KLR 650 Mod That Isn't Worth Doing (For Me) | 14 / 16 Tooth Sprocket

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For years I've been told I should try the 14 tooth or 16 tooth mod on my gen2 & now gen3 Kawasaki KLR 650. Here's why I don't think it's worth it.
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[@garykentner7557]

The engineers knew what they were doing with the 15 it does it all just like a KLR

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yep exactly, not great at either extreme and of the spectrum, but can certainly handle both!

[@matthewbritton5374]

No complaints here. I like all of your KLR stuff. Thanks Ben!

[@stallrod]

I run a spare set of tires and wheels 705/700 and D606/MT21 combos for street/dirt on my 16’. While changing it’s fairly easy to change gearing, the 14 is nice off road just by slowing down the bike and not having to feather the clutch as much. 16 is nice for long periods of sustained hwy riding reduces some vibrations but keeping it below 5000rpm will reduce oil consumption. I have ridden 600+ interstate miles with a 14 and I consumed 8oz of oil per 100 miles. Still runs fine 30,000 miles later.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I'm 69 and have a 2022 KLR, I think the stock gearing is perfect, I was just cruising 70mph the other day no problem !

[@kawabungah20]

Definitely appreciate your thought process and "riding explanation" about sprockets. I'm very happy with my 15t, even though it's sometimes a compromise in certain riding situations. When I bought my Gen 3, I accepted a compromise and I can live with it: the price is right and it's a great bike! I did meet a guy, on the NV BDR, riding an older Suzuki DR650, who was well-practiced in swapping out his sprocket, and was very happy doing it. I like my Gen 3 as a "stocker." I don't mind roadside wrenching, but not any more often than necessary. Your channel is top rate!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks man! That's interesting about the DR guy. I suppose if I'd seen how helpful swapping them for the extremes could be and was doing really long stretches on a big trip it would probably be with swapping between sections. I think I'd still get sick of it lol but I can see it being worth while.

[@insatiable_mind]

I like the stock 15 tooth. I bought my gen 2 with a 16 tooth that the previous owner had installed. My RPM was 4500 at 70mph and now it’s 5000. With the extra torque to the ground at all speeds the bike feels happier. It only gets “vibey” above 70 and it’s not that bad. I’m sure 14 tooth would be fun if you don’t spend much time on the highway but I would get a much lighter bike for that personally.

[@ohdear9961]

I am sticking with the 15 tooth sprocket myself. I don't care to go over 65 on the highway anyway most of the time so I have never really been tempted to go to a 16 tooth front sprocket. I would prefer a lower first gear though. I rode a TW200 for the first time a couple of weekends ago. WOW that first gear is low! I loved it! It is the first gear I wish us KLR folks had. But you demonstrated here that low speed technical single track is possible with some extra effort and skill. Since I don't do that often either, I have stayed away from switching to a 14 tooth front. Thanks for doing this video. I agree 100%.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yep %100 agree! Just because I can do 75 doesn't mean I want too, lower speeds are much more enjoyable and probably a lot safer too lol. Haha yeah everyone seems to think that a higher top gear would be best, I think a TW200 granny low 1st gear below the KLR 1st would be amazing!

[@simonmears1726]

I'd leave 15 go 46 Rear

[@Bowstringdotcom]

I put a 16T on my Gen 3. I feel the 15T is pretty much good enough for the off-road that the bike can handle, and on road that the bike can handle. The KLR isn’t a single track weapon, it’s a dirt road, two track, mild off-roader, a great in town bike, and great for 55-65mph cruising. And for those parameters, the 15T is perfect. The 16T is nice in town as I’m shifting less, and is noticeably nicer on hwy at 70-75, but, in my opinion the KLR just is outside it’s realm past 70mph. The tires are too narrow, and it’s too light for anything faster and doesn’t have the stability needed for extended distances. At 65 it’s comfy, 70 it’s ok, and 75 it’s stepping out of its realm. I felt acceleration was just as good with a 16T scrim 0-60, just less shifting, but 5th gear acceleration suffers for sure. So while I am happy with the 16T when I do have those short stretches of 70-75mph to deal with, it’s a small gain. The beauty of it is that it’s a $12 part to try out.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's true, it's definitely not an expensive experiment, even if you need to try both options. Honestly I'll bet I could adapt even my riding to either option, but I still figure this is the best middle ground for both of the extremes that I dabble in.

[@Magnus0311]

I’m perfectly happy with the stock gearing. Does everything I want.

[@RVAMotorsports]

I use my 3rd gen KLR for way too many open road miles. I learned my lesson on a trip to Tennessee from South Carolina... I'll be going to the 16T

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Makes sense, I'd do the same if I was racking up miles like that.

[@stefanpuffer]

I went to the 16 tooth because I did mostly highway riding. I liked the lower RPM however, I knew my bike wasn't tuned right when I bought it. After going through the carb and installing the proper jets the bike ran as it should. One day I got on the highway and did a thirty mile ride shifting by feel rather than by RPM. When I got to my destination about thirty miles later I realized that I was only in fourth gear the entire time. That's when I realized that with a properly tuned bike that I didn't need the 16t sprocket. Smaller engines run better at higher RPM and it's best not to lug them which can happen if you take things too far. I also didn't like that I was having to feather the clutch more. After riding for the past two years or so on the 16t I have decided to go back to a 15. I might go up one tooth on the rear just to give me a little extra torque which should come in handy when I've got the beast loaded up.

[@blueoceansailingexpedition4863]

Try 38 rear gear for voyaging

[@renodave77]

My first gen klr has the 16 tooth front stock rear. Also 685 cylinder kit. No clutch slipping off road and great freeway cruising. Perfect setup I think. The bit of extra power from 685 kit does the trick

[@tomservo5347]

When I lived in the city I switched to a 16 tooth counter that really helped dropping revs on pavement by around 400 to 500 cruising speed. Since moving out to near the family farm with gravel roads and very steep hills I switched back to the 15 tooth. With all of the deer out here I shouldn't be going too fast anyway. I also noticed the 16 tooth really dropped low end torque and I feel overworked the clutch. However I'm missing the reduced vibration at around 65 mph.

[@seanhewitt2521]

I think your thoughts on the sprocket change are valid. I will probably go to a 16 / 42 as I will be doing way more road miles on the gen 3 than I did on my gen1. Good videos keep it up.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks man!

[@keithg01]

I have a 1995 KLX650 that I bought new (in 1995!) currently , the bike is mint and all original with the exception of a new rear tire, a smaller 43 tooth rear sprocket, and a LITHIUM battery. Since new this thing was a dog to start because the starter cranks so slow and the decompression does not like to disengage. I also installed a primer plunger because the choke sucks too. Now with 11,000 miles on it. It starts right up anytime even after sitting all winter, and with the smaller rear sprocket, I still have more than enough power for the steep power line trails, and I can make 105 mph on the road without blowing it up. overall, the bike is a "frog", not great on the road or the trails but good enough for a good time. I say this because I've owned soo many bikes of multiple makes. the problem is the weight and weight distribution...very front heavy, and the single cylinder 650 cc engine vibrates any bodily fluids or poop you may not have expelled yet.I know some Harley owners used to fill their handlebars with sand to reduce the vibration. I wish Kawasaki would either make a better counter balance for the engine or go to a twin cylinder for better balance and probably quicker response. As for the many complaints from people about the foot pegs, mirrors, handlebars, etc. I could care less while I'm flying down the trails. I take it fishing deep in the woods to some really nice lakes. my collapsible fishing pole fits right in the small tackle box I have on the rack.

[@gagehamilton2497]

I've Thought about going up to the 16 but from what I've read speedometer sensor uses the front sprocket to calculate your speed and changing it throws that calculation off. Didn't expect to see my name at the end of the video but I'm glad to help this channel as I find it to be most in line with the type of mods and riding that I do. Thanks for another great vid!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Huh, yeah the gen2 definitely had a cable and gear system to measure speed but the gen3 doesn't have that so it must use the output shaft for speed sensing. That's another good reason to stick with the 15! I really appreciate the support and I'm glad to hear your finding the content helpful!

[@thorsmith59]

Totally agree with your reasoning. That said, I really wish it had a six speed as it would do what both of those changes would do.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah that would be the ideal solution!

[@popeyesailor2191]

I was thinking about going to a 16t. But after seeing your video. Think you’re right about just sticking with the 15t and another thing is my klr has the 685 bore So its already a beast. And she runs baby. No slack. Plenty of power highway and trails. It really changed the machine

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome!!! I've always wanted to try one with a big bore kit!

[@bluezhawg2104]

Keeping the 15t as the bike runs best with that one. It keeps the bike at near peak torque when cruising. The engineers had it right.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's a good point too. You might see gains in certain areas, but overall the stock gearing is usually going to be the best option.

[@Motovader72]

There are videos on KZbin, changing from 15 to 16 will lower the RPM about 300 rpm at 75mph. The "upgrade" was done to mine before I got it and I don't like how much harder it grunts from a stop, takes a bit more to get it rolling. Luckily the original sprocket was included in the sale.

[@johnniewade6504]

I like the product reviews. It helps my riding and safety decisions.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Glad to hear that Johnnie! Thanks!

[@ADVF800GS]

I have a 2nd gen and went with a 16 tooth front sprocket and a 39 tooth rear sprocket, I can’t crawl crawl but I have done the NVBDR with it no problem and can do 75 mph at 4400rpm all day long.

[@mkramsauer]

That was perfect brother 👊 your doing awesome really getting it all worked out great info on the sprockets

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks man!!!

[@bravo_victor]

Went back and forth between 14/15/16 on my ‘22, 15 is probably best, but I enjoyed the 14 most. Made the bike significantly more useful on dirt bike trails. The 16 was terrible off road and would lug the motor badly up any remotely difficult incline. Instead of choosing one, I sold the KLR and bought a WRR, which I am loving.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I appreciate the test results! I'm betting that's the exact outcome I'd end up with. Pretty sure I'd really like the 14 tooth for just about everything except for the few times I need to put on longer highway miles.

[@GlockModel30]

I have a stock 2022 klr. We do up to 70 on gravel roads and we do 80-90 on the freeway when safe . It doesn’t seem to be screaming but no tach. Hope I’m not hurting it.

[@Surly1966]

After watching hundreds of klr650 videos I’ve discovered there seems to be a low cost way to increase the wheelie power of your KLR. Simply get a mullet hair cut, remove your helmet and remove your shirt! From the videos I’ve see these mullet riders shed the terrible wheelie stopping weight of both shirt ad helmet so they can keep the front wheel in the air for as long as you wish. Do your own research you’ll find the amazing things that this combination combined with the attitude that your invincible can change your life( or end it) I’m joking of course but if you do look for klr650 whellie videos. Many are involving the mulleted helmetless daredevil.

[@toneighty6913]

i recently put a 16 tooth on my gen 3. after 2 full tanks i switched back to 15. i didn't care for the changes in street performance on my daily commute. i lost a few mpg with the 16 too.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I think the gen3 actually uses the output rpm to determine speed and distance, so you'd actually have gone farther than the odometer said. I can still see the bike struggling between gears on the highway and burning up extra fuel too though.

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

Thanks for the shoutout at the end of the video!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@denniscoles9461]

Keep doing your thing the way you want to bro. I love the mod vids sooooo helpful for MEEE yo go ride foh

[@keithnortje1720]

Love my 16t, on / off road

[@SwankyCatProductions]

If it works, it works!

[@garrettno2906]

KLRs are built on the premise that they can do everything good enough. The 15 tooth sprocket follows that same logic. It may not be the best on the trail or the highway, but if you need one part to do both adequately the 15 is the perfect middle ground. I ride a Gen 2 and what I love is being able to pull directly off the road onto a trail without having to stop or adjust anything.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed!

[@grigorirasputin996]

I run 15/43 but I keep 14 and 16 cs sprockets with me. Switching to the 14 has saved me some grief a few times riding way out in the sticks. I haven't put the 16 on yet but its there I'd I ever decide to ride across the country. Switch the cs nut to prevailing torque style if you plan to change sprocket sizes mid ride.

[@billysharp2242]

I wish I could ride trails like that in Arizona... Most "trail riding" has been shut down here for a long time.. there are lots of long dirt roads out here... I want some trees!!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Ah man that sucks. My brother lives out there! Wisconsin is hard to beat!

[@timothysalmen2747]

Factory gearing is the best balance for my riding . I think your next modification should be the jd jetting fuel tuner. Made a world of difference on my 2023 klr.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah? I suppose I really should do something like that. I keep hoping my usual tune supplier will offer one but it's been almost 2 years now so I'm not sure it's going to happen lol.

[@justinbruck9602]

So, I haven't really gotten going on the KLR yet, by my thought is to drop to the 14th for my daily commute riding (country roads, city, etc) and then get a second rear wheel with a more highway oriented tire and a 38 tooth sprocket for the long highway trips.

[@slalomking]

Way too much trouble to switch wheels. You haven’t had it off yet, right?

[@Ebbonified]

I would think that this difference of sprocket choices should all just boil down to riding preference. The mod to 16/42 should not at all entice a trails-mostly rider. If your style is to transport your bike to "the fun place" on a trailer, then don't dare touch the sprockets. If you plan to ride a lot of highways with the possibility of rugged tracks, then this might be a great change. If you do 60/40 favoring improved roads, or if you're like me with about 85% on hard ball, then the 16/42 makes all kinds of sense.

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

That looks a lot like east-central Wisconsin. Fox Valley area maybe? I've spent years all over WI.

[@RTOutdoors]

Had a 16t on my gen1. Great for highway and was okay on fire roads. On trails the clutch was taking a lot of abuse though.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm, yeah I suppose you would end up dragging the clutch a lot. Good info, thanks!

[@Stuntmanjeff]

I’m sticking with the 15 for the exact same reasons

[@theorthobiker]

I think the KLR S model will be my second bike. I ride a sporty now and I have only had 5 gears for years. If I ever did get a bike with a 6th gear, it might take me a long time to use it. Lol

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah I still search for it but even after owning a Tenere 700 I'm pretty happy with 5th most of the time.

[@JD1459]

I agree 100%.

[@longrider9551]

My 2 cents with 45 years of riding , racing and raising hell, a single will never be ideal on the hwy, a small 4-600cc twin around 400lbs is my dream

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah that is true, they just never seem very happy at that speed haha.

[@gunghoadventures871]

Good vids, 16 tooth with a laden expedition ride makes a difference. Im talking Dempster Stuff. Not bush riding.

[@MeasureInGrains]

If you live "near" that hwy intersection, that must take a while to get to Harrison Hills. Would it be more worth the drive to go there, vs Tigerton trails?

[@anthonyschroeder7458]

Came to same conclusion 👍

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It might not be perfect, but it works!

[@denniscoles9461]

The internet exposed how weird people really are. We go on the internet to get info for our bike so WE can go ride. Wtf would I rather watch someone else ride instead.😐

[@blueoceansailingexpedition4863]

If you are not riding bush and voyaging , 38 rear gear may be an option.

[@bullbutter9699]

14t for around town, zippy in and around traffic. 15t is too tame,14t still runs 65 70 mph all day if needed.

[@nealstanton2892]

I like product reviews.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Glad to hear that!

[@ivanhamlyn]

Think mine has a 16/42

[@bricetetrick1457]

Tried both directions, went back to stock.

[@chadkline4268]

There's 17t available too.

[@mrt4755]

defiantly don't want to spend allot of time on the freeway with those tires i had the dsport rear on my KLR barley 500mi in and ive noticed the rubber is already starting to split in-between the knobs

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed, although I haven't noticed and splitting yet. Just the mean wobble.

[@roxtarcool]

14 on a Gen 1 lends a more fun character to the bike on the city streets (given it's way lighter than the next gens).

[@cybrnathan]

Yeah, i thought about switching one way or the other but I didn't really see any real beneifit..... what i'd really like to know is how you have your mic setup in your helmet. There's so little background noise (wind, etc....). Are you doing something special (extra foam.....), or is that just how your mic is working?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

The mic I have is actually really inexpensive but does work very well. The secret is the helmet though, it's sealed up around my neck really well an let's in very little wind.

[@ricardok5593]

@swankycat did you try the fork brace for the KLR-650? I wonder if that makes a difference on the freeway.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I ordered one a while back actually yeah, haven't done any testing yet though.

[@RotorflyFpv]

15/47 do you try?

[@Willie_MN]

What Radio are you running on your Tank Bag?

[@randomkadrmas2630]

Just wanted to say.. wooo

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Me too!

[@JerryAndKimcheeADV]

I don't mind the front tire at all at 65

[@KLRmurdercycle]

I run a 16. 14 isn't practical for a 24/7 rider. 1st and 2nd is plenty enough low end on a KLR with a 16. Best mod for any bike is to skill up✌

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, with a slight shift in my expectations and some practice I think you could really make either work. 16 would probably be the most practical for most though.

[@GlockModel30]

My buddy is on a ktm 690

[@kurbs1234]

What mount is that for your navigation

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Here's the video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gabKc4GYaJKDecU

[@user-xp5vb5zd6r]

What is the camera that is mounted on the front?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Insta360, links for it and the mounts are in the video description of you want to take a look.

[@billcotton1551]

I can't see changing sprockets all the tome either.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah I'd rather spend that time riding lol

[@slalomking]

So you didn’t even try the other sprockets but, you know you like the 15 best? Swanky not a very good video in my opinion.

[@glennmcgown5814]

Gen 4 needs 14T and a Sixth gear (and a Doohicky). Simple

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'll bet they actually plan on riding the gen3 out until internal combustion engines are legislated out of existence.