I know there are LOTS of posts about this topic, but I couldn't find a difinitive answer to my question.
I do most (90%) of my riding on the road. It will be used occasionally on some trails in upstate New York.
The gearing to me right now is "not bad". But, I would like a little more oomph down low. I also want to keep
the stock 14 in front. If I go 44 in the rear, will I need a longer chain? Do I go with a 520/108 link.........that's
two longer than stock, I beleive. I don't want to go too low(45 or larger). I guess my main question is,
do I need to buy a new chain or will the stocker be long enough with the 44???

Thanks,

Brian

 

Well here's my take on it. I started out with the stock gears 14-42. I quickly did the 13 tooth front gear change, and since then bumped the back up to a 45. I can still do 60 and now 6th gear is actually useful. However you are wise in thinking of keeping the front at a 14, I am actually thinking about going back but I would have to bump the back up to a 48 to keep the same gearing I have now. The noise from the chain trying to go around that 13 tooth sprocket is not only annoying, but it is sure to wear out the chain way before its time. I too like the low end power rather than how fast the bike can do down the highway, so what I would suggest is go to the shop with the bike, tell the guy you want a 48 tooth back gear and a chain to match, and also have them measure the chain and take into consideration that you want to get the chain adjusters back into the middle to low adjustment so you can tighten the chain as it stretches a little. Also and I might be wrong, you might be able to still use the chain guard with the 48, but someone might chime in if I'm wrong.

 

Yep Deej you are correct you can use the chain gaurd on the 48 tooth rear sprocket but not on the 49.
Jacks Dad , If you are to go up in the back to a 44 tooth you will need to replace the stock chain. you will most likely go up to
a 108 link chain.

 

I'm thinking about going to a 14/45 set up. For now my engine is still stock. I would like my bike to be able to hold 65-70mph on a hill in 6th gear. Does anyone think the 14/45 gearing would enable the stock engine to do this? (By hill, I mean a reasonable incline. Something other than flat.) Right now the bike just wont do it especially with a strong wind.

 

I have to tell you the 3 up on the back won't be enough of a difference to notice, but 6 up yea that's what I'm talking about.

 

It all depends on the style of riding you like to do. Myself I am running 14/49 that give me a 3.50 ratio about 8000 rpms at 70mph, the stock ratio is 3.00 14/42. If I where running mainly pavement and some gravel roads I think I would run a 14/46 or 14/47 that would put yea in the 3.30 range. I am very happy with the gearing that is currently on my bike again for the style of riding i prefer. Also I was running this setup 14/49 before i did any modes to the bike

 

Three in the back is about equivalent to one in the front.

 

Hmmm......sounds like the engine mods are definately in order. The 48 sounds like a serious gear. I remember reading about Nobrakes running the 49 tooth and pretty much loosing 6th gear. What kind of rpms at 70mph will it be turning with the 48 tooth? That low tractor pulling torque would be nice at slow speeds though.

 

Scat, looks like you answered my question. Thanks.