[Scrambler_AZ]

After riding my Icon for a couple of weeks I've decided the stock gearing is too short for my purposes. I'm willing to trade acceleration for lower engine rpms/road speed, and hopefully pick up the fuel economy. In AZ riding distances can be large and fuel tank range tends to be somewhat of a priority (at least for me Sometimes an extra 10 or 15 miles can make all the difference!

Based on Gearing Commander calculations I'm looking to use a 16T front sprocket and 44T rear sprocket. I've trolled various forums and learned that the rear sprocket from an 899 Panigale should work on the Scrambler - I'd like to confirm this with anyone in the know here. I haven't learned which front sprocket from another Ducati model will work on the Scrambler, so I'd appreciate any input on that.

BTW, I've noticed that the gearing information in our owner's manual seems to be a copy/paste from the Monster 796, including the front/rear sprocket sizes of 15T/39T which don't match the 15T/44T provided with the Scrambler.

Thanks!

 

[Derek]

The standard rear sprocket is in fact a 46 tooth. You can fit a 44 tooth rear sprocket from an 899 Panigale. There is also a range of other Ducatis with this fitment.

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

I appreciate the information on the rear sprocket, thanks Pardon my mistype on which rear sprocket is provided on the Scrambler, as it's the 44T rear sprocket that I want to eventually use, not the stock 46T.

Do you have any idea which other Ducati model uses the same style front sprocket? I'd like to swap both sprockets out simultaneously as I'm comfortable that gearing will work for me. I'm a fairly light weight rider and would rather have tall overall gearing. Downshifting for more 'ooomph' works well enough for me

I'm also hoping that using a taller sprocket up front and a shorter in the rear will let me avoid having to change chain length. From what I see on Gearing Commander this might be possible.

 

[D K]

Wait, you guys are going TALLER???


D

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

'Wait, you guys are going TALLER???'

Exactly! The 796 Monster from which our bike is derived has much taller gearing. From what I see on 'Gearing Commander' the Scrambler is setup for brisk acceleration in every gear, not top speed and economy. The Scrambler's calculated top speed at redline in 6th is about 116 mph. A 75 HP bike can usually do 130 mph or more (depending on aerodynamics), so the gearing is pretty 'short'. For the type of rider the Scrambler is targeted for this is fine. Most won't care about fuel economy/engine life/top speed and want maximum 'fun' (acceleration) with a twist of the throttle I have different needs and am willing to trade some of the 'fun' in top gear for a more relaxed engine and a little better fuel economy. Besides, I have no problem with using the time honored method to improve acceleration on a bike that revs freely - drop a gear!

I looked at the front sprocket and it had some numeric markings (see photo). I reasoned they might be the last few digits of a full part number, so I cross referenced complete part numbers from some other Ducati bikes. I believe our front sprocket is the same as what's used on the Ducati Monster 696, which is p/n 449.1.052.1A. There's a couple of possible sources to get a 16T version of this sprocket, so I'll be chasing those soon. I also don't know if there's room for a slightly larger sprocket - I may have to just risk the purchase and try it out

 

[Eyecon]

'Wait, you guys are going TALLER???'

Exactly! The 796 Monster from which our bike is derived has much taller gearing. From what I see on 'Gearing Commander' the Scrambler is setup for brisk acceleration in every gear, not top speed and economy. The Scrambler's calculated top speed at redline in 6th is about 116 mph. A 75 HP bike can usually do 130 mph or more (depending on aerodynamics), so the gearing is pretty 'short'. For the type of rider the Scrambler is targeted for this is fine. Most won't care about fuel economy/engine life/top speed and want maximum 'fun' (acceleration) with a twist of the throttle I have different needs and am willing to trade some of the 'fun' in top gear for a more relaxed engine and a little better fuel economy. Besides, I have no problem with using the time honored method to improve acceleration on a bike that revs freely - drop a gear!

I looked at the front sprocket and it had some numeric markings (see photo). I reasoned they might be the last few digits of a full part number, so I cross referenced complete part numbers from some other Ducati bikes. I believe our front sprocket is the same as what's used on the Ducati Monster 696, which is p/n 449.1.052.1A. There's a couple of possible sources to get a 16T version of this sprocket, so I'll be chasing those soon. I also don't know if there's room for a slightly larger sprocket - I may have to just risk the purchase and try it out

,
scram az keep us posted on this please as I would like to do the same thing, thx

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

,
scram az keep us posted on this please as I would like to do the same thing, thx

I will I'll also decide whether to 'stage' the sprocket changes - i.e. do the front first, evaluate, then change out the rear and evaluate again.

So far I've only accumulated 363 miles, so the bike is far from broken in. Also, we're now at triple digit temperatures in AZ which tends to perk up fuel economy - makes the measurement kind of a moving target... My fuel mileage readings so far have been 56, 50, 53, & 53 mpg. None of it has been stop & go riding in heavy traffic. Mostly a combination of boulevard riding, expressway/secondary highway, and bursts of 'spirited' riding as the miles build up

 

[RamblingPath]

Interested parties are watching :nerd:. (A prev owner of a M796)

I've only have about 600 miles at this point and prob will not change any gearing until at least 5,000. I'll see who breaks in first.

Not really worried about mpg. Gas is nothing compared to the farkles and riding gear. Plus, stopping every 100 to 120 miles is a good excuse to stretch anyways.

Of course, I'm in New England not AZ. I used to wonder why the M796 had a 6th gear, now I want a 7th.

I do keep playing with the Gearing Commander website thinking about a compromise though - a little lower rpms on the slab would be nice.Thinking that if I do a change, it will just be the rear sprocket, 44.

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

Interested parties are watching :nerd:. (A prev owner of a M796)

I've only have about 600 miles at this point and prob will not change any gearing until at least 5,000. I'll see who breaks in first.

Not really worried about mpg. Gas is nothing compared to the farkles and riding gear. Plus, stopping every 100 to 120 miles is a good excuse to stretch anyways.

Of course, I'm in New England not AZ. I used to wonder why the M796 had a 6th gear, now I want a 7th.

I do keep playing with the Gearing Commander website thinking about a compromise though - a little lower rpms on the slab would be nice.Thinking that if I do a change, it will just be the rear sprocket, 44.

I used to live and ride back East (about 38 years ago) and it's sure different
here in AZ I like high fuel economy but it's really about range. Gas stations can be sparse out here in some areas... When I meet my friends on the edge of Phoenix metro I'm almost 40 miles into my tank, and we haven't gone anywhere yet!

I've decided to start with a 16T front sprocket and just ordered this:
SUPERLITE (#52604R) 520 Pitch Chromoly-Steel Front Sprocket - DUCATI - 696 Monster 2008-2014 - Ducati - STREET Products

Hopefully my assessment is correct and it will fit properly and have enough clearance

While it won't be dramatic the change should be noticeable. I'll post the Gearing Commander comparison when I get a chance.

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

I've attached images of the Gearing Commander comparison charts showing speed in gears for a stock 15T front sprocket, 16T front sprocket, and a 16T front/44T rear sprocket.

 

[PeteI]

I've attached images of the Gearing Commander comparison charts showing speed in gears for a stock 15T front sprocket, 16T front sprocket, and a 16T front/44T rear sprocket.

hey scrambler AZ,
Please let us know how you find the new set up to be. I may due this by summer's end, pending on your findings. Still waiting for my classic in so.CA though!:|

 

[greer]

Scrambler_AZ,


Thanks very much for the pictures, and for posting your findings as you sort this out. Look forward to hearing more.


Sarah

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

hey scrambler AZ,
Please let us know how you find the new set up to be. I may due this by summer's end, pending on your findings. Still waiting for my classic in so.CA though!:|

Scrambler_AZ,


Thanks very much for the pictures, and for posting your findings as you sort this out. Look forward to hearing more.


Sarah

You're welcome I'll track my progress here, from sprocket delivery to installation, checkout, and whatever results I can feel or measure...

Tony

 

[Scrambler 69]

I feel that could have slightly higher gearing and just change more to keep on song
But thought standard had 39t on rear so changing to 44 would lower gearing if correct
Bigger on front is higher gearing and smaller on rear equals higher gearing
Think 1 tooth on front increase is equivalent to approx 3 tooth decrease on back

 

[PeteI]

You're welcome I'll track my progress here, from sprocket delivery to installation, checkout, and whatever results I can feel or measure...

Tony

awesome thx!

 

[silverluxe]

I was surprised to see my rear sprocket stamped Sunstar instead of Ducati even though Sunstar is an OEM manufacturer for several companies. Since the engine is a detuned Monster, is it a bad idea to try to push 39 teeth in the rear? Any thoughts on not mixing even and even sprocket teeth?

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

I feel that could have slightly higher gearing and just change more to keep on song
But thought standard had 39t on rear so changing to 44 would lower gearing if correct
Bigger on front is higher gearing and smaller on rear equals higher gearing
Think 1 tooth on front increase is equivalent to approx 3 tooth decrease on back

The Scrambler standard rear is 46T ,so the gearing is much shorter than the 796 Monster which is at 39T. From what I understand the 796M is a little fussy at lower speeds in town, so many riders shorten the gearing to help that out. With a 15T/46T stock combination the gearing on the Scrambler is too much in the other direction for me. The Scrambler engine is tuned for more mid-range torque and doesn't need to spin so much to make useful power for my purposes. And like you said, just shift gears to keep the engine in the sweet spot if needed

 

[Scrambler_AZ]

I was surprised to see my rear sprocket stamped Sunstar instead of Ducati even though Sunstar is an OEM manufacturer for several companies. Since the engine is a detuned Monster, is it a bad idea to try to push 39 teeth in the rear? Any thoughts on not mixing even and even sprocket teeth?

Mine is also stamped Sunstar. I've read that they're a decent manufacturer of sprockets so no worries there. I haven't considered using a 39T rear sprocket. Possibly it's too tall for my purposes although you might get even better highway fuel economy. It would likely slow the bike down noticeably in top gear, although you could drop a gear to make that up. But you also might need to slip the clutch a little more in first to get launched - it's all a trade off With gearing you usually set it up for your end goal - acceleration, top speed, fuel economy etc. I've attached a Gearing Commander chart for the speed in gear with a 39T rear sprocket. Without aerodynamic changes it would likely never reach the predicted the speed of 137.2 mph. The Scrambler has about 10 less HP than the 796 Monster which from my reading might be able to reach that speed.

Mixing even/odd teeth count between front and rear sprockets is OK, so long as sprockets are matched in width and pitch to the chain. The stock Scrambler has a 15T/46T combination. Any changes to that ratio are compensated for by adjusting chain length via the adjusters or adding/removing links if needed.

 

[greer]

Don't know if you're on the other scram forum much or not, but thought this might be helpful to you:


Rear sprocket tip | Ducati Scrambler Forum


Sarah

 

[Spack]

Just a note from the Owners Manual: " The above gear ratio's are the homologated ones and under no circumstances must they be modified."
My thoughts would be that the warranty could be voided if this mod was done. Any other thoughts?