Sprocket sizes XT600E

**XTreme** · #1 7 Jul 2004

Hi everybody!
I'm looking for a bit of advice on my 03 XT600E.
It's done 3000 miles, on original chain and sprockets which are all in excellent condition.
Now as my riding is mainly two-up on minor roads, I need to give it more grunt and acceleration. Top speed isn't an issue as I wouldn't want to be doing high speeds on the bike...80mph is the max as far as I need.
So what would be your suggestion for sprocket change to give better acceleration. I'm not sure of the sizes of the OE items originally fitted I'm afraid.

**oldbaldrick** · #2 7 Jul 2004

You need to increase the difference between front & back sprockets, i.e. bigger back or smaller front.
A front sprocket is cheaper than a back one, and it's easier to remove a link, if need be, than to add one, so change the front sprocket for one with a tooth less than standard.
That should do it.

**XTreme** · #3 7 Jul 2004

Thanks for the reply mate!
But am I right in thinking that dropping one tooth on the front will increase the wheelbase and/or stress the motor more?

**FredXTZ** · #4 7 Jul 2004

Don't forget that the poor front sprocket already has so little teeth to do it's job. An industrial transmission specialist once told me that reducing the diameter of the small sprocket decreases dramatically the transmission strength. Also the chain makes a much sharper corner around the front sprocket all the time which creates a lot of extra stress. Be wise and take a bigger rear sprocket!

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**FredXTZ** · #5 7 Jul 2004

When Yam didn't sell the chain & sprockets as a kit, the front sprocket cost 208 and the rear sprocket cost 60. That indicates also that the front sprocket is special. It must be 3 times stronger because it has only a third of the teeth. There's something wrong with the imitation rubbish that you can buy where the front is much cheaper than the rear.
Beware !

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**XTreme** · #6 7 Jul 2004

Thanks Fred...that's what I was concerned about with changing the front.
I think it may be better for me to do more miles on the existing setup and adjust the rear sprocket size when I replace chain and sprockets..

**mbishop** · #7 8 Jul 2004

Hi

Some feedback from my experience for you :

Front Sprocket - 13 tooth renthal, 25? pounds
Rear Sprocket - 47 tooth JT's pattern part from M&P - about 10 pounds. Japanese made and amazingly good quality for very little money!

I've run this setup for over six months on my XT-E, which has an 18" rear wheel, and found the gearing spot on. I predominantly trail ride off-road, but recently did a weekend trip to the Ridgeway ~ 350 Motorway miles. 70mph kicked in at 4,500 rpm in fifth...

I guess that if you are running a 17" rear, just going to the 47 rear would be fine.

Cheers
Bish