[Starpeve]

Do you have a part number please.
I tried looking it up without success.

Have you tried Hitchcock’s site?

[CPJS]

Have you tried Hitchcock’s site?

Yes, nearly 3 times the price of that mentioned on the link.

[Breezin]

The discussion here and elsewhere is pretty convincing in favour of the 16. But I have a slight hesitation as to riding context. Here, my riding is 90% bends and twisties, with very few long, straight runs. I wonder if it would work as well.

[NVDucati]

The discussion here and elsewhere is pretty convincing in favour of the 16. But I have a slight hesitation as to riding context. Here, my riding is 90% bends and twisties, with very few long, straight runs. I wonder if it would work as well.

Unless you frequently need to use 1st gear in a turn ... I can't see any big hardship. You will just adjust your style, over time. I haven't installed mine yet just 'cause been busy. Personally, I'm from the school that prefers lower RPM / higher corner speed "calmness" through the mid-turn. And it is a low cost / effort / reversible modification.

[Blazes Boylan]

The discussion here and elsewhere is pretty convincing in favour of the 16. But I have a slight hesitation as to riding context. Here, my riding is 90% bends and twisties, with very few long, straight runs. I wonder if it would work as well.

If I lived in the country and had quick access to bends and twisties I might be content with the stock sprocket.  Trying to get out of New York City while keeping a new bike under 4000 rpm made feel like I was driving a tractor on the freeway.  With the 16-t sprocket I can comfortably cruise at 65 without feeling like I'm sacrificing anything in the way of acceleration.  The bike has more than enough pep at the low end.

[Jack Straw]

+1 on the 16. I don't do long distances but I just like the slightly lower revs at 65 mph.  Honestly after just a couple of rides I didn't notice any difference  beyond the slightly taller first gear.

[Blazes Boylan]

And having a taller first gear in an urban setting is actually beneficial.  I often find myself going several blocks in traffic without ever leaving first gear.  With the stock sprocket I'd shift into second only to immediately shift down again.

[gregrb41]

I changed to 16t. There are no downsides whatsoever, solo or pillion, town or country - it's all upside.. It would be a good idea for RE to make this standard.

[whippers]

Interesting discussion. I haven’t got much seat time yet, however my first ride in the twisties I certainly wasn’t thinking what this bike needs is taller gearing.

I can understand it if you want a more relaxed engine at highway speeds but I’m typically not doing that kind of work on this bike and I like riding a bike that doesn’t encourage me to go faster all the time.

As to commuting I’m never in first  except for moving off. Second seems very good for slow speed filtering. The bike feels happy in even 5th at 35mph which to me is very impressive.

In the Ducati world everyone gears them down (me included).

Maybe the fact the power delivery is so biased to the middle and there is no benefit to revving it taller gearing makes sense in this case.

[Starpeve]

And having a taller first gear in an urban setting is actually beneficial.  I often find myself going several blocks in traffic without ever leaving first gear.  With the stock sprocket I'd shift into second only to immediately shift down again.

Exactly! And it’s the same in twisties BTW.

[whippers]

Exactly! And it’s the same in twisties BTW.

They must be some twisties if you need first gear! 

[Hoiho]

Be interesting to see if the folk that gear up have any significant hills on their regular rides. I can see the benefit for flat-landers, but my backyard is littered with large lumps

[Jack Straw]

I have had no problems relative to grades, slow or fast.  Getting to the highway from my house I have a, narrow, formidable grade to ascend and the bike pulls beautifully at 35 to 40 in 4th gear   Out on the highway it always surprises me by easily edging up past 80 on long steep grades.  I doubt I'll ever feel the need to go back to the 15 tooth sprocket.

This is with a fairly inexpensive aftermarket exhaust made by a mere pipe-bender. No dyno sheets,  no booster plug, no boutique air filter either 

[AzCal Retred]

Another plus to upsizing the countershaft sprocket is the possibility of increased chain life. Less angular bending as it rounds the sprocket. I believe that below 17T is where this angularity really starts to affect chain life. The 500 Bullet was designed in the 1950's to be maintenance friendly, it comes with a 17T countershaft stock. Of course, general cleanliness, proper lubrication & adjustment are likely of more practical import than a theoretical 17T limit, but it couldn't hurt.

[Starpeve]

They must be some twisties if you need first gear! 

I meant that the taller 2nd is great for the twisties!