Honda KO drive sprockets

[bobthebuilder]

Hi Guys.

     Have awoke from hibernation and managed to amble down to shed. Got engine back from builder and now cleaning ready for painting. On taking drive sprocket of noticed it was 17 tooth front and 45 rear. David Silver sprockets 18 and 48. Would appreciate any feedback.

Cheers Jock 

[Bryanj]

The overall ratio is almost exactly the same(2.66 against 2.65) and the 18 tooth front is mechanicaly friendlier to the chain so unless you want to be pernikety correct I would use the ones you got---will need a slightly longer chain though

[bobthebuilder]

Thanks Bryanj.

Not bought them yet. but think I will go with David Silver.

Cheers Jock.

[honda-san]

As Brian says, larger sprocket at front = less load on the chain, and the 18T as fitted to K1 - K6 bikes is the largest which will fit at the front. The original fitment to the very early bikes was actually a 16T front which Honda theirselves superceded to a 17T as a result of chain / crankcase braekages, before going to 18 / 48 from the K1 onwards.

I actually run my '69 with an 18 front /  45 rear. Keeps the revs down a touch when cruising, but still pulls well enough ( and if I need more acceleration, thats what the gear lever is for).

Now if traffic light grand prix' are your thing , try a 16 front / 48 rear!

Chris R.

[bobthebuilder]

Thanks Chris,
 Great info, taking it all on board, glad you guys are all out there


Cheers Jock