1978 Suzuki GS550 Torque?

[Reaper]

looking to add a little torque to my suzuki gs 550. Thought that if i just regear the front and back sprocket to a higher tooth count it would do the trick. Could anyone make a recomendation? Or know of an easier way to add torque to the bike?

[ronboskz650sr]

My son's hurricane has one tooth down in front and two up in the back, and it's very torquey. I think it's the cheapest way for a ujm, just change the chain at the same time and you are good to go.

[Scott58]

Do the front first. It's the easier way to go. If you drop one tooth and still want more then you can change the rear. Also be prepared for higher R's at highway speed and worse gas mileage. It will be more fun to ride, but there are some drawbacks.

[Gummiente]

I agree with Scott, but I'm curious why you want more torque. Are you going to be pulling a trailer or hooking up a sidecar?

[Reaper]

nope...just looking to gain a little pick-up speed. This my first and only bike (with insurance and Bike expenses) and i'm looking to not have to burn up clutch plates every other week to get the front wheel off the ground. hee...hee.

I got the bike for a guitar and 10 hrs of help around this guys house. The bike runs perfect. I've had k&n's, jet kit, and a four into one put on it. The bike sounds absolutely mean. Just want a little more pick-up.

[Reaper]

i'm going to have to replace the chain anyways...it is the original chain bike has 23000 on it and i can hear it binding every once and a while. So the rear will have to be replaced. Will it be a problem to go ahead and change the front first ride it a while and see what i think before changing the chain and rear?

[Scott58]

It shouldn't be to much of a problem to do it the way you describe. Just remeber, Lower front sprocket for more R's or larger rear sprocket for more R's. It's also a 78 don't push it to hard or it will not like you and tell you so.

[Reaper]

thanks for the help. as a new and inexperienced bike owner this forum has been a help