Panhead Sidecar gearing

[Chuck#1848]

I am currently working on a 1957 Panhead - Goulding Sidecar rig, I have a 23 tooth compensating motor sprocket that came with the bike but would like to drop down a couple teeth.

What are others out there running with theirs? I am thinking 19 or 21 tooth also where could I locate one, any suggestions I will be at wauseon.

Thanks in advance, Chuck

[Rubone]

Are you running a 4 speed or 3&R as it makes lots of difference? A good running pan will easily pull a 22 with a 4 speed, a 3&R needs some extra help due to the drop between gears. And a stock 22 on the trans.

[Sargehere]

Keep it at least 22. Run a little 19 to 21 sprocket only if you never/rarely want to go anywhere in a hurry, as the increased RPMs will kill the top speed and affect gas mileage. The Panhead has plenty of power to pull with stock gears. I presume you're running four-speeds-forward. Hell, I run 23 (stock solo was 22) on my UL sidecar all the time with no serious disadvantage.

The tiny sidecar sprockets were intended for commercial sidecars, originally, that lugged around town making deliveries all the time, every day. But you might want to just accumulate a variety of engine sprockets, anyway, and experiment. You'll find the right combination that will allow the engine to settle in and pull and sound happy at the same time. Good luck!

[Chuck#1848]

Thanks Robbie and Sarge,

I am running a 4 speed trans Was thinking that 21 would be better but wasn't 100% sure, I will have a passenger at times but was concerned about it being to "tall" for the motor. Thanks again

[bbrow30]

Would the same 22 tooth advice apply to a 61" knuckle? I'm currently running 19 teeth. Bike loves to run around 45MPH. 55 is starting to push it.

[Sargehere]

My advice is to try it. I know that a 23-tooth will bring the "sweet spot" up considerably for a solo 61". I would just experiment with different sprockets and you'll soon find what you seek.