i have a 99 banshee with FMF Fattys, Power core 2 Silencers, K&N filter with 260 main jets. I have very poor low end power as most people that have a banshee might know...I am going to change my pilots to 30's and was thinking of changing my front sprocket would help. Does any one have any ideas on what size to change the sprocket to and what else would have to be done? Also does anyone use Synthetic oil when changing the transmission oil? I'm currently using regular Castrol oil and was wondering if synthetic would be better?

99 Banshee, FMF Fatty's, Power Core 2 silencers, K&N filter (fixing to change to Uni).

 

Regarding gearing:
Smaller front sprocket = more acceleration, less top speed.

Larger front sprocket = less acceleration, more top speed.

Opposite for rear:
Larger rear sprocket = more acceleration, less top speed.

Smaller rear sprocket = less acceleration, more top speed.

Tire size:
Larger = less acceleration, more top speed

Smaller = more acceleration, less top speed

Check out www.sprocketspecialist.com they have an immense amount of sprockets for numerous quads and dirt bikes.

Since the banshee has such a crazy top end, I'd drop the front 1 or 2 teeth. The only problem with dropping any more than that is you'll be shifting constantly. It all depends on your driving technique and style though, just an FYI.

While changing jetting remember to constantly read your plugs, to ensure you aren’t running too lean or rich.

You may want to consider a different pipe or muffler to shift the torque range, but this would be a more costly alternative to gearing.

Regarding synthetic oil. I’ve heard both rave reviews and horror stories. Personally, I like to change the oil in my quads often. For that reason I don’t find it necessary to spend the extra money for synthetics. I’ve heard some potential issues with an ATV’s wet clutch when using synthetics, you may want to check your manual or ask a dealer. Better safe than sorry.

If you choose to use synthetic oil you may want to use Valvoline. I recently read an article from consumer reports stating that the zinc content in oil is the major factor of engine wear. The more zinc the better. They also mentioned Valvoline had the greatest content of all other oils (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and conventional).

 

At what altitude do you ride? I suggest that if you ride significantly higher than sealevel forget the pilot jet change. If you are at sealevel you could go to 30 pilots and around 280 - 300 mains. To get the low end response that you want without sacrificing top end,I recommend that you change out the stock reeds to Boyesen power reeds (or similar reeds) and that you change the compression of your motor either by shaving the head or installing a cool head. Your motor will come alive in all ranges if you do this. I don't think that you will be happy with the drive sprocket change. Too big of a trade off between low and top end.

 

I live in the Dallas, TX area...I do not want to do any motor work to it at this time, thats why I was thinking of changing the sprocket size and getting smaller tires. I ride mostly MX tracks and trails.

 

I changed the front to a 13 tooth on my banshee and it helped some. If you go any smaller like a 12 or 11 it tends to wear your chain out faster. The best low end mod I got was changing over to a single carb. It made a great difference for me.

 

A 13 front will solve your problems. thats what we run in the woods. Dave

 

how much low end power will this gain? And how much top end power will it lose?

 

It wakes up the bottom end nicely. You do not lose any power on top, you lose top speed, not top power. Its a gearing change, which with the banshee helps the motors weaker low end pull better. It still rips on top. Dave