I am thinking about swapping front pulleys from the stock 33, to a 32 or 31. What are the pros and cons of the swap out? the 32? the 31? what is the most bang for the buck and what is the expected benefits/performance gains and losses? Who makes the value and quality? What else needs to be considered when doing the swap?

Mr. Breeze

Mr. Breeze wrote:
I am thinking about swapping front pulleys from the stock 33, to a 32 or 31. What are the pros and cons of the swap out? the 32? the 31? what is the most bang for the buck and what is the expected benefits/performance gains and losses? Who makes the value and quality? What else needs to be considered when doing the swap?

Mr. Breeze

I would think of it like a 10 speed bike, the smaller the front pulley, the lower your top end is going to be and the harder your motor is going to work at the same speed. I would also expect to see an equivilent drop in MPGs.

Just as it's easier to start off on a bicycle with the smaller front pulley, the flip side is that you will have a lot more pull available from the starting line.

I believe that this is one of those things to do because you want it that way, like it and it makes you happy.

Peace,
Joe

Mr Breeze, you might be able to make a better decision by what type of riding you do most. The 31 tooth pulley will give you better excelleration, but your top end will suffer. Your engine will be turning higher rpm's at highway speeds and you will see a drop in mileage. Around town your mileage might be somewhat better.

Right, I realize that you gain on the low-end and lose on the top. The gear ratio will do that. Am I going to find the the gain at the low-end and loss at top-end is going to need to be compensated with an ignition box? I would expect to hit the rev limiter much earlier, right? What affect will it have on cruising speed RPM's? 5th gear is .75:1, so how much will a 31 or 32 affect the ratio?

MB

GO FOR IT!! Don't waste your time with anything but the 31tooth it seems to be the most popular and REALLY gives you some bang on your 1600. I put it on my 1700 and it made a good difference.
Check with Flashback he put it on his 1600.

Steven

I have the 32 on a 1600 and believe it's best for all round riding.

If you do mostly city then the 31 is good .... it'll get you from light to light real fast but is buzzzy at highway.

If you do a lot of long distance then stay with the 33.

Doc

I have the 31T on my 1600. Holy Smoke does it hit the Rev Limiter fast. I agree with smhowse, it is good "bang for your buck".

The open pulley looks really cool as well!!

My riding varies so much. I do a regular cruise to work. I live in the Cascade foothill, so if I go west I am in the Seattle Metro area; hiway and freeway driving; very normal. If I head east into the foothills and mountains, it is sub-60mph driving on a LOT of twisting roads with great curves that love to be accelerated through. Over the mountains is hilly, straight and desert. I may be fine with the 33....I just dont know. Might have to try them all??!!

Any tips on where to find a good value on pulleys?

MB

Don't know if it would work or not but I'll sell you my stock 32 from my 05 1700 if you want.
Most guys that switch to the 31 tooth love it and won't go back. From the sounds of your driving you would like the 31 tooth. Check this from Phats:

Barons new Steel 31 Tooth Black Anodized Front Pulley will effectively lower your gear ratio resulting in faster acceleration. This is a must have item for anyone craving faster performance from their Warrior of RoadStar! 32 Tooth Pulley also avaiable below.

RPM change compared to stock at 80MPH.
RoadStar 25.45" Tire and stock 33 Tooth Pulley: 3003RPM - 31 Tooth Pulley: 3196RPM
Warrior 24.87" Tire and stock 32 Tooth Pulley: 3170RPM - 31 Tooth Pulley: 3271RPM

BA-6521RD fits both RoadStar and Warrior

Now made from steel!

$170 free shipping!!

Good Luck
Steven