KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: littlewing78 on November 11, 2010, 02:27:01 PM

Title: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: flyingfitz on November 11, 2010, 03:15:14 PM
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
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: hughes on November 11, 2010, 11:41:31 PM
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.
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: Polar-Bus on November 12, 2010, 04:07:43 AM
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.

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 !
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: littlewing78 on November 14, 2010, 01:30:42 PM
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.
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: greenstreak on November 14, 2010, 03:19:50 PM
I agree about using the Primary Drive kit from Rocky Mountain.  I put a chain and sprocket kit on my Raptor 660 and it has held up great.  My buddy recently put a kit on his KTM 525 and was really pleased with it.   
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: kxpegger on November 14, 2010, 04:19:27 PM
http://www.sidewindersprockets.com/index.html
Title: Re: which Chain and sprockets?
Post by: littlewing78 on November 15, 2010, 12:43:19 PM
My stuff should be here tomorrow.  So I started getting things ready for it.  My front sprocket was 14T as expected but the rear one was actually a 50T.  I thought it was the stock 47T.  I have a 49T coming.  So should I expect to notice any big difference?  Now I want to get a 47T so I know what stock should have felt like. 

I ordered The chain at 120L expecting to need a little more than the 114L that was on it.  So with the 14/49  I should just stick with 114L right?