I read alot about gearing here and some good info

I am going to be replacing chain and sprockets soon

I had stock 14/42 and put on a 13 CS that helps the low end some but want a little more on the bottom

I plan to go either

13/45 or 14/48 -I think either is just fine

any advice on which way to go

I think I need a 108 link with the 13/45 and a 110 link 14/48

My daughter rides this bike and its 90% trails -so the lower gearing is needed for the hills and woods we ride

does 13 hurt chain guide on top of swingarm -I dont think so- I have it now- seems ok- saw mention though that it accel the wear on the plastic runner

Will 48 work with stock chain guard be ok -I think up to 49 works fine from what I read -but the chains doesnt start eating into the guide with a 48 does it

All trade offs -convince me :-)

 

I think the 45 is a good choice. The 48 or 49 is fantastic if you are climbing and riding tight slow stuff, but is not fun on any kind of pavement.

 

13/14 45 here, swap back and forth depend on ride.

 

And a bonus: the bigger sprocket on the back will help compensate for any extra chain slider wear caused by the 13 front.

 

redpillar nailed it IMO.

I have run 13 to 15 / 49 and now have on 45 and run 13, 14, or 15. Even with the 351 kit now, I'm not disposing of the 49. I wish it was still on during the Labor Day ride.

I have read, but not confirmed, that the rear chain guard (on top) fits up to 48, but not 49. And I think that was on the 06/07 if it makes any difference.

 

Scott, I've been partial to the 47T rear sprocket. With a 13T front sprocket, this thing is about as low as I would care to go...even for a goat path. I know you've run some extremely low gearing with success, but mine with a 13/47 seems like anything lower would make 1st gear almost unusable. Plus, now my pavement speed of around 55mph is about as high as I want to cruise for any distance. I know you tend to move your front sprocket count around a good bit, but when I'm on a trip out west, I don't want to be putzing with changing sprockets for a different ride profile the next day. Still, I realize gearing can be a bit like an oil thread.

 

I have ordered the 48. Running 13 42 at the moment but will go 14 48. Bike does 130 Km/h at present. I do not need the speed at all so am prepared for the trade off. If you are patient I will do a ride report as soon as they arrive in around a week or so.
I have a 300 EFI which lifts the wheel easily in 1st with throttle only and clutch wheelies in 2nd with minimal effort. I am keen to feel the 14 48 combo on the trail and hopefully will pop over obstacles in 3rd.

 

if you don't carry passengers you can yank the top chain guard. Pulled mine 1st or 2nd ride, got tired of pulling sticks out.

there is some difference between 06,07 and 09 up gearing that might be considered on thsi thread, The early bikes have a bigger step to 6th so can run little shorter gears without effecting the highway rpms as much. Probably only talking a few hundred rpms? but just sayin

 

I just relpaced my sprockets and chain and had the same question. When I bought the bike the PO had a 14/48 on it. I went to a 13/45 for when I ride on the trails and 14T/45 for when Ill be on the street more. I just rode 300 miles on the 13/45 and I loved the change. I had no problems climbing hills and I loved the extra torque it gave me. I have put the 14T on yet but I imagine I'll like that jsut as much. and I did use 108 O-Ring chain.

 

Is there any concern about excessive wear on the lower "chain guide" when stepping up to a larger rear sprocket?
My terminology may be off, but I am referring to the guide just ahead of the rear sprocket on the bottom of the swing arm... or does the chain constantly sliding across that with even the stock rear sprocket???

My specific question is regarding a change to 14/48 gearing.

TIA!

TC