What does a larger front sprocket do?

[Frontside720]

What does a larger front sproket do?

I believe it gives it more top end but how does it affect trail riding and the gears I drive in?

(2004 KDX 220)

 

[XRpredator]

it will gear the bike higher, making you run in lower revs at higher speeds. If you have tight trails, you'll probably spend a lot of time stalling, or run in a lower gear more often.

 

[tony91]

I might be mistaken, but doesn't the larger front sproket slow down chain wear?

T

 

[XRpredator]

a significantly smaller sprocket will increase chain wear . . .

 

[nikki]

Another way to look at it, going up one tooth on your front sprocket has a similar ratio effect as going down 4 teeth on your rear sprocket. More top speed in each gear, yes. Less need for shifting through the gears, yes. Like Pred said, usually for tighter trails, you'd want the opposite effect.

 

[tony91]

Gotcha. I guess I'm just grasping at way to extend chain life....I go through one a season. :(

T

 

[Frontside720]

O.K. well the bike I'm buying is used and it was mainly used on the highway. Apparently almost all highway & on road driving ( I live in Toronto). That makes sense why he would want more top speed.

I'll change it back to stock when I get it back. The chain won't need to be resised will it? Because it's only one tooth I can just tighten the slack right?

 

[Bullwinkle58]

Gotcha. I guess I'm just grasping at way to extend chain life....I go through one a season. :(

T

Buy an o-ring chain.

O.K. well the bike I'm buying is used and it was mainly used on the highway. Apparently almost all highway & on road driving ( I live in Toronto). That makes sense why he would want more top speed.

I'll change it back to stock when I get it back. The chain won't need to be resised will it? Because it's only one tooth I can just tighten the slack right?

The KDX 220 is street legal in Toronto? That must be cool.

More than likely, all you need to do is adjust it to spec.

 

[Frontside720]

Well the KDX is street legal if you put the kit on it and the previous owner did that. I'm going to feel a little funny driving it on the same roads as my R1. I know one thing for sure... I won't be draggn' knee in the corners.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Gotcha. I guess I'm just grasping at way to extend chain life....I go through one a season. :(

T

Keep it clean, oiled and well adjusted and it will last MANY seasons.

 

[tony91]

Keep it clean, oiled and well adjusted and it will last MANY seasons.

I do those things. The chain comes off after every ride and is cleaned. After the bike is cleaned, I reinstall the chain, lube it and adjust to spec. I've been using ERT chains. Probably time to try an o-ring chain. Like I said...just grasping.

 

[Speedfreek]

Hey Frontside,I'm in Toronto as well.I was thinking of putting one of my YZ250's on the road. What does the kit consist of ? Headlight ,tail light,brake light, signals and DOT approved tires ? I know you mentioned that the previous owner did it,but do you know what's involved with the paperwork? :aj:

 

[Frontside720]

I'm actually currently working out a deal with the owner. I haven't bought it yet. But I did look at the bike tonight. What he had was a completely new upper headlight housing. It was actually a kit he purchased.

It replaced the current headlight with a dot approved one. (high/low beam) also came with the hook ups so that the brake lights worked when the front is squeezed, key enabled start and a new rear taillight. As far as the paperwork goes? I have no idea. I would post the question in another thread here or try gtamotorcyle.com or odsc.on.ca I know there are a couple people on odsc that have done it but there's never anybody on the forum.

Good luck and if I come across a brand name I'll let you know.

 

[High Lord Gomer]

A chain a season isn't bad. It is an expendable part, just like tires, brakes, and clutches.

I assume you do replace both sprockets when you replace the chain, right?

 

[ScottS]

You know if you get the front sprocket big enough it can help if you get high centered on logs- helps ease you right over

 

[Frontside720]

Well it doesn't matter anymore. I went and looked at the bike and I didn't like it. He drilled holes into the swingarm and used an adhesive to attach some make-shift passenger pegs.

 

[tony91]

A chain a season isn't bad. It is an expendable part, just like tires, brakes, and clutches.

I assume you do replace both sprockets when you replace the chain, right?

Yup. It's a yearly expense! Another factor could be my size relative to most guys. I weight 250. Maybe some of that wear is due to my big arse. :yikes: