 more of the Kawasaki splined washer? (the first washer you put on the shaft before the 2 locking washers) Thank you.

[@trekOCLVone]

I used a measuring device called a caliper and measured the thickness of the two washers (splined flat and locking/fold over washers). Used the two of the locking/fold over and one of the splined flat washer is the closest to the 3.5mm needed for the difference in the sprockets. You could experiment using other stack up combinations. Once I measured and tried the combination in the video and it worked out great that is the solution I stayed with. The locking/fold over is a beefier larger washer offering more support for the back side of the sprocket which I also thought was a benefit from a rigidity standpoint. Thank you for the question.

[@jackiek]

@@trekOCLVone just ordered the parts and will upgrade to 15t with the help of your vids. Thanks again, really helpful.

[@trekOCLVone]

@@jackiekFantastic!