13/45 ?

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skraMnoR
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13/45 ?

Post by skraMnoR »

I rode my KDX 220 with a 13/49 sprocket set for a while. 1st gear was useless and I rode 2nd gear for starts and slow tight stuff. I ran the bulk of the woods in 3rd and 4th.
I didn't care for starting in 2nd. Also, when I am going fast and have to drop gears down, I like to step, step, step and simply drop down to 1st without having to go back up to 2nd.
I switched out to the stock 13/47 and it was an improvement. I can now use 1st although it's only good for crawling. I find my self hopping between 2nd and 3rd alot on the trails I frequent.

So has anyone run 13/45 and make 1st gear actually useful?

I can't imagine there is actually a "loss" of torque between a 13/47 in 2nd gear and a 13/45 in 1st.
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by bufftester »

For the areas I Usually ride I find the stock gearing adequate, though first is primarily used for the inevitable stopped on a slope scenario and I spend most of my time in 3rd/4th. Out in the desert I run 14/45 which gives me a little more on top as I rarely am in anything requiring 1st or 2nd. Gearing is going to be specific to your ride areas/style. CS sprockets are fairly cheap, 14/47 is close to 13/45...give it a try. Worst thing to happen would be ending up with a sprocket you don't need (a couple felt feet on one side and now it's a coaster :lol: )
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by skraMnoR »

bufftester wrote:.... CS sprockets are fairly cheap, 14/47 is close to 13/45...give it a try.
Good call! I may go that route. I need new chain/sprocket set now. I could get the 47 that I know I can ride fine in my terrain and then just add a 14t for testing. :)
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Ron E. Marks
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by Flanker »

I have 13/45 and I love it I haven't ridden with anything else though. First is still pretty useless except for ridiculously steep hills a starting of, starting of in second is not easy, I think its perfect unless you are walking your bike out of trouble.
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by 6 Riders »

I run 14/47 on my 200 and love it. I put 13/47 on my bike for a race at Washougal MX and found it to be a mistake.
I have a more useful (barely) 1st gear, 2nd rides a bit longer than stock and 3rd is fast (for trails) and my main "climbing gear" in higher speed areas (like the dessert).
newbbewb wrote:^what he said.
masterblaster wrote:Man 6 riders you rock.
*side note...I'm drunk, so try to read what I'm trying to say, instead of what I actually type
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13/45 ?

Post by adam728 »

To see differences gearing makes you can check out the Gearing Commander website. http://www.gearingcommander.com/


I used to research primary drive ratios, transmission gear ratios, setup equations for tire size, sprockets etc etc and make spreadsheets so I could see what effects different ratios and tire sizes have. Now I don't even bother, the above site is already setup with many, many, many bikes. Well, maybe not my 72 CS5, but know one even knows what that is anyway.
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by skraMnoR »

Wow! !
What an amazing collection of information! Thanks a bunch!
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Ron E. Marks
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13/45 ?

Post by TAT2 »

My 2001 220 came to me with 13/45 gears. First is good for crawling on a hillside. But if you are going to go anywhere in a hurry you shift into second quick. I am in the market for a new chain and sprocket since this chain is to the limit. I might go 13/45 again....or stock. Not sure. Gunna mostly ride trails.

Let me know what you go with and how you like it.......

T
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by 6 Riders »

Just a small note on this. If you go with the stock 47 rear sprocket, you can get both a 13 and 14 tooth front sprocket for around $13 each and swap them out at will. This give you the ability to change gearing in a few minutes at little expense. This is what I have done and found that the 13/47 combo is real torquey and the 14 /47 smooths the power out and makes for a nice smooth ride. Also w/the 14/47 you will ride 2nd more often and longer than the 13/47 gearing.
newbbewb wrote:^what he said.
masterblaster wrote:Man 6 riders you rock.
*side note...I'm drunk, so try to read what I'm trying to say, instead of what I actually type
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by skraMnoR »

That is my plan. Same chain length should work easily for both.

Now I just need to decide which sprockets and chain to buy. I have been using JT Sprockets on my last bike and they lasted and were pretty inexpensive. Choosing a chain is about like choosing an oil. So many choices with no real info other than biased anecdotes. :)
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by 6 Riders »

I have both the RK X-ring and the Regina/MSR O-ring on my bikes along with Sunstar and JT sprockets. The Regina chain is about 4 years old now, almost no signs of wear....I will be buying another. The RK chain was cheaper than the Regina, it's a little under 1 year old and holding strong.
What ever brand you buy, MY recommendation is to get an O (or X)-Ring chain, since they seem to last forever.
newbbewb wrote:^what he said.
masterblaster wrote:Man 6 riders you rock.
*side note...I'm drunk, so try to read what I'm trying to say, instead of what I actually type
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by TAT2 »

6 Riders wrote:Just a small note on this. If you go with the stock 47 rear sprocket, you can get both a 13 and 14 tooth front sprocket for around $13 each and swap them out at will. This give you the ability to change gearing in a few minutes at little expense. This is what I have done and found that the 13/47 combo is real torquey and the 14 /47 smooths the power out and makes for a nice smooth ride. Also w/the 14/47 you will ride 2nd more often and longer than the 13/47 gearing.
I like that front sprocket swap idea a lot! I do the same with my DR650. 13 off-road and 14 for longer on road trips. I really want to try the stock gears too and see what Kawasaki intended. Thx!

Now... Chain and sprockets..... I am pretty sure the 220 came with a O ring chain. Steel sprockets should last longer? Sorry but this is my first all dirt bike.....

T
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by TAT2 »

6 Riders wrote:I have both the RK X-ring and the Regina/MSR O-ring on my bikes along with Sunstar and JT sprockets. The Regina chain is about 4 years old now, almost no signs of wear....I will be buying another. The RK chain was cheaper than the Regina, it's a little under 1 year old and holding strong.
What ever brand you buy, MY recommendation is to get an O (or X)-Ring chain, since they seem to last forever.
Thanks again! Seems we were typing over each other. Steel or aluminum sprockets?

T
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by 6 Riders »

Always go steel for trail riding. The dirt will eat aluminum sprockets like a bite size candy bar.
newbbewb wrote:^what he said.
masterblaster wrote:Man 6 riders you rock.
*side note...I'm drunk, so try to read what I'm trying to say, instead of what I actually type
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by TAT2 »

6 Riders wrote:Always go steel for trail riding. The dirt will eat aluminum sprockets like a bite size candy bar.

LOL..... That's what I was thinking. Thx!

How many links for 13(14)/47 ? 108? 110?

T
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by brademan76 »

6 Riders wrote:Just a small note on this. If you go with the stock 47 rear sprocket, you can get both a 13 and 14 tooth front sprocket for around $13 each and swap them out at will. This give you the ability to change gearing in a few minutes at little expense. This is what I have done and found that the 13/47 combo is real torquey and the 14 /47 smooths the power out and makes for a nice smooth ride. Also w/the 14/47 you will ride 2nd more often and longer than the 13/47 gearing.
My bike has a 12/47. Is that stock? Can I get the 13 and 14 sprockets you mention and still.use the chain I've got now or would need to add a link?
Thanks
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by KDXGarage »

Which bike is your bike??
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by brademan76 »

Jason wrote:Which bike is your bike??
93 kdx200 'E'
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by Friedom »

I picked up a 15 front sprocket awhile back for a faster ride.
The teeth actually hit the rubber swingarm chain guard. A little trimming could make it work though!
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Re: 13/45 ?

Post by bufftester »

brademan76 wrote:
6 Riders wrote:Just a small note on this. If you go with the stock 47 rear sprocket, you can get both a 13 and 14 tooth front sprocket for around $13 each and swap them out at will. This give you the ability to change gearing in a few minutes at little expense. This is what I have done and found that the 13/47 combo is real torquey and the 14 /47 smooths the power out and makes for a nice smooth ride. Also w/the 14/47 you will ride 2nd more often and longer than the 13/47 gearing.
My bike has a 12/47. Is that stock? Can I get the 13 and 14 sprockets you mention and still.use the chain I've got now or would need to add a link?
Thanks
Stock for the E was the same at 13/47. If your axle is more than halfway back in its adjustment range you can run a 13, and maybe a 14, with the same chain
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