Honda Shadow Sprocket Size Change - HOW and WHY?

Will adding teeth to the rear sprocket calm down the RPM's on my Honda Shadow VT600?
No, but reducing the tooth count can, however there are tradeoffs!
TJ explains in this video!
Why does the US version of the VLX only have 4 gears?
JUST WATCH!!!
For more Honda Shadow chop info, check out our Knowledge Base! Go to shoptjbc.com/ and click "Support!"

[@perfectfan2006]

me and my husband both really like the old school 4 speed trans.. we did not think we would but ended up really digging it

[@PRIAREDOGS]

I went with the 41 tooth rear sprocket with stock clutch springs and it really helped with top end vibration and can now cruise comfortably at 75-80 when I do hit the highway. As a side note I also saw a slight increase in mpg, last record in normal commute riding was 65mpg. Just installed the jet kit and stack and opened the exhaust so that has probably changed, as soon as the weather breaks here on the North Coast I will see what I have now!.... thanks for all the help TJB! 03' 600 VLX

[@jonathanwalker1675]

B O'C What is your top speed with the new sprocket?

[@PRIAREDOGS]

@@jonathanwalker1675 I forgot to mention above that I also lowered the rear of the bike 2.5". When I got the jet kit, velocity stack from TJ I also got the long air/fuel mix adjuster. I started at TJ's recommend of 1.25 turns to begin (.45 main jet).Took the bike out today (47' temp) and ended up adjusting to 1.75 turns and at 90mph she was still pulling.... hope this helps, I will update you as I find out more!

[@jonathanwalker1675]

Great! That’s exactly the kind of news I needed to hear! Do you have any videos of your bike on your channel? I would love to see what all you have done to it and how it performs now

[@chokdeesam2365]

Have news about your Honda 600 ?

[@JoshMcDonald-go7dg]

I too am interested in recording my milage. If you had to do it again....after riding it, would you keep the 16t 41t?

[@morteparla6926]

Went to a 38t rear sprocket on my '01 Shadow 750. Love it. I feel no power loss, and I'm not shifting into 5th gear at 35mph anymore. It's great. And now I'm buying a Sportster 883.

[@Kaleb.R]

I know this is an old comment but when you went to a 38 rear, did you have to switch the clutch spring like he said? I have a 06 Shadow 750, and it is loud at highway speeds (60-70mph) and takes a second to get to speed

[@HighonSkidRow]

This past summer i purchased my very first bike. An 03 Spirit 750. I absolutely love the bike. I rode it bone stock but now I very much want to build a bobber out of it.

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

you should definitely build it how you want! just dont spray paint everything black. please.

[@billwestland5347]

Been doing front 17T rear 38T on my 98 Shadow VT750 for 2 yrs & love it

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

#1 rule for anyone beginning ANY project, be it cooking, roofing, pooping or bike chopping - never begin a project until you are certain you have the materials to complete the project. i dont use anything but a start button and a key switch. Sometimes, ill run a hi/lo beam switch on my headlight housing but thats it.

[@oldcarguy1984]

you needed to make chain shorter too? or just adjust it?

[@ProDigit80]

Any honda I've ever had, always was +1t up front, and -3T rear. That's a very neutral gearing, and okay for the highway. My shadow went from 16/42t to 17/38T. I further lowered it to a 35T on the rear, which was the smallest sprocket that could fit; and while the highway rpms were better, the first gear was way too tall, and it would be knocking at under 2k rpm.

[@JoshMcDonald-go7dg]

This is the information that I needed. I travel a lot and I bought mine for fuel economy. While it is excellent on gas...I can imagine it'd be even better if I wasn't screaming down the road at 9000 RPM. It's just hard to believe a little overdrive gear on this wouldn't help a bit. hmmm I'd love to find something that lines up

[@danefan2904]

I always liked that 6 speed they had in the 450 Rebels and Nighthawks. Made that small motor highway capable.

[@foursidegraphics]

Another great video TJ but I think you forgot to mention another important factor and that’s the size of the rear tyre you’re riding on. If you kept it stock, the 16-41 is a good mod for highway cruising. But if your tyre is smaller than stock all that changes and you will have to go much smaller than 41 on your rear sprocket. Just to say that’s an important factor to keep in mind. Keep up the great content. 🤙🏻

[@foursidegraphics]

Haha, true! But I do think the height of the tyre is in direct relation to the gear ratio and correct sprocket sizing. The smaller your overall wheel size the harder it will pull and the shorter the gears will get. Peace 🤙🏻

[@jcb355]

I went with a 38T rear sprocket for my wife's 02 Spirit VT750DC on the stock 160/80-15 tire. Best thing I've ever did to that bike! We ride long miles. RPM's were _screaming_ at 55mph. With the new sprocket she now has long legs for those long rides. My wife is small & light so there's no discernible loss of power at takeoff, no need to feather the clutch to excess. I'm about to slap a 180/70-15 on the rear, which is a slightly lower profile tire so I might even go down to a 37T sprocket to compensate... though I don't really expect I'll need to. In my not-so-humble-opinion, EVERYONE should change their sprocket! :)

[@johmjohnson862]

Do I have to replace the chain if I replace the sprocket

[@Burgerdog75]

Johm Johnson you can get a link separator tool. Keep the old chain as long as it’s good. Might need to take out link or 2.

[@BoBBaB0oN]

yeah I agree on rebel 250. Used that bike before and I always felt like 5 gears is just pointless when I keep changing my gear too fast. The bike went from 1-4 really fast. 2nd / 3rd gears felt pointless.

[@GeorgetownRider80]

Everything was explained great, but I still missed one thing on this.. Is a 2006 Honda Shadow VLX VT600CD DELUXE made for the interstate as is? Even though it sounds high on the RPM? Please respond.. Thanks.. Keep Shiny side up and rubber down..

[@MrZealotProductions]

Yeeah I got a stock rear sprocket when I bought my vlx but I've become increasingly irritated with cruising at 4000+ rpm mainly with loos of gas mileage, so I'm definitely going to drop some teeth. Otherwise I love the 4 speed, I'm just hoping to make this bike more than a city commuter. Thanks for the video!

[@MrZealotProductions]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS Ehh it came with a modified stock intake and exhaust so I'll say kinda. The previous owner had a 37 tooth on the rear and I thought it was pretty ridiculous in the lower gears so I'd like to find a middle ground, probably order a 41 tooth for now, and I think I'll follow your advice about getting stronger clutch springs I feel like my current ones are shot anyway

[@blackdoggmechanics]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS what size chain ?

[@blackdoggmechanics]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS I have a 96 shadow vt 600 bobber I want to try your suggestion and try changing rear sprocket to 42 or even to 40 do I need to change the chain or just adjust it ?

[@JeremyBorumComposer]

Thank you! I was about to change my clutch springs anyway, so that last tip is much appreciated.

[@RedEyedPatriot]

I dropped my 41 tooth 99 750 ACE to a 39 and was satisfied for the way I ride...dropped 2links to a 120 also...luckiky didn't have to change any springs

[@joshtow2544]

Hey how many links were in your chain i just dropped down to a 41 from a 42

[@paulbelcher7059]

Always have that "am I thrashing her" thought going on in my head on the motorway at 75-80. Got winter on the doorstep here in the uk and that means cold, wet or at best damp. Need to buy a jet set off you...but really not sure about carb removal, fitting new jets, carb replace, test ride, not running right, carb removal, fitting new different size jets, carb replace test ride...repeat again possibly. Or am I over complicating it all ? Great vid again TJ, don't want to sacrifice that start from the lights.

[@danefan2904]

With known components: Know your brand of pipes/intake mods etc. and people (TJ) can give you advice about jetting that will help you. It is not such a crapshoot unless you make your own stuff or buy used stuff.

[@paulbelcher7059]

@@danefan2904 You're right. Like most projects once i get going I'm cooking with gas (as the saying goes!) It's just getting the right headspace is all. What i meant when i commented about the weather and time of year, but didn't finish writing, is that the seasons here (England) vary from warm to cold, dry to wet, snow to sun ... sometimes all in one day. Do you think this would complicate issues in terms of atmospherics and humidity variations?

[@danefan2904]

@@paulbelcher7059 Getting the carbs out and back in is the only "hard" part about it. It takes me about 2 hours total to remove everything, re-jet, gut-out the intake snorkel and re-install. This was on both my vlx and my 750 ACE. Best advice is don't be shy about muscling down on those carbs to get the boots on and off. A pair of those gritty mechanics gloves really help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imm6f5KAo65-bqM

[@45calGunslinger]

I've got a '99 600, the AU model with the 5 speed box, and yeah, it's still buzzy as hell in 5th. I'd LOVE to be able to put a taller ratio on 5th and keep 1-4 for non-highway riding, but then you're talking getting your own gears cut and there's no guarantee it'd actually FIT in the gearbox...

[@jamesford9750]

I have an 01 spirit stock intake and stock exhaust. if I swap my sprocket to a 39T am I going to have to re-jet at all??? Any advice at all helps.

[@dennisbrown1811]

I have a 38 on my 01 spirit 750. I have it jetted an cobra drag pipes. I need to do clutch springs and plates to helps with a little slippage. Thinking about cam an 10:1 heads just because I'm already committed might as well see where it goes. Also need to adjust time 4°

[@briangriffith121]

My 99vt 600 had the chain changed to poly chain 8mgt 1792-21 224 teeth but the front pully on counter shaft it is got a wobble like it's broke and I couldn't get it off

[@zakhughes9067]

Where do you get these upgraded clutch springs?

[@fishing-n-stuff502]

I made a set of 8in mini ape hangers for my 2002 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 how do I know how long my cables and hoses need to be to make them reach with the new handlebars

[@fidy8dub]

Hey TJ or whoever.... currently running a 40 rear 16 front but have a 16” wheel and tyre Set up. Still getting a little buzz around 65mph. If I went up to a 41 do you think that’ll make a difference?

[@williambryant8306]

I'm 6'1" 260 lbs. I replaced my rear sprocket on my 2002 Honda Shadow vt750 ace deluxe with a 38T. Will I lose a lot of my quickness off the line?

[@zjedinite]

I found the information regarding if they added an extra gear to the VLX that all they would be doing is splitting the 3rd and 4th gear to be priceless! I no longer ponder “man I wish my bike had a 5th on it” I’m planning a round trip from NJ to FL so was considering TEMPORARILY switching the rear sprocket to a 40 tooth one. Then switching back to stock ones the trip is over. Does this sound like a good idea or perhaps not even worth it. I don’t go faster than 75mph but was just thinking it might make the trip easier on my engine. Smart or dumb? 👍🏽👎🏽 Ty! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

Just get a different bike

[@zjedinite]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS sorry but worse advice ever! Out of all my bikes in the 48 years I’ve been on this rotten planet my 2008 Honda VLX is BY FAR my favorite bike. I currently only have two, and can’t wait to see my old Harley gone! Need to fix her up a bit to get decent money out of it tho. Like always, fixing the Harley 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@alexolivera7490]

Hi, do you have a video on how to ajust claves, on 1995 vt 600

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

whats a clave?

[@bryansmith2683]

If the front sprockets a little loose do I just replace it or do I tie to tighten it up

[@stephencraft5933]

Will I need a new chain when changing from 44 to 41 rear sprocket?

[@ronniec8038]

I put a 38T final sprocket from a 42T on my 750cc and it will now run with my 1500cc Vulcan. It's like owning a new bike. Smooth on the Interstate and now 4th gear can be used as passing gear because it will pull to over 100mph in 4th. I have no idea what the top end is now.

[@chuckyzee1]

ronnieC did you change your front sprocket from 16T? Saw a kit online 15T 138T with chain.

[@vtwinnking]

Thanks for great explanation TJ!!!!

[@dennisschell5543]

More volume please....

[@pascalv7635]

i have a vlx 600 from 1993 how do the do the 16 / 40 on it i dont now what stock measure is.

[@paultaylor4260]

I love the video's keep doing them. What country are you thanks respect

[@shaneflowers1167]

Thanks for all the help.

[@ghostmost2614]

2004 Shadow and the rpms are a bit high at 65mph. What can I do decrease rpm for long

[@ctbulldogs3518]

That's literally what he explains in this video bud.

[@angelgarayua3234]

I’m looking to replace the chain and sprocket on my vt750 but I don’t know what is a good reliable alternative to ordering from Honda. Any brands you recommend.

[@OlderShadowRider]

Mind if I ask what brand did you go with for the chain and sproket?

[@warhokn4178]

thank you shadow daddy

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

Baaaahhhhhh..ya shift qui qui qui quick lol I like the impression

[@Phaedrus-th7bi]

What? I have two VLX cycles and I would not call them "zippy" on take off............at all.

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

Baaaahhhhhhhh..ya shift qu qu qu qu quick😂 Jokes aside thanks for this vid TJ..my VLX screams at 70-75 as well and this here answers all of my questions

[@user-ds4dp1qk2v]

Honda sent 5 speed shadows to BRAZIL 😮

[@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS]

and australia and japan and some euro countries.

[@zosimoesparza5570]

Can I swap ome reinforced 16 rear and 19 front onTo a 95 shadow

[@aaroneaton6159]

I have a 19 on the front of mine with no issues.

[@ljgarrison6910]

Adding a tooth will calm it down

[@merc6]

Dropping a tooth in the rear will calm it down. If you add a tooth in the rear it will be turning more rpm's at that same speed. Adding 1 tooth in the front will calm it down but as tj said, you are going to run into clearance issues. So the best option to reduce engine rpm at that same exact speed of 75mph, you need to drop 1 or 2 teeth in the rear. But in my opinion if you want better performance at higher speeds then get a better bike.

[@mohdazharabubakar3515]

What is the standard spoket of honda shadow 600 (4 gear)year 97? Thanks

[@asafavraham2040]

you have great videos, too bad the volume is so low.

[@CreekChubbin]

@@TJBRUTALCUSTOMS I'll edit your videos for bike parts :D

[@warmongerairsoft]

I run 16/42

[@Valiant_Thor_03]

Just get a bigger bike for traveling. I bop around town and short backroads trips on my 600.

[@missioncapable4658]

I run a 42T sprocket on my bike. Works great for my driving style and speed. Did a video on this conversation. Click on my icon to view.

[@916Shaggy]

I do not see your sprocket video on your bike. What were the results? What was your comfortable freeway speed with stock vs this conversion?

[@missioncapable4658]

It's the disk brake conversion video. It doesn't scream as loud and has less vibrations on the freeway.

[@zonicxplicit]

🤘🏼

[@ronniec8038]

Bro, fix your audio.

[@dentistguba]

No, adding teeth at the rear will increase revs, leave the bike alone if you have no idea what you are doing.

[@kennypool]

Get a new mic