Forum

[Wallace]

What are the steps to remove and refit the drive sprocket on a Standard Bullet 500? I am upgrading from 17 to 18 tooth.

[Pale Rider]

I've just done mine and pleased with the result. Check the technical section on this site, it explains what to do and the parts you'll require.

Keith.

[Wallace]

Excellent - thanks mate.

[Alan R]

Hi WALLACE -------------I doubt very much if you'll notice ANY difference at all with the 18T sprocket, so why not take the opportunity to fit a 19T whilst you're at it ?? (I just happen to have an unused one for sale). Both my Classic 500's have a 19T and is well worth the time and ---- in this case -----1/2 the cost. PS, if you do follow those tech-section notes remember to "centralise" the combined seal/holder before tightening the 4 thin-head bolts. I seem to remember that part isn't mentioned. You'll need }---- Rotor puller tool, clutch locking tool (Braze an old driver & driven plate together with arm, clutch centre puller, Stator centraliser device, seal protector sleeve, ATF fluid, If you're lucky the gaskets will remain intact----I smeared a little grease into them and re-used.

[Midge]

If you have a free flowing exhaust and air filter it should pull a 19 tooth sprocket very well, if standard, then maybe 18 is prudent. Its an involved but not difficult job, a good chance to clean the clutch plates and get the grime out from behind the primary case. Mind you don't lose the ball bearing if the clutch push rod comes out. I chased mine all around the garage when it made a bid for freedom!

[JOHNNY SINGLES]

Yes fit a 19 tooth sprocket, the 18 is not worth the bother.

[Beezabryan]

19 tooth sprocket is fine for folks riding solo & living in Flatland country or with gently rolling hills, but not if you're 2 up with baggage and stiff hills to climb.
Horses for courses etc

[Alan R]

Hi BEEZABRYAN-- Have 19T on both my Bullets-----regularly ride into Mid & North Wales----over to the Cat & Fiddle----Peaks District----Long Mynd here in Shropshire--al hilly stuff-- no probs, that's what a gearbox is for}----- and therein lies the REAL PROBLEM ie that damm GAP twixt 3rd & 4th !!!! That's my next financial target---- buying our hosts close ratio gear sets.....My last Bullet was a sixty-five model which I fitted the 19T sprocket to, but that had the 5-speed box to smooth things out a little. I think it fair to say that the 17T is what the bike should have been fitted with as "Standard" thus making the 19T a "First stage" improvement along with some mild carb & exhaust improvements...... WALLACE, what carb. & exhaust set-up will you be using with the 18T sprocket ?? If bog standard then that's OK but if you have fitted / or will want to alter both carb and exhaust at some later date then you will eventually find that another increase to 19T or even 20T can be accommodated. f you want to keep that original look then try using a "Tea-caddy" without the filter in and jet as per Free-flowing filter.

[John L]

This seems to be another of those topics on which I find myself out of step with the general concensus.......I live in the flatlands of East Anglia, but have felt in certain circumstances my 500 Bullet is a tad overgeared, even with "only" an 18T. g/box sprocket (+ de-restricted exhaust, 50s silencer, S&B filter and re-jetted Mikcarb)........ I should add however, I ride mainly B roads and unclassified lanes, rarely A roads and never motorways - I have other bikes more suited to this type of going. "Horses for courses", as Beezebryan says.........Wallace - you may want to consider the type of riding YOU do .

[John J]

I agree with John L. 18T is enough. I ran a 19T but on country lanes 4th is too high and the low rpm does nothing for the big end. The clutch also gets a harder life, particularly when pulling away on hills. Stay with the 18T its worth doing and is a noticable improvement.