Anyone changed to a smaller countersprocket yet? If so are the R and 400ex interchangeable?

 

I read on another forum that they are the same as the 400ex and the crf450

 

I'm think I am going to drop a tooth on the front sprocket. First gear is a little to tall unless you are hammering the RPMs all the time.

 

The 400EX front sprocket is different. Try the CRF450.

 

Thanks to all who posted. The CRF450 stock front sprocket has 13 teeth and the splines match up perfect. Just putting around the yard, I was able to tell a huge difference in the low end and throttle response. I think the change will be just right for the trails. I like going fast but occasionally I will need to slow down and wait on my friends and possibly turn around or slowly climb a hill.

I saw on another forum that someone used a 400ex front sprocket for their 450R and I am calling BS on that. I compared the two at a dealer today and they don't even look the same and the mounting hardware is totally different. The only thing that appears to be the same between the two are the splines. The back sprockets for a 400ex might work, but I can't really comment on that as I haven't really investigated it and don't want to steer someone in the wrong direction.

Anyways, thanks for all the help- I'll know more after my ride this weekend, but I know this is going to make a huge difference on the trails and hill climbs.

 

Power out of some turns and see if the front end will stay down. Also, the bike doesn't have much engine braking, so gearing down will improve that situation also. Get out and ride, and tell us what it is like!

 

I'll be riding sunday, I'll let you know. The Engine braking didn't seem to be as much of a factor the other day, definitely not arguing that it should help though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Another thing to consider is the handlebars and the effect that they have on the overall handling of the quad.
This may come into effect with the lower gears and quicker response.

I bought my previous 400ex with what I think were renthal handlebars. I found that my body position was more prone to lean forward due to the design/placement of the handlebars etc. It wasn't a huge difference between the Renthals and my friend's stock handlebars, yet suprisingly enough- the front end tended to stay down more and I had to apply more body english to bring the quad into a wheelie than on my friend's 400ex with the stock handlebars.

So far, minus today's sprocket mod- the 450R really didn't seem to have a lighter front end than a slightly modded 400ex (pipe, jet,airbox)/ so I am suprised by the number of reviews that tought the 450R as having such a light front end. I guess I'm just used to it. However- with this mod it may be a different story.

 

I think the light front end thing is an "urban myth" myself.

 

I'll agree... My 450R doesn't seem to be light in the front at all.

Although the quad I was testing right before I bought my 450R was a CR500 powered 400EX - and that DOES have a light front end.....