BEEF706 ,I run a 50 on mine n on da track i never need to hit first n really no need of 2nd.2nd. gear handles any slow sections,third gear is my main gear along with forth, at times in third gear ill feather clutch alil bit but will pull strong through out with just a little coaxing hehehe ( I hate burnin up clutch plates).you should have no promble at all with chain either i replaced oem. with new chain any ways,a 49 might give you alittle more top but then again you deal with clutch again in tight spots.I have tryed the following 13/49 14/49 13/50 talk to some peeps who run a 14/50 but for me requires new chain for my setup. like to hear of your results on your machine when you make change .8) elsi_45