Understanding Gearing

[ramcclure200]

I was ready to replace original sprockets and chains on my 04 DE200 and was thinking about changing sprocket sizes but was unsure so I perused the site for info but was still unsure of exactly how it would change the power delivery so after checking the web I turned up a neat site that helped me sort it out and I wanted to share with the group and maybe some of you might want to add some more Gassers to it.
Mine was the 1st Gasser added.

The site is GearingCommander.com

I went with 12/48 Sidewinder Ti with 12,000 lb smart chain, set me back a few bucks but it will be the last time I will have to replace them and end having to adjust the chain.

I have been using Sidewinders since my 90 RMX then my 96 KDX200 now my 04 DE200. I learned the had way with my 90 RMX after eating through multiple sprockets and chains, I still had to replace the countershaft sprocket because back then they only offered steel but when I sold that bike in 2000 they were still fine. I bought the stainless rear sprocket for my 96 KDX200 and sold it to a freind in 05 just before I bought the Gasser and he rode it for another year and sold it with the same spocket and chain and they were still fine.

Ron

 

[Loosenut]

I would not give Krause Racing a dime. They are not known for customer service. Anyway, gearing is a personal preference and I have been know to change mine for a race or play ride depending on conditions. I like replace my chain once per full riding season for safety.

 

[MattR]

FYI.. We have a gear ratio reference table posted here.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=212

I have an excel spreadsheet that calculates speed vs. rpm. It only helps to illustrate the amount of change. The thread I posted above has a few pics of the spreadsheet and graphs.

Also, the 12T/48T combo is the same as the 13T/52T combo since the gear ratio = 4.00. I'm currently using the 13T/52T combo. It provides good acceleration but you give up the 1st gear since it is now very low (bailout gear for emergencies). I like this ratio because I stay in 2nd and 3rd gears for tighter singletrack. I used to mis-shift with the stock gearing and end up in neutral too much.

It is really personal taste like Mike mentioned. It depends on how your ride, where you ride, what gears you want to spend the most time in, etc..

Regarding the choice between the 12T/48T combo versus 13T/52T combo... since they provide the "same" ratio you have to consider a couple things.
A 12T front sprocket is cheap and you can swap a 12T & 13T sprocket quickly depending upon conditions. However, 12T sprockets may wear the chain and teeth more quickly due to the smaller diameter. Conversely, staying with the 13T front allows you to make smaller changes in ratio by giving you more options with the rear (48T, 49T, 50T, 51T, 52T). The rear sprockets cost more but I prefer this route since I can control the ratio better.

 

[ramcclure200]

FYI.. We have a gear ratio reference table posted here.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=212

Missed that, that was the info i was hunting for. Good job

Also, the 12T/48T combo is the same as the 13T/52T combo since the gear ratio = 4.00. I'm currently using the 13T/52T combo. It provides good acceleration but you give up the 1st gear since it is now very low (bailout gear for emergencies). I like this ratio because I stay in 2nd and 3rd gears for tighter singletrack. I used to mis-shift with the stock gearing and end up in neutral too much.

That ratio works for me as well, I ride alot of sandy/loam tight stuff most of the time.

Also I noticed that a 12/48 and 13/52 worked out to be the same and wondered what the advantages would be with the 13/52 and you make a valid point for the 13/52.
Iv'e already got them coming though so I'll stick with the 12/48, shouldn't be an issue for me cause I generally don't mess with the gearing once I settle in on what works overall for me.

Ron
ECDE200 2004

 

[ramcclure200]

I would not give Krause Racing a dime. They are not known for customer service. Anyway, gearing is a personal preference and I have been know to change mine for a race or play ride depending on conditions. I like replace my chain once per full riding season for safety.

Sounds like you had a bad experience with them
The only times iv'e dealt with customer service was to place an order then call them again in 6 years or so, like I mentioned the only thing i could manage to wear out was the counter shaft sprocket so i'm looking forward to not having to replace it any more now that the front is Ti as well.

What kind of sprockets and chain are you running?

Ron
ECDE200 2004

 

[Loosenut]

Currently an RK X-ring chain, 13 tooth OEM and a 49 tooth "cheap" steel rear sprocket. Steel is easier to bend back into place than aluminum. It can mean the difference between walking out or riding out on the really good rides. Maybe good isn't the word?

 

[Berkyboy]

FWIW Regina (chains) has been helpful with some of our GasGas offroad support efforts over the years giving us some chains that we in turn give to the likes of Jim Sencal, Chance Baker, Billy Burns and others. Mark and I (GoFasters) would appreciate everybody at least considering using their products.

 

[MattR]

+1 for Regina!

I have used both Regina O-ring and RK X-ring chains in the past. I found the Regina held up better with less chain stretch overtime.

For sprockets, I like to use the Ironman sprockets. Their front sprockets are through-hardened (not case hardened like other brands) and last a very long time. The GasGas OEM front sprockets also are very good. Ironman rear steel sprockets are very lightweight (comparable to aluminum versions). I have also tried the Supersprox tri-moly rear sprockets. They held up well too. Between Supersprox and Ironman, I will spend the extra $ on Ironman due to their durability. Very nice!

 

[ramcclure200]

The GasGas OEM front sprockets also are very good.

I agree, I had good luck with the sprockets and chain that came with the bike.
My front sprocket still has all the teeth and the rear is missing every other.
Thats part of the bonus of buying a gasser you don't get junk like you get with the jap bikes, I also just replaced the original rear brake pads and am fixin to order a set for the front.

Ron
2004 ECDE200

 

[eff]

I'm running a Regina O-Ring right now and can say I am very pleased with it's performance. As Matt said, noticeably less chain stretch over time.

 

[Loosenut]

The Regina chains are great, except that several friends have had cracking problems with them in the past. Maybe they over-cooked a batch of side plates during the hardening process. So, I just purchase the less expensive RK x-ring and feel more confident that it come apart during a ride.

 

[cal_tony]

My 2004 450fse came stock with a Regina endless chain and a Talon front sprocket. Is the Talon normally what comes on the GG 450?

I have not used the Ironman sprockets, but everyone seems to like their rear steel sprocket. I'd like to see them make some smaller rears for Supermoto use.

I also use the RK xso or Regina exclusively. Only problem I've had with either was with 1 Regina oring chain that lost lube in 3 links even though when I took it apart the orings seemed to be in good condition but the links were completely dry. Could have been my fault, could have been theirs. Don't know. Back then I used to use Kerosene to clean my chains. That's what they recommended but, now I just use Simple green.

Tony




Tony

 

[joey11]

Regina is all I have ever used and I have had no problems. Ive used both the Z and O ring types and see virtually no diff in life FWIW.

 

[eff]

Cal Tony.

I also had a Talon front. I think that is what they use stock.