Drive sprocket
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Drive sprocket
I do a lot of highway speed traval and I was wondering about changeing the drive sprocket and adding more teeth as anyone done this and if so what do you consider a good set up for 70+ highway speeds ? this is on a 71
Last edited by lagunatic; Sep 30, 2009 at 12:46 AM. Reason: not compete
In my experience, and in the experience of many others, the best combination is a 51 tooth rear sprocket and a 23 tooth front sprocket; or an equivalent combination.
Since your '71 has a drum rear brake i believe the rear sprocket is 51T. You could count them to be certain - or someone else will chime in and confirm or correct.
So then you need a 23T front.
Since your '71 has a drum rear brake i believe the rear sprocket is 51T. You could count them to be certain - or someone else will chime in and confirm or correct.
So then you need a 23T front.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: OC California
I run a 23t countershaft sprocket and would never go back. It makes a big difference on the freeway. You might have to hog out a little inside the cover for clearance but that is a slam dunk to do.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
Yep 23 it is... if you have O-ring chain check that you have clearance inside sprocket cover as Calwoodbutcher wrote.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 990
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From: Redondo Beach, California
I agree with the rest here. At around about 80 MPH I am turning around about 4,000 RPM. I can go all day at that speed and normally do too! I think that the bike likes it as well! I have never had any problems running it that way on 350 mile and 500 mile runs to Laughlin, Nevada. or to Reno, Nevada. from my place in Redondo Beach, California. Im closing in on about 40,000 miles now on that bike and I just LOVE my Ironhead Sportster! Sportsters Rule! 
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
I agree with the rest here. At around about 80 MPH I am turning around about 4,000 RPM. I can go all day at that speed and normally do too! I think that the bike likes it as well! I have never had any problems running it that way on 350 mile and 500 mile runs to Laughlin, Nevada. or to Reno, Nevada. from my place in Redondo Beach, California. Im closing in on about 40,000 miles now on that bike and I just LOVE my Ironhead Sportster! Sportsters Rule!