Ok, all this talk about sprockets and stuff, and i still dont understand. What happens when you go down a tooth size or whatever...do you get better lowend? And what happens when you change the front sprocket as opposed to the rear sprocket. I could really use some help here...Im confused. Everyone is always talking about a 14tooth sprocket and a 39 tooth sprocket but yet it means nothing to me...can someone help me out? thanks

 

BlackIce,

It's really rather simple. It all gives you a ratio. Divide the rear tooth number by the front tooth number, in this case 39/14 = 2.78 Ratio. Raptors have a 40t/13t, 3.07 ratio.

Now whats the ratio mean to you in the real world?

The lower the ratio, the more top end speed you'll have, but less torque. So you can go faster on the top end, you just want get there as quick.

The higer the number, the more torque thats applied to the rear wheels, IE you get going faster, but have a slower top speed.

For woods riding alot of people drop a tooth on the front end. On a raptor a one tooth drop up front changes the ratio from 3.07 to 3.33. IE more torque for the hills and getting around corners, but less top end. Who needs it in the woods.

It's all about gearing your quad for the riding you do. Also heavier people (like me) want more torque to offset the heavier weight, again at a sacrifice of top end speed.

Now the last thing to remember, tire size is also in the equation. The tire size is a gear also, bigger tires go farther per revolution than a smaller tire. If you change from a 20 to 22inch rear tire, the you'll have to drop a tooth up front to stay about even.

Thats my simplified $.02
Hope it helps
Brad

 

I've got a question for you, BansheeBrad...I have had my Raptor for about 3 months now (no problems so far), and I am going to put the 12t sprocket on. I have been told that when you change 1 piece, you should change the other sprocket and the chain, due to the way that they have worn already. How important is this? Thanks.
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I've never changed the rear sprocket or the chain when changing the front sprocket.. sounds like hogwash to me..

but maybe someone else would know something I don't..

Brad