for a stock bike with 22" 8 paddle haulers a 14T for perfect 2nd gear starts is ideal. I actually run 14/41 because I'm a big dude.
I run anything from 14 to 17 and never had to alter the stock chain length.
but if you put on a 14 you gotta turn around the rear engine mount bolt. put the head on the right side, nut on the left, or the little bit of bolt sticking through the nut will get rubed by the chain as suspension travels.
there is no harm, no downside to running a 14T, no seal issues, no issues with the chain turning that hard of an angle, none of that. I got over 300 hours out of my stock chain. countershaft seals wear out eventually regardless of sprocket and they cost $6 when they do - 5 minutes to change. I always have one on hand.

Dingo when you going to SL? I'll be there for a one dayer on April 28. then back again May 25 and 26 camping at Jellystone.
BTW - perfect choice on tires. I used to run 20" ten paddels - picked up 3 bike lengths in the 100yrd switching to 22" 8 paddle. I mean I ran both sets in the same day, against the same people, many times, for this true and accurate comparison.

 

i run 15-43 on my 720and i don't know what the top speed is but it is faster than i want to go on shaved bald tires i also run 22' and 23" rear tires, all i know there are lots of banshees left behind at those speeds, i personally don't like going that fast, i think it is in the 80-85 range. so if it would pull 17-40 in 5th gear the speed would blow you off the quad.

 

I had no issues installing a 14t either...

 

Hightower..or any one else who has changed the rear engine mount around. I've tried everything to get that engine mount nut lose..everything from a breaker bar to an impact wrench..it wouldn't move!!!
Any other suggestions??

I'm gonna try the 14T front..will I have any problems with the chain rubbing that bolt? Thanks...