My '02 Raptor's 1st gear is way too tall for the type of riding I typically do (tight, rough trails, etc.). I was thinking about changing out the front and/or rear sprockets from the stock size to something that'll slow it down a bit... I realize this will effect top-end speed, but that doesn't bother me, the thing'll already glue my eyeballs to the back of my skull... There's an acceptable margin for change there [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what size to use or which one to change (front, rear, both, etc.)? Also, I'm assuming I may have to replace the chain, so what's a good brand to buy?

Thanks!

 

I have heard to change to a 12 tooth sprocket. That will let you run trails in 2nd and 3rd gears. You will lose a little bit off your top end, but like you said, oh well, theres still plenty left.

I haven't done it myself, but I'm going to real soon.

 

I am running a 12 tooth sprocket on front right now, It adds quite a bit more low end. I only ride in the sand and am able to pull hills in 2nd and 3rd,that before, I had to be in 1st and 2nd. The knock on the smaller front sprocket is excesive chain wear.
If droping it down a tooth will makes that kind of difrence in the sand, one can only guess what it will do for a trail rider.

 

I just put a 43 tooth rear on my raptor, it comes out to the same ratio as putting on a 12 tooth c/s. It fit with the stock chain and I did'nt need to shim the skid.Larger rear is better than smaller front and about the same money.30 bucks for a sunstar steel sprocket.20-25 for a quality c/s, I would'nt buy a cheap c/s.

 

I thought they fixed the gear ratios on the 02 Raptor. I was shocked to see a post about the 02 Raptor first gear.

I am still running the stock gears on my 01 Raptor. I will admit that in the woods with my 01 there is no changing the gears to much.

That could be the reason my 01 tranny hasn't blown yet.

If you really want some fun try doing the woods in reverse with your 01 Raptor. This machine is wild fast in reverse.

Chet[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]