First gear too low! 14t front sprocket?

[maineiac]

KLX450r - First gear good for getting into trailer too low for anything else. Can I change front sprocket to a 14t?

 

[torkd]

Shift to second gear? Maybe even 3rd or 4th? I don't touch 1st on mine.

 

[mnsnowhawk]

Swap gears in chaincase. That will be the tallest gearing you will want. Assuming you are in Maine. I found it a bit tall for me in mn on a 500 exc. Make sure to heat bolts before loosening. Red locktite.

 

[maineiac]

Wasn't just 1st, I was looking for more speed in 5th. Was only getting 55mph on GPS.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

gear'n fur sucksess

better to gear so 1st is usable, 14 or 15 on countershaft on bike whatever it takes for good chain fitment, so 15/ 18 on several ktm's I ride with, then they geared their chaincase for about 15" of rollout, makes a great setup with 6 speed, I went even a little higher on my wr450, I like the tall 5th and a 1st gear that gets you some where with a little trackspeed in the tight trees.

 

[maineiac]

I'll try a 14t and go from there. $25 fix, 15 minute job

 

[torkd]

I'm pretty sure I read In a previous thread you may have to add a half link to fit the chain on a 14 tooth. This could have been bike specific but thought I'd try to give you a heads up. Let us know if it works!

 

[Motogeek33]

Yep, torkd is right. It might be bike specific, but when I went to a 14-tooth countershaft sprocket this year (for the same reasons as you -- taller first and fifth gears) I had to experiment with different chain configurations, since the chain wasn't long enough. I've been running all year with a half-link that I don't totally trust, so I'm not sure I'll stick with it. I might just go back to the 13-tooth for peace of mind. But the taller gearing has been nice.

 

[maineiac]

I dont like the idea of messing with half links. Will swaping the chain case 17/20 sprockets solve my problem, or change drive to 14/16?

 

[JimBridger]

I had a pre stretched chain from last summer laying around, so I used it with my 14T sprocket, and it works great. I also ditched the o ring chain in my chain case for a standard 520 so I have less rolling resistance. I have better power and speed running the 14/17 17/20 than the 13/17 17/20.