RedRider4,
I noticed no loss of top at all, of course I ride mainly on groomed track and never use top gear on the track. You won't notice any change in top at all, but I did notice a nice change in bottom. See, I also don't use low gear either. I start in 2nd gear and use it for my low Always. Only time I ever see first gear is if I screw up and go there. 2nd is fine now that I have the 52t rear.
yarbonwick, My sx has eccentric chain blocks on the axle. It allows me to turn the block around and use a shorter adjustment bolt for the same position once the chain is long. In other words, it strengthens the adjustment. Without the block, a long chain would not only have the axle in the rear position, but the adjustment bolts would be taxed out to the end of their travel as well. Not a good thing. The eccentric block cures this situation. I thought ALL KTM's had 'em. (shrug) If you do, in fact, have these blocks on your bike, try experimenting with turning them around.
I thought I would add this for ya yarbon.....I bought a Sidewinder SS chain witht their hardned aluminum rear and chrome-moly front. I've got about 20 hours on em and I have only adjusted the bolt about 1/2 turn TOTAL! I know you are going to hear alot of remarks about the overpriced Sidewinder stuff, but being a man who uses roller chains to make a living, I can tell you that Krause has the right approach to roller chain and sprockets. The keys to happy chains and sprockets are:
- Proper chain tension
- Proper lubrication
- Close tolerances of materials
of course hardned, machined sprockets don't hurt :D