while at ds days i got to ride the new o4 ds and they are much faster than the older versions, i was just barely losing to my wifes stage two with a stock 04 it was a strong runner maybe it was just one of those great runners from the factory but it was cleaning up in the stock class.

 

Yes they are very strong running, I noticed it too with my X. My buddie has a 03 raptor with full headpipe and exhaust, K&N and jet kit. He claims that he used to race other DS's and beat them pretty good. He can't beat me in fact, I pull him on top end. He had his Raptor Radared and GPS'ed both at around 77mph, and I still pull on him with what seems like two mph. The 04's are lighter and have a shorter swingarm which maybe contributes to this different feel and performance. I have noticed that my X has a 16 tooth front sprocket, is this the same as earlier DS's? let me know.

 

they came geared 16-40 on the early models.

 

thanks sandman, Nobody could give me a definite answer. I am having severe wheelie problems with the shorter swingarm when I drag on any surface, and on pavement I ping my rev limiter at top speed in 5th gear. I was thinking of going to a 17 front but am unsure if this will help. I have tried to put my weight forward (255lbs) but no good. Would this 17 front help both of my problems and give me more top end?

 

i think dropping some pounds and makin the ds smaller really helped it move and handle better

 

What about the 17 tooth front? do you think it will help my problem?

 

i rode 17-40 for a while and it was talked about in a dirtwheels issue. it is easy to try and you can get front sprockets cheap at rocky mountain to figure out what you like, i did a quick short shift with the 04 and that seemed to work in the sand. i don't know what i would do to a 04 yet but i'll think about it they really do seem better, for all around riding. the gearing higher may make it where you need heavier clutch springs.