Well its that time to buy a new chain and set of sprockets for my 99 xplor, i was wondering though what would be the best brand for chain and sprockets and how many teeth for the sprockets? i heard that you can diff sprockets that are suppose to be better? dont know how it all works, but if u know cool.

Thanks Jerry

 

Any explorer owners have any ideas?

 

Muddyxplorer, the best sprockets i have found were from sidewinder. Their stainless steel sprockets are the best. I have been running mine for a year now and had no problems. I owned a sidewinder chain and it wore out fast. The best chain i have found is did x-ring chain. They have a tensile strength of 12000lbs. I haven't broke a link since i put it on. If you want to get more low end power then drop a tooth or two on the countershaft and you will get lots more low end power.

 

What was the specifications for the chain and sprockets for when i choose what ones will work on the xplor?

 

I agree about sidewinder I have em on mine and can't seem to wear them out. The front counter sprocket is not available in stainless but the tool steel one is damn near indesrtuctable. I TOTALLY disagree with him about the chain. I had the DID x-ring chain thing and it bareley outlasted the factory one. I spent the xtra cash and bought the Sidewinder "titanium alloy chain" This is the chain used on 1000cc fire breathing,nitros burning monster quads. It has the highest horsepower/tensile strengh rating of any quad chain you can get. It has shown virtually no wear and rarely needs adjustment. The bad thing is that it's kinda pricey. (www.sidewinder.com) Oh ya, I went up two teeth to 38 and am really pleased with the results.
Joe

 

so go with 38 teeth on the sprockets for the front and the rear or hows this all work, as far as how many on the rear and how many on the front?

 

I used Sidewinders on my motocross bike and they were the best. They lasted twice as long as the stock sprockets as well as the chain by Sidewinder. I still have the original chain and sprockets on my 250 but I will replace them with Sidewinders.

Does your Xplorer have a shaft front drive? If so be very careful with teeth changes in the rear because the front and back will run different ratios.

A dealer told me that Xplorers (250 and 400) have had transfer case / front shaft problem due to the chain rear nad shaft drive combo?

The dealer is REALLY trying to convince me to buy a Sportsman 400 instead. I really prefer the two-stroke power but I do not want a problem.

 

You have 36 teeth on your rear now. You can go up to 38 teeth and it will give you more low end power. Polaris rep said this will cause no harm and would probally extend belt life. Polaris even offers the 38 as an an option on the 400. Weedy, the performance difference between a 400 xplorer and a sp 400 is truly unreal. Ride both and decide whats best for you. As for reliability I have owned a 98 Trailboss,a Mag500 and the 400. The xplorers are very rugged. I have had no real problems out of the 400. It will out mud, out climb and outrun any sport utility quad I have ever seen. ( Don,t know how it would fare against the new Kaw 650, never rode one or with one)
Joe

 

Watch out though with changing teeth. Though it will not hurt your 4 wheel drive in slippery and slimey conditions, but it can and eventually will if your towing something heavy or pulling someone out and you are on solid ground. Just an example Polaris told us 2 1/2 years ago to run 25" mud runners on the front and 26" mud runners on the rear (on the sportsman). Last summer Polaris changed their minds when we began warranting drive parts.

 

I rode one and was impressed. It is about the same power/speed as the 500HO. It seems a little faster out of the hole then even to about 30mph. I assume the Sportsman will have a higher top end? My dealer has one for me for $5400 with a winch installed. I think I am in the buying mode??!?!