I decided to start a new thread on this;

Another quick question;

The stock gearing ratio is 14/37, which equals a 2.64 ratio.
Most people have said for trails, go to a 13/38, which equals a 2.92 ratio.
What about a 14/40, which would be 2.85?

Why the need and effort to always change the front gear? Is there a specific reason? Chain length? Would the chain have to be replaced for any of these gear changes?

How hard is it the swap the gears?

 

The 14/40 would actually work better. A smaller front sprocket puts more stress on the bearings.

 

The only way a smaller front sprocket applies more pressure too the bearings is because it multiplies more power.....NOT the size of the sprocket itself. Now one can converse about the radius of the chain + different sprocket diameters and you make have a valid point.

 

Thank you for the responses, but that really does not answer the question(s)

 

Actually the diameter of the sprocket has everything to do with it. The smaller diameter sprocket tries to pull the rear axle foward.

 

usmc, the largest rear sprocket you can use with a factory chain is 14/39. The reason most people change the front sprocket is it is alot easier. A 1 tooth sprocket change on the front effects the ratio more than 1 tooth on the rear.

 

Buy all your sprockets you've mentioned, 13 front, 38 rear, even a 39.........AND TRY THEM!

It really depends on your terrain and need for speed...........whether top end or pure acceleration.....

13/38 is good for dunes or tight trails, but I find the top end is a bit slow for me......so thats when the 14 gets put back on............but a 14/38 and 8 paddle tires doesn't spin up in the dunes, so the 13 goes back on.......

sprockets are cheap, get a 13 tooth AND 38, and try them out yourself........

 

Ok, what does it take to change them?

 

A couple wrenches and 20 minutes of your time..........or $70 an hour down at your local dealer.

 

THis is a good example of bad information. The smaller front sprocket in no way "tries too pull the rear axle forward"...LOL. Please tell me you meant too post that the smaller diameter front sprocket requires the chain too be adjusted and hense moves the rear axle forward?