Wheel hub changes 2019 to 2020 ??

[vallen]

I've been reading the gearing changes many are making to lower rev's for longer commutes. I'm interested in considering it, but having a hard time finding a 42T or 43T rear for a 2020 model.  Are there wheel hub changes between gen1 and gen2's ?  I didn't think it would be difficult to find a 525-42T.  Maybe it's just easier to go up 1 on the front? Thanks everyone.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by vallen

I've been reading the gearing changes many are making to lower rev's for longer commutes. I'm interested in considering it, but having a hard time finding a 42T or 43T rear for a 2020 model.  Are there wheel hub changes between gen1 and gen2's ?  I didn't think it would be difficult to find a 525-42T.  Maybe it's just easier to go up 1 on the front? Thanks everyone.

I thought they lengthened gears 4-5-6 considerably on the new XR exactly for this reason so unless you personally find it buzzy already I wouldn't bother. That said, yes it does have a different rear wheel and hub, with different bolt spacing.

[vallen]

Yes the gears have been lengthened. 5k RPM @ 75MPH just seems excessive to me.....at least when commuting.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by vallen

Yes the gears have been lengthened. 5k RPM @ 75MPH just seems excessive to me.....at least when commuting.

What Antares said....the Gen-1 and Gen-2 bikes are totally different animals, different frame, different engine, different bodywork etc.... very little can be interchanged between them.

BMW lengthened gears 4, 5 & 6 in the Gen-2 due to the complaints from Gen-1 owners saying it was too revvy at motorway speeds. I have a 42T rear sprocket on my Gen-1 and it now runs ~4000-4100 rpm @ 100kmh.

Smithy.

[vallen]

Thanks Smithy. I typically cruise between 120-130kmh (legal limits here) and think a better cruise RPM range would be 4-4500 instead of 5-5500. Just wondering if there is a way to get there with this bike with sprocket changes? It would improve gas mileage and still perform very well. The only option I have found so far is an entire 525 chain/sprocket swap to a 520 running a 17/41T or 42T combo. No 525-41,42T gen2 sprockets exist, that I can find. Wondering if anyone has done this on a gen2 yet? or if there is a better way to lower RPM slightly. Maybe up 1 tooth on the front to an 18? But I haven't found this option either.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by vallen

Thanks Smithy. I typically cruise between 120-130kmh (legal limits here) and think a better cruise RPM range would be 4-4500 instead of 5-5500. Just wondering if there is a way to get there with this bike with sprocket changes? It would improve gas mileage and still perform very well. The only option I have found so far is an entire 525 chain/sprocket swap to a 520 running a 17/41T or 42T combo. No 525-41,42T gen2 sprockets exist, that I can find. Wondering if anyone has done this on a gen2 yet? or if there is a better way to lower RPM slightly. Maybe up 1 tooth on the front to an 18? But I haven't found this option either.

Well actually the Gen 2 is still longer geared than the Gen 1 with a 42T sprocket, that's the only reason I wouldn't suggest changing it too much. Engine power is still the exact same so you'll start to feel it. I respect if you want to change it still but I think the reason there is no 42T offerings for the Gen 2 is because there is no demand for it. There is also no space for a bigger front sprocket as far as I'm aware.

[vallen]

Thanks. Very useful information.

[vallen]

So I made the jump and went with the conversion kit - 17/41 combo.  Excellent move and well worth the effort I put into it. Cruise is much more enjoyable and 6th feels more like a 6th gear. Surprisingly no issues bringing up the front wheel and riding wheelies still. I'm a solid fan of the bike and wouldn't hesitate to make this change, unless your drag racing 0-60 and that's your thing. Additional side benefits are reduced DB noise levels (full Akropovic exhaust), improved gas mileage, and crazy top speed (if you dare). I've had desert bikes in the past with taller gearing than this bike was stock, just not with the benefits of 11k rpm revs. I just couldn't get past the short gearing and high rpm's for cruise. Very satisfied with the ~500rpm reduction at cruise.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by vallen

So I made the jump and went with the conversion kit - 17/41 combo.  Excellent move and well worth the effort I put into it. Cruise is much more enjoyable and 6th feels more like a 6th gear. Surprisingly no issues bringing up the front wheel and riding wheelies still. I'm a solid fan of the bike and wouldn't hesitate to make this change, unless your drag racing 0-60 and that's your thing. Additional side benefits are reduced DB noise levels (full Akropovic exhaust), improved gas mileage, and crazy top speed (if you dare). I've had desert bikes in the past with taller gearing than this bike was stock, just not with the benefits of 11k rpm revs. I just couldn't get past the short gearing and high rpm's for cruise. Very satisfied with the ~500rpm reduction at cruise.

Just be careful the chain doesn't rub the top swingarm protection slider, I know my Gen-1 would be rubbing with a 41t on it, so I went with a 42t.

Smithy.

[vallen]

Good to know....I'll keep an eye out.