I went on a ride the other day and there was some extremely steep downhills. In first gear I was still going way too fast. I know that you have to use the rear brake to try to slow.

However, someone suggested that a larger rear sprocket (48) would slow it down.

What would you suggest? Should I change the front as well?

 

Going one tooth down on the front is a cheap and easy fix.
Going up on the rear sprocket, you have to get a longer chain.

One tooth in front is about the same as 3 teeth on the rear.
Going 2 teeth on the front (or 6 on the rear) is a lot.
It will be fine offroad, but you may not like it on the road.

 

I'd try and understand what changing sprockets do to your bike first. Then, I'd think about messing with them.
Don't do everything people tell you to do, before you understand what you're really doing.
Just my opinion.

 

foes:
I've played around with gearing quite a bit. Here in ID, we have an amazing variety of trails from very tight, steep, gnarly single track with rocks, roots, logs, switchbacks, etc to wide open desert trails to forest service roads of all variety to wide open throttle straight and lonely gravel desert roads.

The steep gnarly stuff kicked my butt (I was a beginner on dirt 18 months ago) and I just couldn't do it without lower gears. I went extreme with a 13 front and 49 rear. But I also had 14 & 15 up front, and they all worked with the same chain (110 links I believe). So, I change the front sprocket readily depending on what we'll be riding. It just makes it easier and funner. With more experience, I've been able to use the 14 and even 15 where I needed the 13 before. Even so, we tackled some tough desert rock stuff in Nov and I'm glad I put the 13 on before the ride.

Now, with the 351, I'll have more torque down low rpm so rear is 45 and will still use the 13/14/15 front combinations with removal of 2 links. Time will tell maybe I can go back to the stock 42 rear. This bike is mainly for dirt work, some commuting around town, and very little highway.

Someone mentioned above don't necessarily do what others tell you to do. I agree. But I also learned a lot about gearing with all my playing around.

see gearingcommander.com

 

On our bikes a 14 is stock up front correct? I think in the manual it stated that it is 42/14.

Will have to change my chain with a 48/14?


IDR you didn't have to change your chain?

 

Yes, I installed a new chain. IIRC the stock is 106 link (for the 14/42), used a 110 link (for 49) and cut two links off for a 108 link for the 45. When I bought the chain, it was something like 116 link and I cut it to fit.

You will need a longer-than-stock chain for 14/48.

 

Are you using your brakes? What type of surface where you riding? If for instance you were on loose gravel or loam you could lock your rear brake and use it as a "boat anchor". Some people turn off the engine and leave the bike in 1st to the same effect. Don't forget your front brake is 90% of your braking esp downhill.

 

That's a cool site, thanks for posting. Since you've had a range of sprockets is there any one brand better then another? Where did you buy yours?

 

Bought sprockets and as much gear as I can from my little local independent dirt bike shop. Buy local! Prices are generally better than the best on-line prices. I know not everyone has this opportunity, but if you do, many benefits come from getting to know the guys in the local shop. What's your definition of "best" on brands. You can spend high $$ for top-end aluminum stuff. Give me inexpensive steel. Most have been JT Sprockets, one countershaft was a Sunstar.

 

Steel sprockets last longer, slightly heavier.