gearing
 

Hey just after some advice on some gearing I would like a lower first gear for some slower trails. stock gearing is just to high to much clutch burning in first any advice on sprockets or other methods to lower. I have a 2009 klx

Whatever you do will affect the entire range of gears, not just 1st gear. A lower first gear will also mean a lower 6th gear and all other gears. Going to a 13 tooth front sprocket is the cheapest way to lower your gearing, but may accelerate sprocket and chain wear due to the smaller diameter. A larger rear sprocket (47T max) will do the same but will usually necessitate a longer chain.

As Oldad recommended, try a 13 front sprocket. It's inexpensive and easy to see if that will be enough before jumping into a larger rear sprocket. I've tried a 49, 45 and now am using a 51 rear sprocket which is quite low gearing compared to most around here. I like a large rear sprocket and changing between 13/14/15 front sprockets depending on the ride.

This thread may help: https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-length-42553/

Thanks for replies I had a look at the thread you suggested had some good info in it. I am thinking of going 13/45. All bush tracks bit of mud as well as some steep rocky climbs. what are your suggestions on this set up. roughly how much would it affect the gears 20% lower? Thanks for help

It will be lower throughout so you'll have a lower top speed and a lot more low speed grunt. If you need more top end, then putting on a 14 or 15 front sprocket should do the trick. The 15/45 combo is essentially equivalent to stock 14/42 ratio.

Yeah I won't need top speed as much only when on a main dirt road getting between trails. even then top is like 60km/h maybe 70 so think I've decided to go 13 front and 47 back. any one know any Issues with this will chain guard still fit? What size chain should I get for this 110?

If you read the thread linked earlier, you'll see I went 13/47 and love it. I still go on street just fine, too, I'm just not going above 50mph or so for long stretches.

Maybe go longer chain than I did, though, so you can swap out front sprockets if you want higher gearing.

The thread will say, but I think mine is only 108. 110 links may be perfect.

Grunt and acceleration are impressive with 13/47. I don't have to fan clutch on climbs. Just throttle control in 2nd or 3rd gear. 1st gear is neat in that you're able to crawl along on level ground at walking speed without having to mess with clutch. Engine breaking is effective but doesn't jerk you back too hard IMO.

I believe the chain guard will work for up to a 48 rear sprocket.

I've kept the chain guard on a 49 tooth rear - no rubbing etc. My green KLX currently has a 50 tooth, but the chain guard disappeared on the trail (probably when my buddy flipped it going up a rock) a few months ago, before going from a 49 to a 50. It would have been close with the 50, but might have still worked.

I have a 13/49 on my 2011 KLX250s and a 13/50 on my 2009 KLX250s. They'll both easily go well over 100km/h with those sprocket setups, but we try to keep it under 80km/h riding on the road to/from the trails to keep the rpm's down and not abuse the engines...

I had a 13/47 and it was ok, but the 13/49 is even better for the tight woods riding that I do with lots of steep hills, rocks and roots.