Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original
which Chain and sprockets?
littlewing78:
Yesterday I broke my chain. It popped off and got bound up between the rear sprocket and the swing arm. Since I need a new one I figure I might as well get a whole chain and sprocket set. I am brand new to this so I don't know what is best. I ride a stock 99 KX 500. I pretty much just stick to riding mountain trails. Is there a better ratio for trails maybe? Thanks.
flyingfitz:
I have .02 on this one. Stock is 14/47 or 3.35-1 final drive. I think this will give you a top speed in the mid to high 80's.
I ride a lot of single track and woods. 14/47 is too high for what I do. I have a 13/48 which is a 3.69-1 final drive. This is right on but the chain rubs against the case at the pinion sprocket so it is not a good solution. A 14/51 would give a similar 3.64 final drive without the case rub issues. Having an extra 15 tooth pinion sprocket would give the option of 15/51 or 3.40 final drive slightly lower but similar to the stock 14/47.
Using a 51 rear and having 14 and 15 tooth pinions would give similar ratios to stock giving a top speed of probably 80 mph or so, and an awesome woods gear without case rub issues. I have not researched issues with the 15 tooth pinion but I bet it doesnt rub against the case! Size the chain for the 15/51 and you should have a winner unless you need to go faster!
This is my plan. Lytle racing group has some value o ring chains that have been working ok for me. They will size the chain for bike and ratio. Hope this helps.
Fitz
hughes:
Here in north Georgia I ran ran 14/49 and it was flat out sweet on the single track and pulled great up hills. I would go with Primary Drive brand from Rocky Mountain MC. The price is great and they flat out work.
Polar-Bus:
--- Quote from: littlewing78 on November 11, 2010, 02:27:01 PM ---Yesterday I broke my chain. It popped off and got bound up between the rear sprocket and the swing arm. Since I need a new one I figure I might as well get a whole chain and sprocket set. I am brand new to this so I don't know what is best. I ride a stock 99 KX 500. I pretty much just stick to riding mountain trails. Is there a better ratio for trails maybe? Thanks.
--- End quote ---
I prefer 14/49 for more technical trail riding, as it makes 1st and 2nd gears a bit more "luggable" at slower speeds. However when I blast higher speed fire and logging roads, I like stock 14/47..
I'm not fussy about sprockets. Good ol' tried and true Sunstar steel gets it done. For my chain, hands down I run the Regina ORN6 gold series. amazingly tough chain !
littlewing78:
Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and ordered new sprockets and a chain. I went with 14/49. And I got an o-ring chain. All from primary drive. Should all be here on Tuesday. I live an hour away from Rocky Mouintain ATV so I get stuff pretty quick from them. Thanks again. This time I'll be sure to not let the cahin get too loose.
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