After taking the KLX for some serious trail riding, I realized I was shifting too much. I found I was revving like crazy in first or chugging along in second just below the power band.
So I bought a 47T rear sprocket to help me stay in second with a little more power.
I thought I bought a 110 link chain, but got a 108.
Does anyone know if it will work?
I have the stock 14T up front.
Thanks!

 

Thats not much of a change, but it just may be enough..I really think the 13-45 is the perfect gears for the bike.

 

Not sure if a 108 will work with your 47 rear. My results:

13/14/15 & 49 with 110 link (prior setup)
13/14/15 & 45 with 108 link (current setup after 351 kit)

 

I have 14/47 gearing, but I can't remember the chain length I ended up with. So...I went out in the shop and counted. Even while fully sober, it kept coming up with between 53 and 54 "plates". I did this 3 times and got the 53 twice. Even if the count is 54, that's 108 links, I believe...correct? Now...something to consider is how big a tire you run if you use the shortest chain possible. If you run a decently bigger and more aggressive tire than stock, you run the risk of the tire rubbing the mud flap or other parts. On my setup I'm running a Kenda Parket Desert tire at 110/100/18, and it's decently close because I run a short chain that's set at the #1 snail adjuster position. Shorter chain equals better handling for axle position for my needs. That Parker model tire has some huge *****, and we all know that tires size numbers are not always equal. You're right on the edge of fitment length depending on your tire size from what I can tell. Oh, and as I'm typing this I just thought about your year model and if that might affect the outcome. Mine is an '06...same as '07...so an '09 or later might be different, as I understand they have a different swingarm.

 

Revving like crazy in first is going pretty fast for really tight stuff. I find myself slipping my clutch in first quite a bit. I got a 13t last year to help, but haven't gotten it on yet. I guess that didn't help the chain question...

 

Wow, thanks for counting links TNC, above and beyond the call of duty.
Well, we'll see what happens...

IDRIDR - how often do you change out the front? I've only ever changed one, on my EX500, but it seems like it might be a good idea to go back and forth from dirt to street.


ns503 - I need to learn to slip the clutch, never thought of doing it, goes against years of trying to preserve clutches (in cars and on bikes), but I think I can finally handle redoing the clutch (if and when), especially with all the know how here on the forum.

Thanks guys!

 

I started at 13/49 as "training wheels" because I was new to dirt M/C when I got the KLX, and the guys I ride with do some pretty steep, slow, technical rocky stuff. Then moved up to 14/49, then 15/49 for most riding. But there are certain trails I went back to 13/49 and glad I did. How often? Maybe once a month on average.

 

OK, lets do the math....
45 to 47, means that it is 2 tooth longer. 1/2 of the sprocket is covered by the chain, so going to a 47 means the chain will be (2tooth x 1/2=) 1 link more sitting on the sprocket. One link is 5/8".... moving the rear axle forward by 5/16" will creat 5/8" slack (5/16" x 2 (top & bottom)).
So if your current chain allowance on the adj has about 5/16" available to the front of the mc, you should be good to go. Note: Wear is not calculated, so results may vary.

 

OK...my calculator burned up after the second set of computations. You owe me a calculator. I'll PM you the mailing instructions.

 

Silly boys and their dirt riding. Takes a real man to Motard

seriously though i find this thread interesting, i need to bump up my gearing now as first is practically useless and far to wheelie prone.