KDXRIDER.NET

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.

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 )

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. :)

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.

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).

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.

Wow! !
What an amazing collection of information! Thanks a bunch!

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

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.

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. :)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Which bike is your bike??

Jason wrote:Which bike is your bike??

93 kdx200 'E'

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!

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