Gearing Ratio Calculator - Theoretical Top Speeds

Roberto Venditti (beRto)

30 April 2008

This spreadsheet calculates theoretical top speed for different input values of sprocket teeth and rear t

Redline rpm and transmission gearing ratios may also be modified using the spreadsheet input cells. I
constant. Modification is permitted to allow the calculator to be used for:
1. Break in procedure (when “redline” is artificially limited)
2. Motorcycle models other than the GS500

The user enters values for the rear tire size and the number of teeth on the front and rear sprocket. Th
speed for each gear is then calculated. The spreadsheet also generates plots of engine speed [rpm] v
speed [km/h] or [mph] for each gear.

Engine speed for any motorcycle speed can be determined by iterating values in the Redline RPM. Fo
engine speed at 60 mph in top gear, keep changing the Redline RPM value until the Theoretical Top S
mph. For this example, the solution is 4703 rpm. (NOTE: a quicker method for advanced Excel users i
function in the “Tools” drop-down menu).

***************************************** DISCLAIMER *****************************************

This software is supplied for interest only and is not intended for design purposes.
The author assumes no liability for any damages resulting from use of this software.
No warranty is offered, expressed, implied, or otherwise.
****************************************************************************************************
procket teeth and rear tire size.

preadsheet input cells. In general, these values will be

nt and rear sprocket. The resultant theoretical top

of engine speed [rpm] versus theoretical motorcycle

in the Redline RPM. For example, to calculate the

il the Theoretical Top Speed for 6th gear reads 60
advanced Excel users is to use the “goal seek”

***********
purposes.
s software.

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Gear Ratio Calculator - Theoretical Top Speeds
Roberto Venditti (beRto)
30 April 2008
Tire Sidewall Code (sample)

Rear Tire

130/70-17

Rear Tire
Width [mm]
Aspect Ratio [%]
Inner Diameter [in]

Redline RPM

Calculated Tire Parameters

Tire Diameter [m]
Tire Circumference [m]

Theoretical Top Speed Calculations

Gear Ratio Overall Ratio
Gear Ratio (stock) Teeth Gear (engine:tire)
1st    3.000 3.000 (32/13) 1st    31.500
2nd    1.857 1.857 (32/18) 2nd    19.499
3rd    1.368 1.368 (29/21) 3rd    14.364
4th    1.095 1.095 (27/24) 4th    11.498
5th    0.923 0.923 (25/26) 5th    9.692
6th    0.800 0.800 (23/27) 6th    8.400
(From Clymer 1989-2002; Chapter 7, Table 1)

***************************************** DISCLAIMER *****************************************

This software is supplied for interest only and is not intended for design purposes.
The author assumes no liability for any damages resulting from use of this software.
No warranty is offered, expressed, implied, or otherwise.
***************************************** DISCLAIMER *****************************************
 LEGEND
Variables (user inputs)

all Code (sample) (stock) Suzuki FXR 150 stock value

aspect inner diameter (as supplied from factory)
width [mm]
ratio [in]
130 70% 17

(stock) Sprockets (stock)

130 130 Front [teeth] 14 14
70% 70% Rear [teeth] 42 48
17 17

(stock)
13,500 13,500

Tire Parameters (stock) Reduction Ratios (stock)

0.61 0.61 Primary 3.500 3.500
1.93 1.93 Final 3.000 3.428

Top Speed Calculations

Top Speed (stock) Top Speed (stock)
[km/h] [km/h] [mph] [mph]
49.6 43.4 30.8 27.0
80.1 70.1 49.8 43.6
108.7 95.2 67.6 59.1
135.8 118.9 84.4 73.9
161.2 141.0 100.1 87.6
185.9 162.7 115.5 101.1

*************************************
intended for design purposes.
ulting from use of this software.

*************************************
 Engine Speed Road Speed for Each Gear [km/h]
Data Point
[rpm] 1st    2nd    3rd    4th    5th    6th   
1 1,350 5.0 8.0 10.9 13.6 16.1 18.6
2 2,700 9.9 16.0 21.7 27.2 32.2 37.2
3 4,050 14.9 24.0 32.6 40.8 48.3 55.8
4 5,400 19.8 32.0 43.5 54.3 64.5 74.4
5 6,750 24.8 40.1 54.4 67.9 80.6 93.0
6 8,100 29.8 48.1 65.2 81.5 96.7 111.6
7 9,450 34.7 56.1 76.1 95.1 112.8 130.2
8 10,800 39.7 64.1 87.0 108.7 128.9 148.8
9 12,150 44.6 72.1 97.9 122.3 145.0 167.3
10 13,500 49.6 80.1 108.7 135.8 161.2 185.9
Road Speed [km/h]

Road Speed [mph]

Engine Speed vs. Road Speed [km/h]

200 140
180 120
160
140 100

120 80
100
60
80
60 40
40
20
20
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 0 1
Engine Speed [x1000 rpm]
1st    2nd    3rd    4th    5th    6th   
 Road Speed for Each Gear [mph] Engine Speed
1st    2nd    3rd    4th    5th    6th    [x1000 rpm]
3.1 5.0 6.8 8.4 10.0 11.6 1.4
6.2 10.0 13.5 16.9 20.0 23.1 2.7
9.2 14.9 20.3 25.3 30.0 34.7 4.1
12.3 19.9 27.0 33.8 40.1 46.2 5.4
15.4 24.9 33.8 42.2 50.1 57.8 6.8
18.5 29.9 40.5 50.6 60.1 69.3 8.1
21.6 34.8 47.3 59.1 70.1 80.9 9.5
24.6 39.8 54.1 67.5 80.1 92.4 10.8
27.7 44.8 60.8 76.0 90.1 104.0 12.2
30.8 49.8 67.6 84.4 100.1 115.5 13.5
Road Speed [mph]

Engine Speed vs. Road Speed [mph]

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Engine Speed [x1000 rpm]
1st    2nd    3rd    4th    5th    6th