Himalayan 16 Tooth Sprocket Conversion

Installing a 16 tooth countershaft sprocket on a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Process, problems, tips and ride review. This video follows from the engine modifications to the bike as reviewed in my previous video: Royal Enfield Himalayan Engine Mods - Dyno Results and Ride.

[@enceetee2645]

Excellent video. Extended the swingarm adjuster slots when fitting the 16-tooth sprocket to my BS4. With a TEC cam, K&N filter, PowerCommander ECU and Lextek muffler there is no drop in performance. Mine does 4500 rpm at 100kmh. Saved some weight with the sports muffler, and removed the upper front guard and used its spacers to lift the lower guard 22mm. Downsized from a 1200 Moto Guzzi, and love the Himmi’s back-to-basics rugged simplicity.

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings, Enceetee. Thanks for watching… It’s good to hear you’re having fun with your Himalayan, they really are an old-school motorcycle that have so much character. The mods you’ve made make the bike such a different machine, eh? Nice work 👍 Downsizing can certainly open a whole different world of enjoyment. All the best with your motorcycling journey. Cheers, Len

[@godfreytomlinson2282]

I've down graded from a r1200gs to a himmy and loving it. What kinda fuel consumption are you getting with those engine mods?

[@enceetee2645]

@@godfreytomlinson2282 Around 470km from a tank of fuel.

[@ThrottleDownunder]

New sub here mate. Great to see another Aussie on here

[@whatsstefon]

Welcome Rob. This a great channel for all things Royal Enfield.

[@bobawatsit]

I have a Suzuki GN125 that I purchased as a write off. Once repaired, off for a squirt down the road. Could not believe how high RPM @ 90k was Rear sprocket was 43 teeth, and front 14 tooth. Swapped out for 37 rear and 16 front. Wow ! different bike. still enough power to pull 5th up steep hill

[@RonniesRambles]

Let's start by ticking you over into the 800 category. Great helpful video for my library for when I go ahead with the Himalayan. Kind of on the fence now because the 450 is just over the horizon. Loved my restored 86 Bullet I left behind in India.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, thanks for your kind comment and support. The 450 will certainly be interesting to investigate when it is eventually released. ‘86 Bullet? Not many of those around, eh? Nice 👍 Cheers, Len

[@Liam1304]

That's interesting - I just fitted a 17T (2017 model) and had to fit a longer chain. It feels a lot less busy and pulls it fine for my riding. I have a selection of other sprockets down to 14T for the tight off road stuff, but I think the 17 will do brilliantly for gravel road riding and the odd trail. Thanks for the video!

[@Chris64France]

I did this set up for both my bullet 500 and my Vstrom 650 and it was great. It wasn't the same bike! The same tork but and sweat engine in the first gears. I highly recommand to do the same!

[@jacksjaunts8580]

I fitted one to my bog standard B6. It made it a bit more comfortable in longer runs and didn’t noticeably affect any other aspect of the bikes performance other than a slight improvement in fuel consumption. That is hard to quantify as every run is a bit different on throttle use and load. It did however seem to be better overall. I never took it back off.

[@jordanblair5410]

The only downside (other than requiring a new chain or dremel mod) is that it makes off-road first gear low speed crawling more difficult. If that's not a concern then I think it's a great improvement. The bike's low end torque is well suited to low gearing. Thanks for taking the time to record and post this.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks, Jordan. I appreciate your kind comments. Yes, I’m quite interested to see how the bike goes off road when first gear crawling is required. When I eventually get to find out, I’ll post on here. Cheers, Len

[@NeuKrofta]

*high gearing. To convert torque to hp go high gears, to convert hp to torque go low gears. "high" and "low" gearing refers to the tooth count, so a lower gear ratio value requires more teeth and "taller" gears therefore it is "high gearing." "Low gearing" uses smaller sprockets and gears aka "short gears" increasing the gear ratio value. Low and high does not refer to the gear ratio values being lower or higher. Practically speaking High gearing turns the wheel more for every revolution of the crankshaft at the cost of putting more load on the engine sacrificing acceleration for top end speed, Low gearing turns the wheel less per crank revolution which gives better acceleration at the cost of top end.

[@mvs3553]

nice maintained bike.

[@monroefuches2707]

I used a stock length DID 525 chain when I applied the 16t countershaft. Just move the adjusters to the full forward position. I have 17000k after the swap with no problems.

[@lipsee100]

Hi I have a 16T sprocket on my Him, I had it fitted at the same time I had a Tec sports cam fitted,which is not the best when doing a comparison ,but this extra gearing suits my style of riding and I think it suits the Himalayan long stroke motor much better then the stock 15t.. I do,nt tend to go over 5000revs which is over 60mph and the bikes feels great at the moment I,m just riding local,my trips are usually bombing down country lanes acting like a right hooligan(hehe and I,m 66) ,infact I,m much more enameled with the gearing now then I am with the sports cam. The sports cam really only comes in after 5ooo,but say if overtaking a R1 or a GS1250 it just gives you abit more humf when you need it most,, Actually I had it fitted at my dealer and the mech told me he noticed the difference to a stock bike from the off ,having rode them back to back..For myself I did,nt notice straight away, but over the next few rides I realized how much more satisfying it is. I just had a pair of Metzelers fitted and oh my goodness how they grip,, I bought this bike to slow down now look at me acting like a teenager!!!!! Tip of the day ,,"its much more enjoyable to ride a slow bike fast,then a fast bike slow" Goodday

[@motostralia5563]

It’s interesting re. the sports cam. I’m pleased you’re enjoying the bike. Hey, 66 is only a number when you ride a motorcycle, eh? 🤙 “It’s much more enjoyable to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow”… love it!

[@gudgengrebe]

I can see me doing the same upgrades and also gunning it down the lanes, grinning like a demented monkey. I’m 67 this year and the Himalayan is the first bike I’ve seen in 40 years that gives me that buzz. Thanks for your input.

[@Zippytie]

Hi , no dont use a screwdriver , first it spoils your scredrivers , but second and the biggest point is that the screwdriver has a nylon , plastic , moulded handle that when you hit it , it ABSORBS the impact and doesnt transmit the full striking force down to the job , use a solid steel chisel as the full power then goes down the chisel , theres a good range of small inexpensive chisels available. Unfortunatly most sets dont have a nice small chisel in , but deffinatly worth the small purchase price to get abetter result

[@mikecarr1484]

2001 Yamaha xt225 it has a 15 tooth front stock. I put a 16 tooth . Gives me more top end but I lose some tractor gears. But on my Yamaha it has plenty of room to adjust the chain slack to my liking. That is weird they do not make enough slack on that Enfield. I can go back and forth with those sprockets in 10 minutes. And a quick chain slack adjustment.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Mike. Yep, some bikes do have plenty of room in the swing arm for adjustment. Unfortunately, my RE just didn’t have enough. I’m pleased that it’s an easy job to do your XT - they’re a great little bike 👍 Cheers, Len

[@Aaron-lq6vw]

Hello thanks for your Informative video. Where did you get your screen extension from?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Aaron. Thanks for your kind words. The extension screen has been added to a number of screens I’ve owned. The screen is a Puig - I’m not sure if I bought it as a single piece, or if it was from a screen/extension package type thing. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching. Cheers, Len

[@arthurstoys7981]

I would buy a chain link instead machine the bike . Thanks for the video.

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi there, just a quick question, is there enough slack in the chain when the bike is off the centre stand and with someone sitting on the bike, so it's in the "operational position" ? I know it says in the manual to check for chain tension whilst on the centre stand, but you'd be surprised how much the tension increases when the bikes' full weight is on the wheels.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, David. With extending the axle slot in the swing arm by around 5mm I had plenty of room for chain adjustment. Actually, it only needed to be extended by around 2mm to give enough slack. I find it very interesting that the manual says to adjust on the centre stand. That seems weird 🤔 I always adjust the chain to spec while sitting on the bike - it’s tricky, but can be done. You are correct - at least, it should be done with the weight of the bike tightening the chain. I hope this helps, Cheers, Len

[@Dave-in-France]

@@motostralia5563 cheers Len and thanks for the supporting comment.

[@joshualancelot2770]

Hey great job!! Just 1 question tho. Where did u get the 16T sprocket. Is it from royal enfield or some other company? RE Interceptor or some other bike?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Joshua, thanks for watching. I’m almost sure I bought it from my local Royal Enfield dealer, or it may have been through Hitchcock’s in England - I was buying a few components at that time. Sorry I can’t be more definite than that. But, try your RE dealer, if not, you can get one from Hitchcock’s. I hope this helps. Cheers, Len

[@ericellquist7007]

Nice! Can you tell me what the difference between changing the front sprocket as opposed to the rear wheel sprocket?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Eric. Thanks for watching. Changing the front sprocket and changing the rear are basically the same thing, as in that a changing one or the other will result in either a higher or lower final drive ratio. The reason most people change the front sprocket is because it’s an easier task to do, especially if you plan to change back. Cheers, Len

[@alexkrasteff4061]

Can you report back, what are your thoughts now after some time with the 16T. How does it handle hills, twisties and off-road?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Alex, thanks for watching. At the moment I’m back with the 15t sprocket. I’ve found that the 16t is great when not in traffic, but the bike feels more comfortable with the 15t for city/suburban riding. Also, when off-road, the 15t makes the bike easier to ride rough and uphill tracks. The 16t will go back on when I’m planning on doing some country miles. Hills and twisties are no problem with the 16t, but if think that steeper hills might require more gear changes with a stock motor. With the increased torque from the work done to the motor in my bike, I’ve found it really makes a difference pulling up long hills. Cheers, Len

[@johnwood4448]

Hi Just watched the video thanks for uploading it. I own a 2020 Honda CB500X and swapped the 15t for a 16t the speedometer for same reason as youself,it now reads 2 to 3mph(I'm in the UK)which now makes the speedo spot on accurate measured with a GPS.I was wondering if you are aware the Himme's speedo will now read lower as a result of the 16t sprocket?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, John, thanks for watching. With the Himalayan, the speedo runs off the front wheel, so changing the countershaft sprocket doesn’t affect the displayed speed. It’s interesting that it did change the reading on your Honda. I hope you’re enjoying riding in some of the warm weather you’ve been having over there lately. Cheers, Len

[@johnwood4448]

@@motostralia5563 Silly me,I didn't realise the Himmie's speedo ran off the front wheel. We're certainly enjoying the nice summer weather up here,makes for great riding.Downside is we're running short on water at the moment,I can't remember the last time it rained here and I live close to the UK's rainy city Manchester! Thanks again for posting the videos very interesting channel.

[@motostralia5563]

@@johnwood4448 Thanks, John, I appreciate your kind words. As an aside, we’ve been to Manchester - loved it up your way 😁 Take care, Len

[@memories5319]

I’m curious as to how the fuel economy might change with mods like air filter, exhaust system, cam shaft and ECU. Does it increase or decrease mileage?

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings, Memories. With all these mods, I haven’t really checked what’s happening with the fuel economy. The bike doesn’t seem to be using more fuel to the extent that it’s noticeable. However, if it is using more fuel, the increase in torque is certainly worth it. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Cheers, Len

[@lophloph07]

I went with a 14 tooth on the front of mine along with the other basic mods and the bike is more fun to ride. It just revs a lot higher at 70mph. I try to stay off highways tho.

[@motostralia5563]

Would be awesome in low speed limit zones 😃

[@gudgengrebe]

Hi I’m watching this a year later. Have you noticed any problems when off-road in low gear? Some folks have said they found it’s not so good but what is your experience? Subscribed btw after watching this video. You explained it very well.

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings, and thanks for subscribing. The 16T is fine depending on what kind of riding you’re doing. If it’s relatively flat and gnarly and not too steep with holes and lumps and the like, it’s not a problem. However, if it’s hilly with quite steep rutted climbs that require clutch slipping, it’s not quite as efficient. For most riders who just want to do some easier off-road riding it works fine. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching, and take care. Cheers, Len

[@gudgengrebe]

@@motostralia5563Thanks for the response. Only one problem: now you’re going to have to make a new video showing how it performs on those steep hillsides you’re talking about! I look forward to seeing that.

[@dougsmith7580]

The filtering portion made me very nervous. My wife & I lived in Perth for a couple of years where I bought an SV650. You could count the number of times I tried filtering on one hand. It is not something you see a lot of in Canada.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Doug. Yes, lane filtering can be a very nervous thing. That particular section of road is quite steep, but is relatively wide, so the distance between the cars is quite good. Cars are mostly ok with filtering riders, but some do resent it and you need to keep an eye out for those people. All the best from Oz. Cheers, Len

[@arthurstoys7981]

Motorcycle passing between two vehicles… 🤔 Thanks for the video.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Arthur, I like the fact you have toys 😁 I’m not sure where you live, but in NSW, Australia it’s now legal to “lane filter” under certain conditions. However, some car drivers don’t realise it’s legal, or just get annoyed, so you do need to be sensible and careful when filtering. Cheers, Len

[@SmokingHotConfessions]

Hi mate, is that a pillion back rest you've got there? Where did you track that down?

[@motostralia5563]

Sorry, mate… the Himalayan is parked in front of my Spyder RT. It’s the pillion backrest on the Spyder that make the Himalayan look like it has a backrest. I hadn’t noticed it in the pic before - well spotted 👍 🔍

[@SmokingHotConfessions]

@@motostralia5563 hahahahahaha I was getting all excited there for a minute!

[@motostralia5563]

@@SmokingHotConfessions Yeah, me too 😂 BTW, another sub, here mate. Great job with your channel 👍

[@Hemlck]

Very interesting - can I ask why a larger front sprocket and not a smaller rear sprocket?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Tim. The main reason is that it’s much easier to change the front sprocket than it is to change the rear. You get pretty much the same result, but with less complication. Cheers, Len

[@Hemlck]

@@motostralia5563 cheers…i just thought it would mean no worry about the chain being too short and having to do the other mods you had to do?

[@sc9698]

Why not adding a link to the chain instead of elongating holes etc?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi SC, I did consider that, but lengthening the chain by adding a link, or another master link, is not really ideal as it adds another “weakest link” in the chain - installing a one link longer chain would be the best way to go. The reason I didn’t do that is because it’s much easier to change the front sprocket - if I need to have lower gearing for dirt riding - than it is to change the chain. Cheers, Len

[@diaryofawanderingboot4058]

Can this be safely installed on a brand new motorcycle, I mean a brand new stock chain and sprocket?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Doawb, as I understand, you are asking if a 16 tooth sprocket can be installed on a brand new bike at time of purchase? If so, the dealer would need to have a 16 tooth sprocket as well as a new longer chain - if a longer chain is needed. They probably wouldn’t have these in stock, so they might need to order them in for you before hand. However, should you decide to change back to the 15 tooth sprocket at any time you would also need to change the chain back to the original shorter chain. So, yes, I assume the dealership could help you out, but maybe have a chat with a dealer and see what can be done for you. All the best should you decide to do the swap at purchase. Regarding safety - there would be no danger in doing the swap at time of purchase. Thanks for watching. Cheer, Len

[@diaryofawanderingboot4058]

@@motostralia5563 I've been riding with these for around 18000 kms . I'm very happy with them. Just that there is an over lap in the chain. So since i was going to order a new set of chain and sprockets i got to wondering weather the stock chain would do or should I get a longer chain to go from day 1 ,if i changed all of it brand new. Cheers you've cleared it up for me. Thanks a lot sir.

[@murrayhyde4902]

I can't budge the sprocket holding nut... is it lefty loosey????

[@motostralia5563]

Yes, it’s right hand thread. It needs a sharp shock with the chain pretensioned tight at the top between the front sprocket and the rear sprocket. I used a pneumatic impact driver, but can be done with a normal socket and breaker bar if it’s given a sharp crack with a heavy hammer. Sounds confusing, I know. All the best. Len

[@murrayhyde4902]

@motostralia5563 thanks for the quick reply. I have a breaker bar and socket. But need to tension the chain... or stop it from turning the back wheel..

[@motostralia5563]

@@murrayhyde4902 Correct, any slack on the chain will reduce the impact of whatever is it you use to “shock” the nut - usually a heavy ish hammer. Of course, make sure you undo the locking tab ( which I’m sure you have done).

[@hoozleup]

5200 at 100km? Thats weird, I’ve just got new stock standard 2022 and its doing about 4750 at 100km?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Steve. That is weird… not sure what’s going on there 🤔 From my understanding the 2022 model engines are a little different, but I can’t see how that could affect the revs at 100 Kph. I wonder if it’s a speedometer reading thing. When I’m out next I’ll check my revs with the sat nav speed rather than that shown on the speedo. However, I hope you’re enjoying you new Himalayan, they’re a great bike. Cheers, Len

[@TheJessefuji]

Have you still got this bike? I’m in Leura and I’m sure I see you all the time.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, yes I still have the bike. However, I’ve just changed the tank to black, so keep an eye out for it running around. Is it possible that we have met at a servo in the mountains a couple of times? Cheers, Len

[@TheJessefuji]

@@motostralia5563 Very possible indeed. I've currently got a CBR250RR mc22 in a custom army green colour with black decals. My other is a 97 yamaha xv1100 virago with a cream and black colour scheme. I'll keep an eye out and G'day if I see you, Len. Jesse.

[@montytiwari4005]

It’s also increase speed?

[@motostralia5563]

Hi Shubhansh, the bike will go faster at lower revs. For example, at 4000 rpm the bike will be travelling faster with the 16 tooth sprocket than it would be with the 15 tooth sprocket. I hope this helps. Cheers, Len

[@walkerhjk]

I suppose the higher gear is good if your riding is mostly higway but for difficult off road terrain, I think the original 15 tooth sprocket is more appropriate. Your riding in heavy traffic concerns me, you took quite a few unnecessary risks overtaking between the two lanes of traffic and could easily have been trapped.

[@michaelmahon8896]

Should have waited until there was enough slack in the chain before trying to fit the 16 tooth,,,, a new chain would be an expense you can avoid

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Ahhh 1st gear is already plenty high for sand and mud.

[@godfreytomlinson2282]

should be just over 300 rpm drop at 110kph if you do the maths

[@adityaadi5128]

Try 17t

[@philturner5385]

Lenny go for a smaller back sprocket.

[@motostralia5563]

Yep, that would be a really good option, Phil. That way, the rear wheel would need to go back, instead of forward for correct chain adjustment. Thanks, mate 👍

[@petechampion297]

@@motostralia5563 Altho doing what you have done gives you the option of swapping back and forth in 15 mins if you are looking for lower gearing offroad on a trip

[@conradstone6719]

You cannot put one link in a chain, the least you can do is a linh and a half.😀

[@motostralia5563]

👍

[@colourberry]

I was under the impression that if you want lower revs at highway speed you need to go down a tooth on the front sprocket, not up a tooth.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, just like push bike gearing, the larger the sprocket on the front, the further it turns the rear sprocket. A smaller front sprocket needs to turn more times to rotate the rear sprocket one turn. Cheers

[@sawdust466]

Not a fan of lane splitting…

[@roycspary8923]

sorry gave up driven off by 'horrible music

[@peterasmussen2933]

so wrong, fuel won't be better and the engine wear is not really related to 300 rpm faster engine speed. How the hell would that make any difference that is noticeable. Mine came with a 16 tooth fron and I changed it back to the 15 tooth and well as fitting a tec cam, these need all the torque they can get!