Hitchcocks Forum

Another question I am afraid. I believe the 350 (last sort 08 reg manufactured in 07) is currently on 'std' gearing.

Again I have read that for 500's (whether modified on exhaust and breathing or not) many have changed the gearing - from a 17T to 18T gearbox end sprocket I think...

Is there a similar recommended change for the 350? and if so to what and the expected results? M

Hi there.

I have an 18T on my 500, and find that it does provide more relaxed cruising at higher speeds.

However it also results in the need for more revs/gas when pulling off than normal. This is especially evident when ridding with a passenger. I bring this up as with your bike being a 350, you may find this side effect even more significant?

Happy enfielding. J

hi there,your 350 will have a 16 tooth sprocket as standard,you can up it to 17 ,although unless your chain is stretched it may be tight,i have not tried this modification on my 350 petrol,but put a 17 tooth on when i fitted the diesel engine ,(this bike was formerly a 350 petrol)on my 350 petrol i have all the upgrades bigger jets ,slide ,loud pipe but its my winter hack so i might try a 17 on that next winter,roll on summer!!!

I've read several bits of advice on this and other forums that the unmodified 350cc engine isn't up to pulling a 17T sprocket and the gearing is best left as it is. Others recommend the close ratio 4-speed box. I have a 5-speed on mine which I think is great, but still have the 16T sprocket. No-one seems to think it's a good idea to put a bigger sprocket on.

I have a 350 with a ported head, Meteor Minor Sports piston, shortened barrel,these combining to give over 9:1 compress, hotter cams and 389 carb and loud pipe. I fitted a 17t gearbox sprocket - I nearly went for 18t, but glad I didn't as it just copes with 17. This bike is not a rocketship and pulls well, so I would immagine 17t is as far as just about anyone needs to go on a tuned version, I would stay put at 16t myself on a standard machine.