that topend speed is asumming the engine will pull max rpm in 5th gear, and the fact that it will take a very long straight streach to reach top speed most riding conditions i've seen don't allow tall gearing to be used desert racing would be the area which it seems useful.

 

Crash...they do make a 14T front for the DS..that is what I'm currently running. Anyone else run this combo 14/40 with 22's? How do you like it?

 

If it's the gearing calculator on my page, the numbers are accurate (Verified by ScoobyDFW - he supplied them) - except the calculator can't take things like tread height and slippage etc. into account. (You will always be faster on pavement than dirt.)

I've run 22" tires the entire time I've rode either of my DSs, I like the extra clearance and durability. For the first couple of years while owning my 2001 DS I ran stock gearing and the 22" tires - no problems. If you are unsure about what gearing to run, but you like the 22" tires - keep it stock gearing with those tires. It isn't going to matter for a recreational rider. When you start getting serious and want to tinker, then it will start to matter to you.

Having said that here is the low down on the 20"/16tooth and 22"/15tooth

The 22" tires increase your gearing by approximately 10%
So 22" with 16tooth sprocket is 10% taller gearing than stock.
The 15tooth front sprocket is 7% lower gearing than stock.
so 22" tires with 15tooth sprocket means you are 3% taller gearing than stock and is a nominal difference.

Right now I run a 15 tooth front sprocket, and 22" rears. I think it helps enough (when riding in sand with paddles on) that I've got that setup on both bikes - while riding on dirt I don't think it makes a difference.

As far as top end performance, you'll never notice the difference - at all. (Who is really riding at 90 mph on dirt anyhow? Wind drag really slows you down after 70 mph!) The difference the 15 tooth sprocket makes is all in the lower gears. Basically for riding in the dunes and some other places I don't go it allows you to hit 3rd gear a little more and just kinda puts you in a nicer gear range for duning.

Can you still enjoy riding your DS650 with stock gearing and 22" tires? Yes. - That IS the most important answer, isn't it?

Also one thing on the front sprocket:

I suggest going with the RWR racing front sprocket - buy it from on-dunes or RWR direct. Either way, the extra money for the sprocket is worth it assuming you plan to keep that sprocket a while. Also be SURE to buy the lock washer ring thingy from RWR/On-dunes - they only want $4.95 and your dealer will charge you $7.50!

I have a cheap RMATV sprocket on my 2001 DS which since it's installation has been very lightly ridden and I'm already seeing hooking of the teeth. It has had about 40 hours since then according to my Hour log.

 

gear calculator
heres the gear calculator have fun with it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I run 22's with a 14 tooth front sprocket. No way I'd go back to a 15 tooth front with these tires on.........no bottom end.

 

Coyoteman,

Did you get the $12.99 sprocket or the $35.00 one? if you got the $12.99 one keep a close eye on it for hooking, especially it being a 14 tooth (it should hook a little faster than a 15 or 16, being smaller.) If you plan to run the 14 for a long time I strongly suggest the RWR $35 sprocket and getting the new washer thing with it!

 

Blackhawk,

I have the RW sprocket. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Sprocket Specialists also make quality sprockets for the DS in the 15T-17T range (no 14T). About the same price as the RWR.

 

i've bought front sprockets from alba and rocky mountain 1 was 30 the other 12.99 the cheap one has lasted better, haven't tried the front from woods, but the rear ones last ok if the chain isn't to tight. have a sprocket specialist in the box for next change.

 

what brand 22's is everyone running, i am
concerned about rubbing the stock heal guards