Today I got my first ride of 2013. It was a little chilly at 44 degrees with light rain. Rode for about 3 hours, pretty much 50/50 pavement and dirt (muddy wet 2-track dirt). Had a blast!

I wore my pressure suit (Thor Impact) under a mountaineering jacket, which worked great for keeping me warm and dry. Winter leather gloves, and lots of layers too. Actually was too warm when we hit the slower offroad stuff.

Loved the 13 tooth sprocket, both on and off road. Accidentally popped a wheelie at the first traffic light I hit, the launch power was unexpected. Quite a difference - previously you had to really be trying hard to get the bike to wheelie. I found that the gearing just plain worked a lot better for my style of riding. I did a lot less shifting, and mainly stayed in 2nd gear with some 3rd gear, where before, I was constantly up and down from 1-3. I'm guessing I've lost about 7-8 MPH off my top speed, but don't really care about that. I did get it up to 73 at one point, and was over 8000 rpms, so I think it will probably top out at about 80. I've had it up to 88 before with the stock gearing, and it still had a little left (but I didn't have any nerve left).

I got new tires too, but only had time to swap the front on before this ride. Michelin T63's. Front performed very well. My stock Dunlop rear has 3K miles on it, and is pretty much worn out, so in the slimy mud I found myself doing a bit of fishtailing, but the front tire felt really solid.

 

I have sf and my top speed was 95 mph indicated with the 13 tooth front sprocket. Are you sure your rear sprocket is stock?

 

And there is usually the need to subtract 10% from indicated speed to get the real speed.

 

yes but he said he got up to indicated 73. Which is reallllllly low even with a 13 tooth front

 

I also have the 13T on the front and wouldn't go back to the 14T. The loss in top speed is only theoretical as you'll never get to redline in topgear due to the KLX's wind drag that the little 250 simply can't overcome. 135kmh (85mph) is all it's accurately good for at my elevation with either sprocket.
At the other end of the spectrum however, is where the 13T really shines. Better engine braking and snappier acceleration definitely!

 

For sure!!!

 

Stock rear. It had some left at 73, I just wasn't where I could try to go any faster. I'm guessing it could get to 80, based purely on the fact that I was already in the vicinity of 8000 rpms at 73.

And this is indicated, not actual. My front tire is a 90/90-21, and I think my speedo is about 8% off.

 

Also, it got to 73 much quicker than it did with the 14 tooth.

 

With the stock 14, always going back and forth between 1-2 on the trails. With the 13, now 2 mostly, up to 3 for the flat sections, down to 1 on 1/2 way up the hill bailout gear. It is much nicer for off road.

 

so 14t is better if you ride 80/20 street/dirt? the 13t will always be at higher rpm's correct?