Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Fitting the 16 Tooth Gearbox Sprocket

[@kitten3ful]

I changed to the 16 tooth on my classic with the thought that it would be more economical to drive because the revs would be lower, engine not working so hard etc.. and although i never did mileage tests before or after the change i suspect it would make little difference. I found with the 16 tooth sprocket on i was spending more time in 4th gear to get up to speed whereas before with the standard 15 i would be in top gear by 35 mph and it was quite happy to accelerate from there, even 2 up however with the 16 tooth sprocket it was a continual gear shift to keep speed up as soon as the bike hit an incline or strong headwind it was change down time, i found it hard work and goodness knows what 2 up would be like. I genuinely feel that Royal Enfield have the gearing spot on for the power output of the engine so the 15 tooth is back on and feels right.

[@tigerness5555]

I hope you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍 I agree with your comments, I’m on the fence with this item at the moment and may also go back to the 15 tooth sprocket. You don’t know what will work for you until you try.

[@kitten3ful]

@@tigerness5555 you are so right it’s trial and error which is where the fun is. I certainly enjoy your videos and it’s my first port of call if I need info. All the best Ken

[@eleveneleven572]

Its not a top speed machine and its power:weight ratio quite low so lower gearing gives more grunt riding at everyday speeds, esp. on hills.

[@jamesbarrie2458]

Yes I tried the 16 tooth on my Meteor and I agree, the original gearing is just right. The top speed will not change because it has a speed limiter.

[@kitten3ful]

Yes guys you might want to check out coastrider Scotland he did a similar mod. Cheers

[@MsDenver2]

When I buy my Enfield Classic I will just enjoy pottering around in the beautiful countryside and not concern myself about sprockets or anything , pulling into nice cafes for tea and cake ☕️🍰😌🤗🏍

[@tigerness5555]

It’s a fabulous little bike straight out of the box. Enjoy your bike when you get it. Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@philelliott5327]

Whoever comes up with the solution to the ABS wheel speed limiter restriction will be onto a winner. The little engine seems to have more to give but farting around with gearing, airboxes and the like is pointless until this nut is cracked. I would almost guarantee the blokes at RE have the ability to derestrict it but are saving that for future models. Nice video, keep it up.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@roverchap]

As others commentators have found, the Classic 350 seems to be speed-limited by the ECU. The higher gearing provided by the 16T sprocket will lower the revs at any given speed/gear combination,but the ECU won't let the road speed go beyond 71/72mph in any gear, which is about 75 on the speedometer. You should get a benefit in touring fuel consumption, maybe 110mpg?

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍 The engine is fitted with a revolution limiter which prevents over reving and possible damage to the engine in whichever gear is selected. It’s nothing to do with the speed the bike is travelling at.

[@andrewoh1663]

@@tigerness5555 wrong. As well as a normal rev limiter, the bike has a speed limiter whose input comes off the front ABS signal. So, gearing up will not increase the top speed.

[@mihirsarkar3591]

Maybe do a top speed run

[@OddSpanner]

@@tigerness5555 as others have said, the J series engine has both a rev limiter on the engine at around 6700rpm and a speed limiter, the later runs at around off speed readings taken from both front and rear abs rings. It’ll cut in in both 4th and 5th at 75mph. Next time you change a sprocket spend an extra £20 and get a proper sprocket locking tool rather than shoving a bar through the wheel.

[@dannyward959]

Just pick up a meteor today plan on changing front sprocket after first service --- what is the part number for the 16 tooth sprocket?

[@Aubury]

A million years ago, l put a one tooth larger sprocket on my old ohv 500 lndian Bullet, transformed it, for the better. Mind you accessing the sprocket was a few hours job. This beast is so much easier, I hope you'll find it beneficial.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 👍🏍

[@bsimpson6204]

A million years ago I put a sprocket on my RD350 with one tooth less, my goodness did that bike go!! 😄

[@Caledonia3104]

Nice garage, When you started your test run and were saying "I am in top gear going up hill" i was thinking that looks like the road i call the Hillfoots road coming into Tilicoultry and as the video went on i realised it was. Nice to see a local road on these types of video.

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Caledonianbiker, well spotted, and yes you’re correct, it is the A91 Hillfoots road at Tillicoultry. I’ve lived in this area all,my life so it’ll probably feature in a lot of my videos. Great to hear that you enjoyed my video 👍

[@Stefan_trekkie]

My 350 is here finally. The same colour as yours. I've installed heal-toe shifter lever and this weekend will install different handlebar (40 mm taller and 20mm shorter) . I will not touch the fueling/engine side of things for now.

[@tigerness5555]

Enjoy your bike, they’re great fun. Hope you enjoyed my wee video and found it helpful 🏍👍

[@kayserbondor]

In the early 1950’s I was near Norton Bracebridge St works and bought an engine sprocket for my Model 18, the works building was like something out of a Dickens novel, You had a job wondering how they could make those wonderful 500’s that won in the island so often, in such an old fashioned premises.

[@tigerness5555]

Hope you enjoyed my video. Lack of investment in new plant, equipment and modern manufacturing techniques was the downfall of the British motorcycle industry in the 1960’s and 70’s.

[@kayserbondor]

Am enjoying your videos, if it wasn’t for age I would be throwing a leg over a 350 RE. Last rides out courtesy of son in law were on a 350 Ducati street scrambler, and a Norton Commando, both early 70’s models.

[@tominmo8865]

Good video! Subscribed. Rather than put stress on a spoke, I'd put the bike on the sidestand so there is tire friction, then use the rear brake as you did.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@mickabraham6692]

I have the identical bike to you with all the same mods, I have also replaced the rear wheel sprocket with a 40 tooth sprocket from Hitchcocks, will now fit the 16 tooth sprocket as per your video. The rear sprocket change was a relatively easy and quick modification.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@BobfmBali]

So what have you found with both fitted, I have also bought both just in case I want to upgrade 🤔

[@mickabraham6692]

@@BobfmBali Ive found it really comfortable and pulls the gearing quite easily, I’m not after a higher top speed just dropping the revs at a comfortable cruising speed of 55 to 60.

[@BobfmBali]

So how do you now feel with both front and rear sprockets changed out🤔

[@mickabraham6692]

@@BobfmBali it’s only a minor tweak but the bike handles it comfortably.

[@frankiepitt9135]

It’s very clean under the cover around the sprocket, have you used the bike yet?

[@tigerness5555]

The bike has done over 2,000 miles, well looked after 😁👍

[@hawedehre]

I have planned to put this on my Meteor, as the gears are even shorter than on the Classic 350. The back tire is smaller. Beyond 80 km/h I really think it revs higher than needed.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@andrewoh1663]

RE don't provide much technical data but I suspect the Meteor has a smaller rear sprocket to adjust for the smaller wheel diameter. My meteor with the 16T mod and a 'decat' conversion is now fairly happy at our 100kph motorway speed limit.

[@richardcrighton8079]

i've gone for: dna filter, freeflow pipe and will be installing the fuelx soon. at the moment that'll do. i'm still toying with the camshaft idea. all that said, it's true that (for now) we won't get beyond 73mph/220 kph but i want to have the best time getting there. ALSO, if or when hitchcock's brings out a upgraded barrel/piston/head kit, i'm right there. i really like the lightness and handling of the classic and i won't move up to a 650 whatever.

[@tigerness5555]

Sounds like you’ve got a very nice setup on your bike. I’m also interested in the camshaft upgrade, I recon that would make a big difference. Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@mickabraham6692]

Another good video, I assume the sprocket, locking washer and nylon nut are from Hitchcocks?

[@tigerness5555]

Yes, the locking washer was from Hitchcocks. I didn’t replace the nut as it was out of stock at the time. There was nothing wrong with the original nut so had no concerns about reusing it. Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@bushy13]

G'day from Australia. Does changing the sprocket affect the actual reading of the speedometer ? Nice video, well explained.

[@tigerness5555]

No, the speedometer gets its information from the wheel ABS rings. Great to hear that you enjoyed my video 🏍️👍

[@robedmunds7163]

Bike in gear yes, foot on brake yes, bar through spokes no, not such a good idea. Lovely garage.

[@tigerness5555]

It worked for me and no damage was done. In reality the wheel was fully locked with the rear brake. It would have been easier with two people, slightly awkward on your own. Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

I agree, it made my toes curl immediately . If the spoke was not damaged it was only because it wasn't doing anything and was therefore unnecessary anyway.

[@edwardwest5035]

Another excellent video, thank you.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@marcjuffkins9578]

Another informative video. Thank you!

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@michaelabernathy7013]

Thank you for this video. I've a Meteor but adore the reborn Classic. Beautiful bike. Appreciate your honest opinion on the sprocket mod. May I ask Sir, where you are from?

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Michael, great to hear that you enjoyed my video. The new 350 Enfield models are brilliant bikes, so much fun to own and ride. I live in Central Scotland. Merry Christmas 👍

[@BobfmBali]

Still not quite sure from your comments what the gain actually is of changing to a 16 tooth? Hitchcocks also sell this product and was wondering what your thoughts might be? Of either 16 or 40 tooth being fitted or both fitted? SPROCKET, REAR, 40 TEETH, 5/8" X 1/4", **ALLOY**, 350 Meteor + 350 Classic

[@tigerness5555]

To be perfectly honest, I don’t think there is any great gain to be had. The standard gearing is probably the best for this bike. Good to hear that you’re enjoying my channel 🏍👍

[@35goonyboy]

2 classics and a meteor in my stable and I have just added seat/bags/rear rack/wind screen and a millennial cell phone holder (kinda embarrassed for being 57 and adding this but it’s handy !!) never much thought about doing anything performance as an air cooled 350 is hardly a speed machine, I just enjoy the experience of puttering around and tooling about the country side. Impact gun sometimes makes sense when you need to remove high torqued fasteners.

[@tigerness5555]

I fully agree with you, the Classic 350 is a fabulous bike for pottering around the countryside. It’s no speed machine and that’s it’s charm. Hope you enjoyed my video 👍

[@35goonyboy]

@@tigerness5555 Appreciate the time you take in recreating the act, it helps in showing Left/Right hand threads on the counter shaft and could save much heartache for someone not expecting something out of the ordinary. Actually ordered an adapter cable OBD to Euro 5 for my bikes after watching your video, nothing wrong with my bikes but it’s a cheap investment if I need to work on it.

[@johnrocker2986]

My feelings is the lack of HP would be more suitable on original gearing, it may on modified gearing not pull steep hills as well as the original?

[@tigerness5555]

Hi John thanks for your comments. I agree with you, one of the reasons I’ve put the standard gearing back on the bike. Hope you enjoyed the video 👍

[@johnrocker2986]

@@tigerness5555 great vlog's. My Himalayan did not give its best until 5000miles then the performance improved enough to allow 70mph cruise up from 65mph without any mods other than Brisk Iridium Plug.

[@TheRmoroni]

does the remapping of the ecu affect the factory rev limiter setting ?

[@tigerness5555]

I can’t answer your question as my ecu has not been remapped and I have no plans to do it. Hope that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@adrobbo84]

Interesting video. Could you please tell me what the standard rear sprocket size is ? I assume the front is 15T but not sure about back...

[@tigerness5555]

Yes the standard front sprocket is 15 tooth and the rear is 42 tooth. Great to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it interesting 👍 Rear sprocket info hear: accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/45107?cont_page=information-and-services/Royal-Enfield-350-Classic-Accessories&page=5

[@adrobbo84]

@tigerness5555 thankyou!

[@marcjohnson7734]

Watched review just before this one, was also a Scottish chap and he was saying there's some sort of restrictions in the ecu that only allow the engine to go up to 73mph, and said even with other mods it won't make much difference until the ecu is changed or flashed,don't know if that's true or what ?had anyone hit 80 or 90?

[@tigerness5555]

I’m pretty sure that’s true regarding the ecu restrictions. I haven’t heard of any Classic 350 going more than 73mph. Hope you enjoyed my video 👍

[@Munna_kumar-t8w]

Hello si. I want to buy short gear liver like your bike but i didn't find, plz provide me link for buying

[@tigerness5555]

This is the gear lever that I’ve fitted to my bike. accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/48006?cont_page=information-and-services/Royal-Enfield-350-Classic-Accessories&keyword=Gear%20lever

[@GrampsD63]

You haven't mentioned if you installed the DNS Stage II intake kit. You freed up one end but not the other. Would be interested if that changes anything for you. You still have a speed limited ECU but I would imagine the mid range might come alive as that is where this motor really seems to shine.

[@tigerness5555]

I haven’t installed any DNA parts, still running the standard air filter at present. Hope you enjoyed my little video 🏍👍

[@GrampsD63]

@@tigerness5555 I did. And I just picked up my new Chrome Bronze 350 on Friday. Your videos helped me make up my mind. Thank You

[@tigerness5555]

Excellent, I’m sure you’ll just love your new bike. Glad to be of help 🏍👍

[@jplaportilla6615]

Hi Tiger Ness!, Do you have problems with the odometer? I have the same classic 350. And sometimes my odometer nail show diferent speed and it stoped in 160 km/h. Do you have information for this problem?

[@mickabraham6692]

There is a faulty batch of speedos, I was unlucky enough to have one as have quite a few other people, your supplying dealer will replace under warranty, no hassle.

[@jopspektakelmaatschappij6221]

@@mickabraham6692 Saw a vid from someone who identified the problem, some speedo’s have a bit of oil in the plug that connects it to the rest of the cable tree, carefully clean it out with contactspray (the stuff you use to clean computerboards etc) Should solve it and faster than getting a new speedo which will have the same problem if they do not clean your dirty connector before placing it.

[@jplaportilla6615]

@@jopspektakelmaatschappij6221 Thanks! Can you share me the video :)?

[@davericketts9101]

@@jplaportilla6615 Hi, this is one video for you. `Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn - "Sticky Speedo" Fix? - Well, It Worked for Me (So Far!) ` It is from a KZbinr called `Economical Rides`.

[@tigerness5555]

I’ve not had any problems with my Speedo but there are lots of videos on KZbin regarding this issue. Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@chilchil1584]

How is the 16 tooth sprocket? Acceleration?

[@tigerness5555]

It makes the gearing slightly higher so inevitably it will accelerate slower. Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@ravindraisaacs6280]

lovely, kindly share your other vdo links, how's the clutch action, any mods for it?

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍 The clutch action is excellent on this bike, no plans on making a video about it. I have fitted adjustable brake and clutch levers, see my earlier video.

[@josefranciscoribeirojunior1148]

What torque did you use to tighten the sprocket nut?

[@tigerness5555]

I tightened the nut to 140Nm Hope you found the video useful 🏍️👍

[@josefranciscoribeirojunior1148]

@@tigerness5555 thanks

[@Mr.han_777-v2y]

Is Free flow pipe effective for improving output? I want to change fuel xlite, open air filter cover and 16t only.

[@tigerness5555]

Knowing what I know now, and from experience, I would keep the standard exhaust and fit the de-cat pipe, DNA Filter and cover then possibly the FuelX. I would not change the gearing. Hope this helps 😁

[@Mr.han_777-v2y]

@@tigerness5555 Thank you for your reply. One more question please. How much speed do the first, second, and third gears go up when the rest is installed except for the gears?

[@MsDenver2]

The new exhaust and bigger front sprocket seems very good and I’m not an engineer or mechanic but I wonder if changing things what the designers and testers have done at Enfield for many years will put some kind of pressure or stress on other parts , perhaps in the gear box? What’s your take on this? 👍🏍

[@tigerness5555]

I don’t think these modifications will damage the bike in any way. I’ve actually reverted my bikes gearing and exhaust back to standard as I found it was too noisy on longer runs. It’s easy to get carried away with modifications with these bikes. Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@stevenmiller184]

According to Hichcock's dynomometer testing, there is nothing to be gained by putting on a different silencer, the benefit comes from the decat pipe. So if you keep the Decat part of the system and use the original silencer you should be more comfortable with the sound and maintain the performance improvement. . @@tigerness5555

[@tigerness5555]

@@stevenmiller184, I agree may look into doing this during the winter months 👍

[@anthonyrichards1241]

after changing the 15 tooth for a 16 tooth do you need to recalibrate the speedo or does it still give you a true reading ???

[@tigerness5555]

No recalibration is required. The speedo gets its information from the ABS ring on the front wheel. Hope you enjoyed my video and found it useful 👍

[@garykyle5750]

I removed both ABS sensors and managed 94 mph before the following vehicle tracking my speed signaled me reaching over 90

[@tigerness5555]

Brilliant 😂 Hope you enjoyed my wee video 👍🏍

[@charlesedwardberry5343]

Hey ,how easy is it to remove the abs sensor and do you need special tools.....?

[@6chhelipilot]

Probably makes the bike feel less 'buzzy' but not much to gain from this mod.

[@tigerness5555]

I agree with you it make the bike less buzzy. With only 20bhp to play with your never going to see any great gains. Hope you enjoyed my video 👍

[@widephil]

What's its speedo difference to GPS accuracy?

[@midtennmoto7541]

Mine has shown to 5 mph optimistic to reality.

[@tigerness5555]

Same as most bikes, around 5mph over. Hope you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@MrJoeMoreton]

I tested my friends Meteor speedo accuracy with my gps. At an indicated 100km/hr his actual gps speed was 92km/hr. So 8% optimistic. I imagine the Classic 350 speedo will be the same. Really enjoying your videos thanks!

[@andrewoh1663]

The "main bolt" is a nut LOL, and it's a waste of time putting the bike in gear as the torque required to loosen the nut will easily turn over the engine. Better to lock the rear wheel (I hung some weights on to the brake pedal) and leave the gears in neutral, that way you're not going to knock a tooth off a gear, especially if using an impact wrench.

[@tigerness5555]

Thanks for the info, every day is a learning day. Hope you enjoyed my wee video 👍🏍

[@Horus71]

Has anyone tried the 44 tooth rear sprocket? If so how low is the gearing? The original has 40 teeth.

[@tigerness5555]

No one as far as I know. Why would you want to lower the gearing? Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@Horus71]

@@tigerness5555 yes I enjoyed the video, great content. The lower gearing would be for city use only. Hitchcocks sells the 44 tooth rear sprocket but there are no videos of anyone actually fitting one.

[@tigerness5555]

I don’t see any advantage in lowering the gearing on the Classic 350. The standard gearing is perfect for this bike, also, the engine has a lot of torque at low speeds. It’s very civilised and tractable in city traffic, such an easy bike to ride.

[@eriksnel6461]

Wow that is a lot simpler then replacing the sprocket on the old classic 500 efi engine 😂

[@tigerness5555]

It sure is an easy job on this engine. The J series engine is fantastic in so many ways. Hope you enjoyed watching the video 👍

[@horspiste]

Where do you find the torque settings Tiger? Do you know where to get a service manual by any chance?

[@davidrawlings3460]

Love all your videos but please please stop calling NUTS... BOLTS.

[@horspiste]

@@davidrawlings3460 don't think I've ever referred to nuts as bolts? These are not my videos 😎

[@davericketts9101]

@@davidrawlings3460 David, I think you meant to put this comment to Tiger Ness but I totally agree with your comment.

[@tigerness5555]

I agree with you, annoys me as well when I’ve been editing the video 😂 Will try harder not to do it again, no promises though 😁 Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@tigerness5555]

I found the torque wrench settings on Google. I don’t have a workshop manual or know where to get one. Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@AdrianShawDrummer]

It’s a nut, not a bolt that holds the sprocket on.

[@tigerness5555]

You’re quite correct, it’s also me that’s the Nut 🤣

[@nigeldean3315]

I wish my garage looked like yours !!! I'm not sure this is a good option as the engineer's at R E tested all gearing options before signing off production which gave the best acceleration and top speed matched to the engine torque .

[@simonwalker7957]

That’s true as a stock bike Euro 5 compliant but TS’s has no cat and so the engine is freer revving. Basically the bike is somewhat stymied by regulation, TS now has more of its potential; if only there was a way of overcoming the limiter then it would be perfect.

[@davericketts9101]

@@simonwalker7957 Agreed.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed my wee video 🏍👍

[@nigeldean3315]

@@tigerness5555 As a point of interest "only" speaking to my Royal Enfield dealer yesterday I asked if fitting a fuel X or other fueling enhancing device to my new interceptor to bring about a similar set up as yours would be OK, he checked with Royal Enfield UK on the phone who to my surprise advised him the engine warranty for the three year period would be void if a device like that is fitted !!!!

[@andrewward5244]

@@nigeldean3315 I would think any engine/drive train mod would void your warranty

[@stevenmiller184]

This sprocket will not make the bike go faster. The top speed is not controlled by a rev limiter, it is controlled by the actual speed , rather like a governor, its top speed is regulated.

[@tigerness5555]

That’s correct, doesn’t matter what you do to these bikes the top speed won’t change. Hope you enjoyed my. Video 🏍️👍

[@stevenmiller184]

I really did enjoy it. They are very clear in the instructions. @@tigerness5555

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

Changing the front sprocket will mess the accuracy of the speedometer.

[@tigerness5555]

I’m not sure that’s true. I think the speedometer gets its info from the ABS sensors on the wheels. Just Googled this 🤣 “Motorcycles with an ABS system use the ABS wheel speed sensor on the front wheel to calculate and display the road speed of the vehicle. Older motorcycles used a worm gearbox and a bowden cable to run the speedometer.” Hope you enjoyed the video 🏍️👍

[@brettisabeth3349]

Should've brought a bigger bike

[@tigerness5555]

No need to, I’ve got two other bigger and faster bike already. The wee Classic 350 is special, it’s so much fun to tinker with, ride and own. It’s simply a great little bike. Hope you enjoyed the video 👍

[@ralphnotarpietro8504]

The bikes have been tought thru by engineers, if you want a bike that goes faster or has less consumption or whatever, buy another bike.Saves you work and deceptions.....

[@tigerness5555]

That’s why I have three bikes, one to go fast, one to go slow and one to tour 🏍🏍🏍👍😁

[@bsimpson6204]

That is so true! 😄