XR650L - gearing ratios

**XR650L - Winbob** · #1 30 May 2002

With the help of " wbagwell" website, I'm now happy with my new gearing ratios.

With the stock sprokets 15/45 I could hardly do forest rides even in first gear.

First I've change from 45 to 48 that helped quite a bit but not enough for my riding style, 2 weeks later I received a 14T, wow it seems the perfect match and much better. I had also order a 13T that I didnt receive yet.

With my new setup 14/48 I'm still able to acheive 90mph (very afraid) but its now much more usable in the forest at low speed.

**wbagwell** · #2 31 May 2002

I think you'll be very happy with the 13/48 combo - I run 13/45 when I'm not on the highway and it's still geared just a hair too high, especially if you're loaded down.

But if you are going to get back on the highway, I wouldn't advise keeping that gearing. I usually carry a 13T and a 15T and just swap them when I get on the trail or on the road - the swap only takes a minute and is quite simple.

Wright

**XR650L - Winbob** · #3 31 May 2002

Wright: the swap only takes a minute and is quite simple.
***

A minute! This mean that you must change the front sprocket without unlinking the chain.

I did it in one minute too for the sprocket but I had to remove the chain that took another 15 minutes. I always have a hard time to replace (closing) the master link piece just before the lock.

Whats the trick ?

**wbagwell** · #4 3 Jun 2002

Ahh - the trick is to loosen the rear axle and turn the adjusters so that the axle slides all the way forwards - this gives me enough chain slack that I don't have to take the master link out. Your chain may be slightly shorter.

After you change the sprocket, just re-set the chain adjusters and tighten the rear axle.