How do you go about checking the RPM's of a LT80? I've heard that when modded they will turn 9800. So I take it there is a way to know exactly how many it is turning. Ours has not been ported, but it seems like it turns 9800, or more, easily. I've changed the front sprocket to a 12 tooth, but it seems like it gets wound out very fast. Does anyone else notice the same thing on theirs? Could it be the clutch sliping? Although It will run almost 45 mph (with stock tires), and it seems to get there fairly quickly. I geuss I'm just afraid I'm going to see parts go flying one of these days from it screaming to much. We just put some 18x6.5x8 Holeshots (thats a hole nother story) on it and I'm thinking maybe a 15 tooth front sprocket might be in order. We don't race it as of yet, just trail ride in tight woods, but it seems to be wound up and screaming most of the time. Any ideas or should I just relax alittle? Thanks!!

 

The 9800 figure is what was reported back to me by a guy that had what it took to check the rpm's. A tiny tach may work, some are made for 4 strokes and you double the reading.
If indeed your motor is reving (stock is about 6500) I think your clutch's may not be working with the motor correctly. Remove the sidecover and run it down the road and see how far out the belt goes out on the front clutch.This could tell alot!
FYI: I use a cpl nuts as spacers and use the starter bolts so the starter dont hit the starter gear durring the testing.
Gearing: I'd stay stock gearing with the stock tires, shorter tires may mean a bigger front sprocket, but a 11/12/13 should be all that is needed.I see those 15 tooth sprocket threads, it fits a chain well but doesn't mean it's even close to being right.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Tires: I'm curious as to why you think the wider 18" tires are taller than the skinny 18" wide tires.(another post) Don't like the tall stock rear tires?

 

The quad runs fairly fast with the stock tires and stock gearing. (around 35mph) And it gets there pretty quick. With the stock tires and a 12 tooth front, it runs around 45mph. This is checked as closely as I can with my sp500. The 18", "wide", tires actually measure around 18". While the narrow 18x6.5x8 only measure 15 1/2" with 15psi in them. Our stock tires are worn out. The thing I don't like about them is the amount of tire roll they have when trying to corner. and the lack of traction they provide. Ours has 20" stock tires and when switching to the 18x6.5x8's we lost 2" of ground clearance. On a quad that allready sits as low as this, thats alot to give up. I know that it was posted before that the new tires I bought were short, but I was assured that they had been changed. (would actually measure 18") when they changed the name of them. (from snow hawgs to Holeshots) I went ahead and bought them but have since regretted it. They would be the perfect size if they were actually 18" tall. I don't really want to go wider, but I want something better than stock. So what choise do I have?
I will check the belt like you mentioned and see if it comes to the top. I geuss part of it may just be me. It seems like the little thing has alot of grunt down low, but the way it sounds, it doesn't use it. (wound up most of the time) I have not been a fan of high winders in the past. I was always afraid they would come apart.