Hitchcocks Forum

I have just upgraded my 17-tooth drive sprocket to an 18-tooth on my standard 500 bullet. OMG what a difference! I can normally cruise at 50 but this gives me an extra 8-10 mph without over-revving the engine. Oh the joys
I also fitted the clutch push-rod with the roller bearing pad from Hitchcocks, no more clutch-slip and so far no more drag. Living the dream LOL!

Hi Wallace, As it says on the advert....

Every Little Helps..

Heart warming to know somethings going right...

cheers gwilly..

Hi WALLACE, Kick my bumkin if you like, and far be it for me to rain on your parade but for approx the same cost and for exactly the same amount of time a 19t can also be used with beneficial effects ( Assuming you have already done the "Normal" things such as free-flow filter and exhaust, etc, etc )......... But you're dead right---- there will be good things happening no matter which one you fit................................ When next out for that grin-making ride just "listen" to your engine--------- it's saying "Thank-you" dear owner.."I feel so stress-free now"----------or something like that...(I think I'm losing the "Plot")

Good to hear Wallace, I have on sat on a shelf waiting to be fitted. How does it affect town riding?

Interesting - I would like to do this however the technical notes say various specialist tools are needed. Is that the case? If so it makes it more expensive. Also did you fit any other upgrades eg rubber mounted clutch drum etc? I have a long trip planned in two weeks and am thinking this might be a good thing to get done.

Hi guys-------SOFIASPIN, I can wholeheartedly recommend the 19t sprocket (along with the associated carb jettings, air filter and exhaust. mods)as money well spent, particularly if you are going on long rides..... About 5 or 6 years ago I was running a Bullet 65 which had the Amal carb conversion, the pancake paper air filter, a 19t sprocket and standard "65" silencer.. I rode from TELFORD down to READING, Berks ( 150 miles approx) on mainly A-roads and some dual carriageways averaging a comfortable 55-60mph all the way....My current bike is an Ex-Home market iron engined bike with the same set-up and the same comfortable results........Special tools ?? ... well a clutch locking plate can be made up by welding an old driver and driven plate together,... you can align the generator stator by eyeball,...the primary casing output seal will need to be carefully centred but, again this can be done by eye and a bit of common sense..... I've not found an actual need for any clutch drum mods as yet.... One of the most rewarding mods for comfort has to be changing the fork oil for ATF. Your shoulders will be the main beneficiary of this operation....( And drop the rear shocks by one notch as well--- for balance) ----- finally, why not fit one of our hosts small handlebar windshields ?? keeps that cold draught of your chest and neck.... Hope that's of some help ??---------------------- ps, On the ride to Reading and back it RAINED ALL THE WAY !!--- I got through 3 sets of gloves and two sets of face masks...but averaged approx 80 to 90 MPG...... Ah, bliss !!

Wallace, good to hear you've done this, I've been contemplating the same. What's it like with a pillion, up hill?
regards, Chris

Cat amongst the pigeons time.

Whilst I agree that increasing the sprocket by one tooth the revs for a given speed will drop but just rough maths indicates that for the same revs at what was 50 mph will only become approx 52.75 mph. To gain 8 to 10 mph you would need to be doing over 150 mph. Possible on a Bullet?.

Dons hat and coat and leaves building

Cat amongst the pigeons time 2 - Alan why would you reduce the ride height at the rear when you've only altered the damping at the front?

Paulk, probably because he has Ducks Disease.