Sprocket Changes

[vabuckaroo68]

I currently have a 16/45 sprocket set-up and I'm switching to a 16/50. Curious if anyone else is running a similar set-up. I wondering what chain length works best. I've heard there can be some issues with tire rubbing against the mud guard.

Some of you may wonder why 16/50....I pull stumps with my KTM in my spare time!
No, but the fire roads I ride can get really rough, so being able to ride more like a trials bike would be a plus.

[Dan950ser]

Get a rekluse and leave your gearing alone. Best of both worlds.

[vabuckaroo68]

Originally Posted by Dan950ser

Get a rekluse and leave your gearing alone. Best of both worlds.

Sounds like a great idea, but I haven't figured out the whole drinking green ink and eating paper thing.

[Dan950ser]

I hear ya. Curious to hear the results if you find that sprocket.

[vabuckaroo68]

Sprocket is on the way from Sprocket Specialists.

[akarob]

What, they didn't have a 52 tooth? j/k

As for the chain length, I'd imagine a chain that was 5 links longer than stock would be about right, since you added 5 teeth. I don't see how changing the sprocket would make the tire hit the mud guard though.

[Alleycatdad]

A larger sprocket with stock chain would pull the tire forward to have any hope of working; contact ensues....

S

[vabuckaroo68]

Sprocket Specialists will send the sprocket out to be coated after they finish making it. I should have it in a week to 10 days. Just wondering if anyone else is already running a similar set-up so I can see what I need to do as far as chain length. I talked to Craig and he hasn't run this set up either. He was thinking stock may work if I flip my adjusters, but I'd wonder what handling changes that may cause. Although, I suspect shortening the wheelbase and lowering the gearing should make it easier lifting the front wheel over obstacles.

[640Pilot]

vabuckaroo68,
Just something to look at while your working on the sprocket area. I hooked up with a mate yesterday for an off road ride on the 950. We did a couple of hours and on the way out of the scrub while jumping some smaller diversion drains I heard a noise that made me stop and look for cause.....long story short the retaining nut for the front sporcket had come loose and was being held iun place buy the plastic outer cover

On closer inspection I found the thread on the final drive shaft was perfect, yet the thread on the nut had flattened out substantially, to the point where the thread was too shallow to get any grip on the drive shaft to lock it up. The locking washer was in place and i can only assume it wasn't tight enough or done correctly when installed (not by me) the thread was very dry and powdery with dry rust.

I was able to reverse it and get one or two thread to bind and used some lock wire to get it solid for the 100 Klicks ride home, just thought it was worth mentioning, seemed like an odd problem, Think I'll use some loctite when the new nut and lock washer goes on there must have been some movement there before to cause the wear....just thought it was worth a mention

Ride safe,

Cheers

[vabuckaroo68]

Thanks for the heads-up. I think I locktighted the front sprocket when I swapped it out last.

[triplenickel]

I run 16/47 or 17/47 depending and use 118 links if memory serves. I think you'll like the big sprocket.

[Navin]

I ran 16/50 on my SE and loved it, makes the bike really come alive. I ran similar on my SMR, 15/41, and that was a great change too, actually felt like a liter bike should!

You will have no regrets. I had a twin ring, the hardparts style, orange center.Can't r4ecall the chain length, might have been OK with the axel flip I think. The rear guide did rub for a few minutes, it'll wear right in. You might need to move it on the mount to a lower position but I don't have the bike any more so can't go check for you, I might be thinking of my EXC 530 on that point. I do remember the sprocket rivets hitting till they clearanced the guide.

[vabuckaroo68]

Originally Posted by Navin

I ran 16/50 on my SE and loved it, makes the bike really come alive. I ran similar on my SMR, 15/41, and that was a great change too, actually felt like a liter bike should!

You will have no regrets. I had a twin ring, the hardparts style, orange center.Can't r4ecall the chain length, might have been OK with the axel flip I think. The rear guide did rub for a few minutes, it'll wear right in. You might need to move it on the mount to a lower position but I don't have the bike any more so can't go check for you, I might be thinking of my EXC 530 on that point. I do remember the sprocket rivets hitting till they clearanced the guide.

I think I flipped it when I put the 16 on so I'm thinking I should be in good shape flipping it back and running the stock length. Can't wait to hit the fire roads with that set-up.

[vabuckaroo68]

Finished with the install today. Now running 16/50. I used the 120 link chain. Adjusters are almost bottomed out. 2000rpm = 10mph. It lofts the front wheel very nicely. 1st time for me using the RK chain tool. Seemed to work well. Didn't like that the parts keep falling out. Have to put some silicone in the holes to help them stick better.

[Sadlsor]

Great! Now we're just waiting on the video showing you climbing up a tree... or at the very least, some of those previously pesky fire roads of which you speak.