I was at the dealership (let me first start off by saying I do not know anything about gearing) and one of the sales guys was saying that I want to change my rear sprocket. He was saying it will slow down the accel and increase the top end. I was asking him about this because its such a wheelie monster. What do you guys think? Do you mess with your gearing at all? I do trail riding and the reason this sparked my interest is because he said it would make 3rd gear a monster.

Thanks!

 

If you add to the rear sprocket, it will give your bike more bottom end grad, taking away from your acceleration. If you take teeth away from your rear sprocket, it will increase top speed. Let me just say that, my gearing is far from stock.

 

Agreed, except if you add to the rear it will increase acceleration, not take away!!

This can also be done by going up or down one tooth in the front.

 

What would you guys recommend? Do you always go with a new chain?

I was thinking of going one size smaller on the rear. My thinking behind this is, then I could actually use first gear without lifting the tires up all the time and gain top speed????

 

Easier and cheaper to change the front sprocket. Go down a tooth for better acceleration, up a tooth for more top end. You should usually change sprockets and chain together, but if your sprockets are not noticibly worn then you can probably change the front without also replacing the rear and the chain.

Just something to think about - how often do you max it out 5th gear? How often would you use this higher top speed?

Now, how often do you use 1st-3rd gears? How often would you be able to use faster acceleration out of corners?

Your choice depends on your riding conditions and technique. BTW, to not lift the front end all the time don't jam it full throttle coming out of a corner. Be smooth and give it just enough throttle to accelerate as fast as possible while keeping the tires on the dirt. Good luck.

RR1

 

I would start off with a 12t front (like $15)(Cheap), see how you like that. you will like the low end,,,,and you really wont miss the top end.

Then go from there.....you wont need a new chain either