Lower first gear

[Lotus54]

I have a 2000 200ec (well, it guess really and XC, even though it says ec on the tank)

Anyway, I'm likeing the bike with the mods I've done for what I want.
But I had it out yesterday on some rather tricky climbs (very slow, steel, rutty etc).
First gear was just too high. It would work a lot better with a lower first- but I don't want to gear he rear down (in fact a higher 5/6 would be nice).
I am working on my clutch slipping skills, but lower would make the bike more versatile.

Is there a wider ratio gearbox that I could locate and fit?
Might run into more $$$ than I want, but I can do the work, so it would just be parts.

Ideas?

Mark

 

[hadfield4wd]

I was under the impression all the bikes had the same gears.

I very rarely use 1st. I usually start in 2nd. So I guess I could be wrong about the gearing.

 

[gasgasman]

http://dualratiosprockets.com

 

[Zman]

You can just change your front sprocket to a 12 tooth and you should be happy.

 

[swazi_matt]

Something I am currently practicing is to climb with the clutch. Keep your throttle in one position and modulate the power with the clutch- I believe this is what you need

 

[Lotus54]

Dang.
I already have a 12. Not low enough for the really tight stuff.
This is for things I'd be in first on my trials bike.

Yes, working on better clutch, I do pretty well on the OSSA, but the Gasser is a LOT touchier. The clutch has a lot narrower engagement point , flywheel is a lot lighter and revs a lot quicker etc.
It doesn't help that I have to change between, it takes me a bit to get used to it again.

Guess I'll just have to deal with it. But for my purposes, a lot wider ratio gearbox would be great.
I like the trials gearbox- but many hate those. I'm not riding fast, but with this bike I'd like a higher top/cruising speed and still retain a 'granny' first.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Marl

 

[swazi_matt]

Just noticed you are on a 200 a few extra cc's (50 or 100) go a long way to getting to what you want. I have a 12/48 on my 300 and still get a screaming 120+ km/h top speed and have the 300cc's to use on the tight slow technical stuff

 

[Lotus54]

Yes, I'm sure that would help.
But I was trying to keep weight as low as possible, and this weighs less.

I have a flywheel weight, but will fit the heavier flywheel setup (I had the little one) with maybe an additional weight, do some pipe work (already have smaller carb which helps) and learn to ride. (HA! Fat chance)

Appreciate the ideas.


Really here is what I want.
Sub 200 lbs
About 9" suspension travel
Pegs back further than standard enduro
Lower seat height
Mild power with heavy flywheel
Very wide ratio gearbox
Good brakes with good feel
High intake airbox
Really quiet exhaust, tucked in well.

Hmmmm- probably not too realistic.

Oh yeah, cheap too. HA!

 

[3beejay3]

Yes, I'm sure that would help.
But I was trying to keep weight as low as possible, and this weighs less.

I have a flywheel weight, but will fit the heavier flywheel setup (I had the little one) with maybe an additional weight, do some pipe work (already have smaller carb which helps) and learn to ride. (HA! Fat chance)

Appreciate the ideas.


Really here is what I want.
Sub 200 lbs
About 9" suspension travel
Pegs back further than standard enduro
Lower seat height
Mild power with heavy flywheel
Very wide ratio gearbox
Good brakes with good feel
High intake airbox
Really quiet exhaust, tucked in well.

Hmmmm- probably not too realistic.

Oh yeah, cheap too. HA!

It's called a Beta X-trainer, or KTM Freeride

I think if different gearsets were offered thru the parts catalog and the bikes had a cassette style trans, they'd sell quite a few various ratio gearsets. What works great in the high desert can suck in the tight woods and what works great in tight woods can suck in steep hills.......

 

[Lotus54]

Yes. I looked at both.
Freeride is too close to OSSA (but a lot heavier)
The Beta Cross Trainer was on the list, but since I'm retiring soon I decided to see how close I,can get on my own (on the cheap).
Beta is sort of heavy.

I think (claimed dry weight on my 200 is 209lbs, still more than I want. But probably big $$$ to get lower and wouldn't make much sense for an old bike.

I agree on the trans.
My OSSA has a cassette gearbox, it would be pretty easy to change gearsets (if they were made)

I know what I'm doing probably isn't too smart.

 

[hadfield4wd]

Well there are some people building sub 200lb xr200's with big bore and decent travel.

I keep thinking about it one day I'll pull the trigger.

 

[Zman]

236 Big Bore Kit

What is your rear sprocket size? A free low end performance gain is to advanced the ignition timing a few degrees? You can also check out my other post on the Eric Gorr big bore kit for the GG 200 that bumps the displacement to 236cc.

 

[Lotus54]

I have not messed with timing yet- perhaps I'll check what I have, then set when I put the larger flywheel/alternator on.

I'll search for your other post.


I forgot the rear sproket size- but cruising speed is pretty low.
I would like to be able to run FS roads and occasional paved roads for a moderate distance. So I don't want to gear it too low.
I may be unrealistic in my goals, but it has been fun so far.
It is a LOT better now than when I got it for what I'm aiming for.


Thanks
Mark

 

[Jakobi]

I'm on a 250, running 13-50 and if anything find 1st too short to be useful, even in the gnarliest of terrain. More than enough torque on tap to either loop out if the hills steep and traction is available, or to slide down backwards with the tyre spinning if it's loose and steep. Sometimes 2nd can be a bit tall and it takes some delicate clutching and/or shifting to keep the balance between grunt and traction happening, but in more cases than not it comes down to ride skill over the engines ability.

 

[3beejay3]

Yes. I looked at both.
Freeride is too close to OSSA (but a lot heavier)
The Beta Cross Trainer was on the list, but since I'm retiring soon I decided to see how close I,can get on my own (on the cheap).
Beta is sort of heavy.

I think (claimed dry weight on my 200 is 209lbs, still more than I want. But probably big $$$ to get lower and wouldn't make much sense for an old bike.

I agree on the trans.
My OSSA has a cassette gearbox, it would be pretty easy to change gearsets (if they were made)

I know what I'm doing probably isn't too smart.

Having rode the Beta- it's crazy light. Like hopping on a KTM 105 or similar, except it has a lot of grunt.