chain length & gearing

H

hab

Member

Jun 24, 2002

16

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #1

I have a 2002 KDX200 and I tried the 12/47 gear combo and didn't like the lack of top speed and constant shifting. It was good in the tight trails. I'm thinking of maybe going 13/49. Anyone know if I need to change chain length and how about the 13/49 combo?

 

Canadian Dave

Super Power AssClown

Apr 28, 1999

1,202

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #2

I know you need a longer chain with a 13/50 and I expect the same is true for the 13/49 combo. Anyone use a 13/49 that can tell hab if you need a longer chain for sure or not?

You could always call Fredette Racing Products, Jeff will know for sure.

David

 

2

23jayhawk

Sponsoring Member

Apr 30, 2002

675

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #3

Probably need 110 links to go around 13/49. Dropping from a 13 to a 12 c/s added about 2.5 clicks on my rear adjusters, and I was at about 4 to begin with on the stock chain. So I don't think you would have quite enough slack for a 49 in back, unless you've stretched your chain a bit.

Final reduction is 3.62 @ 13/47; 3.77 @ 13/49; 3.92 @ 12.47. So you would be just about in the middle with your suggested combo.

FYI, going from 13/47 to 12/47 and with a 27.25" rear tire diameter, my calcs show the top end drops from 76 to 71 mph at 8,500 rpm. Not a big loss, for the gains on the side of a hill.

Anyone know how to attach a spreadsheet to a reply here?

 

C

canyncarvr

~SPONSOR~

Oct 14, 1999

4,005

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #4

re: 'Not a big loss, for the gains on the side of a hill'

Amen.

re: 'didn't like the..... constant shifting.'

To each his own...but I find the opposite to be true. Much more likely to be in a higher gear in the first place with a 12T CSS, so I shift LESS.

Besides...with the 12/13 CSS idea, you can (with a reasonably good chain) swap back and forth between the two in a minute or two if you wish. So...open desert riding (christmas valley, prospect OHV), strap on the 13T. Close technical riding (john's peak, greyback), use the 12T.

Not the sort of thing you'll be doing with a rear sprocket.

To answer the question....no, I don't know anything about a 13/49..I just have an 'imo'. ;)

 

J

Jim Crenca

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Mar 18, 2001

509

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #5

I'm running 13/49 and like it just fine; low enough for monster hills yet I rarely am wound out in 6th. I remember it to be 56 side plates on my chain. Is this the same as 112 links?

 

T

TransAm77

Member

Feb 10, 2002

168

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #6

I'm using 13/49 on my Kdx. A 114 link chain was to long and I can't rember if I took out one or two links. I'm pretty sure I took out two, but I'd try it with 113..just to be sure.

 

C

canyncarvr

~SPONSOR~

Oct 14, 1999

4,005

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #7

Bet'cha can't take out just one! ;)

That's why the lengths are always even numbers...you end up with two female ends for a two male master link.

There. I said that with NO politically incorrect innuendo!! It was tough..but I did it!!

Well..there is the male/master juxtaposition. oops. ;)

 

B

BRush

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jun 5, 2000

1,100

0

• Sep 17, 2002

• #8

I run 110 links for a 13/50 setup

 

M

Mac

LIFETIME SPONSOR

May 17, 2000

505

0

• Sep 18, 2002

• #9

I run the 13/49 combo and like it better than 13/50 due to less shifting. I use a 110 link o-ring chain and my snail adjusters started at #7 and after a season of riding I'm at #8.5