2019 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Gets a New Rear Sprocket and Chain Installed...

In this video I gear up the 2019 V-Strom 650XT a bit by installing a new 44 tooth rear sprocket and a new heavy duty chain.
Get Your Tools Here... Motion Pro Sprocket Alignment Tool.... www.revzilla.c...
Superlight Chain Tool.... sprocketcenter...
Get Your Parts Here... JT 44 Tooth Rear Sprocket for 2017 and up DL650... sprocketcenter...
RK 525 GXW Heavy Duty Chain Gold 118 Links..... sprocketcenter...

[@PeterDix-q4d]

Great video, well edited because you didn't put in time lapse to bridge laborious steps in the procedure, you just skip forward. Also no music in the background, which makes videos really strenuous to watch. Thank you!

[@wm973]

I'm a new 23' V-Strom 650 owner and I agree, first gear is a little to low. Your videos are incredibly informative and made. I thank you for sharing your videos for us home mechanics. Thanks and looking forward to seeing your other videos.

[@loosemoose6787]

Great video, something very soothing in watching you work on the bikes. I'm in awe of the skill and equipment you have 👍

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Glad to hear you like sir. Thanks for watching and keep safe out there.. :)

[@SKgeostrat]

Great video! you explain the project and the process very well and I learn from watching every one of your videos. Thank you! I have shared this to FB, because it deserves a much wider distribution!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir... Glad you liked the video... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)

[@lonniecross4698]

Great video as usual. I use a dremmel to grind the pins. It's easier to handle than a 4" grinder.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Thanks for watching sir... :)

[@richardlewis9947]

Thanks for another great video, Jon. Good idea on the bigger chain, less noise. I'll have to consider that when my VStrom gets it's next chain and sprocket set. Keep up the good work!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello sir, the heavy chain took the whine out of my bike... much better for slaying the dragon. :)

[@lpete531]

You always make it easy 😁 thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Thanks for watching sir.... :)

[@darrellschuler5201]

Great video. Just what I'm thinking about, and you include enough detail that I feel I understand the process and can replicate it on my bike. Thanks.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir... good luck with all your projects and thanks for watching... :)

[@ivanbrcek6276]

I just replaced the front to 16T, after I made the first replacement @ 23k miles. OEM 47/15 = 3.13 44/15 = 2.93 47/16 = 2.94 The OEM chain is good enough for the 60+ hP. The heavier chain is as good as the common o-rings for both ... Either DID or RK are great !!!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir. The heavier chains seem to run quieter. The stock RK chain that came on my V-Strom really whined under load. The heavy chain is very quiet, that is why I prefer to use them. I have noticed the same thing on other bikes as well... Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Cool great to know ! I'm trying the Niche HD brand chain 525-VMX. Super affordable at $50 & gets good reviews. Clip style master link, so that's different.

[@KF1]

That was great. I assume this change is minor enough not to throw any engine codes? Is that a thing? Thanks for showing

[@peterdane9138]

Very informative. Thank you

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Thanks for great video. I want to do the same on my '17 'strom650xt. How has the bike performed between gears. Did you notice length of time change from 1st to 2nd or say 5th to 6th.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir, I really did not notice too much difference in the lower gears.. mainly I noticed that at highway speed my rpm is 250 or so lower at any given speed... thanks for watching and good luck with all your projects... :)

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Awesome clear well done video thanks ! Is there a reason you achieved the higher gearing by swapping down 3 teeth on rear sprocket vs going up 1 tooth on the front ? Just curious. I went + 1 on front sprocket last Fall - sure appreciate the lower Hwy revs. I am now installing a Niche brand X-ring HD Chain - 2008 Vstrom is at 22,000 to this point & OE DID chain still isn't worn out just stiff links & needs deep cleaning. Thought Id try this affordable Niche Chain it gets good reviews and we'll see how she holds up. Your trick of feeding the new chain through using the old chain as a leader is GOLDEN....

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir. I do not think there is any difference between going up one tooth on the front sprocket or three less on the rear sprocket... the result is the same... good luck with your projects and thanks for watching... :)

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

good to hear from you sir, Changing the final drive ratios will not set any engine codes on motorcycles... its all good... thanks for watching... :)

[@thegutsyninja8851]

great video, i have the same bike. i am curious to know if you did any chain slack measurements when you were done; and before the initial ride? i did the same gear change as you, initially i thought i i liked it. but after a year comparing stock gearing to this set up, i am going back to the original. i find that these bikes seem to like high revs. at least that’s my perception. great video. thank you

[@cesarcarrasco9916]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir... glad you liked... thanks for watching... keep safe... :)

[@MrDAVIDRACE]

Great video very informative thank you so much for posting this video much appreciated.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Thanks for watching sir.... :)

[@whenim6462]

I wish I knew how many wooden handle screwdrivers I’ve ruined using them as chisels. I se I’m not the only one. 😂 Good job on the video. I subbed.

[@infotechsailor]

Have you noticed the improvement in MPGs? I like this mod for touring to help you get a few extra miles of range out of a tank of gas

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello there sir, I don't check my mileage on my bikes but I would imagine it would help a bit with that. The heavy chain runs much quieter than the lighter ones. My bike had a pretty loud whine from the stock chain but that is gone now with the heavier one... thanks for watchin... keep safe out there... :)

[@manmols]

Very informative video. 👍

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Thanks for watching... :)

[@TrustyZ900]

Hi there. I have a '17 DL 650 with 17,000 miles. I was wondering how many miles were on the bike when you changed everything over. And, what chain lube have you been running? Great video, thanks...

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hey there sir, good to hear from you. I replaced my rear sprocket and chain at 3200 miles. I did not replace my front sprocket since it is nearly new. I replaced the chain for a heavy duty chain to get rid of the whine that the lighter chain had. Your bike at 17,000 miles is probably about ready for two new sprockets and a new chain as well. I use heavy differential gear oil on my chains. Something like 100w150 or the heaviest I can find. It sticks really well to the chain and sprocket teeth. Hope this helps... good luck and thanks for watching... :)

[@mightymouse6293]

What brand of sprocket and chain did you put? Thanks

[@robertmcmahon1221]

See you later. You really do a good job!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

glad you like sir... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

Hi, I am from the UK, I have a 09 650, I live in quit hilly area, I was wondering if you have tried this bike under load and in the mountain's, perhaps around the Appalachian mountains, i have done this on a previous bike and that never seemed to be in a happy gear, nor high or low. thanks for sharing.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello there sir, good to hear from you... Yes, I live in the Ozark Mountains so I spend all of my time riding up and down steep rugged terrane. I have enjoyed the V-Strom very much riding in those types of situations. I use the V-Strom primarily as my moto camping bike so I do pack a lot of gear on it and have never found it to be lacking in the power department. I spent a week out in Appalachia last season moto camping on the V-Strom and was very pleased with its performance... You can check that out here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKW5np14ZdOUf8U Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@johndevito1162]

I just went 1 tooth larger on countershaft and left the chain alone. I've been riding my V Strom like you for 15 years now. Want to buy a newer V Strom 650 or Triumph Tiger 800. You are the perfect person to ask. What's your opinion?

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello there sir, good to hear from you. One tooth more on the front sprocket is roughly equivalent to 3 teeth less on the rear sprocket. You have done the same thing cheaper and easier that I did. As far as which bike to go with, that is a hard one. I prefer the engine on the V-Strom in the woods, it has great bottom torque, will pull me out of almost any situation and almost never stalls on the very slow technical stuff. But the V-Strom doesn't have the ground clearance or the suspension travel the Tiger has. The Tiger is really great on the road but the lack of bottom end torque and propensity to stall easily at low rpm really let it down off road. They say the new 900 has better bottom end torque so that might be a better option if you are going to be hitting the trails. I can't say which bike is better, that will be different for different people.... thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@dannpd1955]

Did you like the higher geared sprocket? I’m thinking about doing that when I change the chain on my 2012 wee strom.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello there sir, yes the sprocket lowered the rpm at highway speed by about 250rpm... thanks for watching... :)

[@kramer2965]

Hi, after a few months of travels with the new sprocket setup, how do you like the ride in the various types of riding you do? I assume no regrets. Thanks for your great videos!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

hello there sir... good to hear from you... I like the ratio... drops 300 rpm on the highway and 1st gear is still plenty low for trail work... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)

[@danielcripe]

Why did you to reduce the rear chain sprocket instead of increasing the front? This would have allowed you to keep the same chain. Would the results have been different?

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to hear from you sir, adding one tooth to the front sprocket is roughly equivalent to taking 3 teeth off of the rear sprocket so there is really no difference. The reason I replaced the chain was that the standard duty chain that came on the bike made a loud whine under acceleration. The heavy duty chains do not whine. Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@wardroland270]

Thanks OB. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails. LIKED & SUBSCRIBED

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Good to have you on board sir... thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@roywaggoner2959]

He must likes bikes more then screwdrivers but good work an video

[@brettkolb3187]

Great video, gives me the confidence to tackle this job. The link to the chain leads to a 520 chain but the notes state 525, which is what Suzi has mounted already. Can you confirm which you installed? Thanks!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

hello there sir, good to hear from you... yes the chain is a 525 chain... don't know where the 520 came from.... Good luck and thanks for watching... :)

[@604roger]

If you were to get tool set for remote tire changes when travelling. What tools do you need besides Suzuki tool kit I think Wrench rear bolt Tire spoons

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hey there Roger, I carry a few metric wrenches, a ratchet with a small metric socket set, a metric Allen bit set, pliers and a screw driver, a foot operated air pump, and most importantly I carry a set of the Motion Pro Bead BrekerPro bead Breaker tools. I also carry a set of spare tire tubes on my bike that have tubes in the tires... You can check out the Bead Breaker tool here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpiYpoaMZ5qrndk Hope this helps... thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@kramer2965]

Thanks for your fantastic videos, as I have a 2019 DL650. I changed out my front sprocket to a 16 tooth, same chain. Also installed a SW Motech center stand. Now the bike seems to wallow a little on varied surfaces - nothing major but before mods, it was rock solid. Any thoughts?

[@jonsmith9892]

Good to hear from you sir. The only thing I can think of that would affect the way the bike tracks down the road would be the alignment of the rear wheel and sprocket. I would double check the hash marks on the rear axle alignment to be sure there are the same number showing on both sides and also the chain needs at least 1.5 inches of slack to allow the swing arm to have full motion. Good luck and thanks for watching... :)

[@kramer2965]

@@jonsmith9892 Thanks for your insights. I will double check these items

[@gkm3838]

Hi. Could you please tell me how many teeth the sprocket has on the front as standard and how did the change in sprocket size affect the RPM and fuel consumption. Thanks.

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

@@gkm3838 Hello there sir... good to hear from you. The OEM sprockets on the v-strom are 15 tooth front and 47 teeth on the rear sprocket. Going to the 44 tooth sprocket dropped the RPM at 65 mph by 200 rpm. I don't keep track of fuel mileage on my bikes so I can't say if it helped it or not. I would say any difference would be negligible. Thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)

[@kramer2965]

@@gkm3838 I added one tooth to front sprocket - 15 to 16 tooth. Kept the rear stock. And noticed no change in fuel consumption as indicated on the display. Fuel mileage is not a concern for me on this bike. My goal was to reduce rpm at highway speeds, and I had similar results - about 200 rpm less at 70mph. It also extended the usefulness of each gear - longer intervals before shift is necessary. I feel that this upgrade is a big improvement for the bike.

[@k.v.w2905]

Thanks for all the great information ! So did you keep the counter at 15 ? Are you still at this gearing ?

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello there sir, good to hear from you. Yes I am still running the 15/44 combo. I think it is about right for the engine. If I went with any less teeth on the rear sprocket I think the engine might begin to struggle a bit pulling grades in high gear at highway seeds. I am happy with the gearing as it is now.... thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)

[@roadwarrior8560]

Have you had any problem with the spokes rusting or getting loose? great video, subbed,

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

good to hear from you sir... I have not seen any corrosion so far and I do ping my spokes with a wrench occasionally and have not had any loose spoke either. Hope it stays that way... thanks for watching and keep safe out there.. :)

[@bobbymusgrove67]

How many link chain did you get?

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

I believe that was a 118 link 525 pitch chain that I used here. I removed one link so I wound up with 117 links in the chain with the 44 tooth rear sprocket... Thanks for watching and good luck with your projects... :)

[@sgomez3047]

Get a bigger profile tire ..that should fix the speedo

[@MrDobsDane]

Hello sir - I was considering going to 16/45 as per another vstrom advice. How do you think that'd affect the bike? Here im mostly interested in what changing the front sprocket would do, but also as a set. I hope that made sense :)

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

Hello sir, good to hear from you. Adding 1 tooth to the front sprocket with the stock sprocket set of 15/47 teeth will yield about the same rpm reduction as removing 3 teeth off of the rear sprocket. We now know that removing 3 teeth off of the rear sprocket... ( ie 47 down to 44 teeth...) will yield a 200 rpm drop at 65 mph. So it stands to reason that adding 1 tooth to the front sprocket (15 to 16 teeth ) will yield another 200 rpm drop at 65 mph. So doing both together will probably yield around a 400 rpm drop at 65 mph. I am not sure how well the engine would be able to pull the bike with that high of a final ratio but you can always go back to the 15 tooth front sprocket if it is geared to high... hope this helps... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)

[@MrDobsDane]

@@ozarksbackroads5484 Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I have a quick followup question, if you dont mind? So the front sprocket would effectively affect the torque of the bike, as well as the rpm at top speed? Lower teeth (ie 14) would give more pull and higher RPM at top speed and higher teeth would lower the initial pull, but bring down top RPM. Is this correctly understood? Thank you

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

@@MrDobsDane You have that right sir... :)

[@Quagmire88]

Did I spot a bigfoot?

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

I have never seen one myself... they are said to be quit elusive... Thanks for watching... :)