Chainsliders/tighteners/wheels wears fast until they have the complete "shape" of the chain, so the whole chain "rests" on it. Untill then, the chain "cuts" its way through it.

But do what you find best. I think www.off-the-road.de have som pretty big rear sprockets for our bikes. I know they have atleast a sze 48, which together with a 16 on front should give you stock gearing. (same as 15/45)

Jens: Just had a look at that website.. they actually have the 50teeth sprocket lol

The thing is, that damn chain slider is expensive as hell :censored:

How many links would the chain have to be to be able to fit 16-50 sprockets? 108 or 110 links?


I'm gonna check today what if I'll actually need something bigger than 15-47.


:)

I would get at least 110. Just buy a 112 to be sure, and cut of the extra links. the undamaged links you remove can be used as a backup with 2 clip masterlink for field repairs. :thumbup1:

Hey Guys,
Apologies, rehashing a topic.

Im not sure whether to buy the standard size sprockets for my XT600E (15/45), or go with 14/45 for a trip from the UK to South Africa.

My riding buddy will be on a DRZ400S, Im not sure how this handles ?

I am leaning towards the 14/45, however I dont want to drop my top end speed significantly to make it a miserable ride for him, nor do I want to have to over rev my bike to keep up
However, my thought of the 14/45 was to avoid being a drag in the sand/ mud etc by getting bogged down and holding him back.

We plan to ride the dirt where possible but the there will obviously be long stretches of sealed road too. I realise the XT aint no boyracer at the best of times, so 60mph will be ok, as long as this isnt holding back the DRZ.

Im confused, I just need someone to make a deicison for me.

:scooter:

A good compromise would be a 47 rear sprocket.

Talk with you're buddy about a cruicespeed that you both will like, and gear the bike after that.

For a long trip, I would go stock, or even the other way. Depends on terrain.

+1 on the rear gives you about 200rpms more, OR to keep the same rpm as stock, you will have to go around 2km/h slower on theese bikes, depends on lot of things, but Its my rule of thumb :)

Thanks Jens.
So you suggest either a 15/47 or else just go with standard.

If I went with the 15/47 combo, do I need to buy a different size chain or will the standard size still fit without any issues ?

Do you think the standard set up would give me enough power and control in soft sand and mud at slow speeds ?

Thanks

My bike can use stock chain with 15/47. How much have you backed off the adjusters currently? If they're al the way forward, then no, it probably wont fit. I cant remember exactly how much difference there is in the adjuster for a 45 and a 47. I think its around 6 clicks (2 numbers)


For really loose heavy sand, a lover than stock gearing would be best. How much of that are you gonna ride ? you know whats best for you, but I woudl say, when in doubt, choose the lover gearing, and just go a bit slowe, or "ring her out" more on the tarmac.

I think a 47 is what you want, but only you will really know :)

You could also go stock, and bring a 14tooth along, doesnt take much time to change, but I dont know if its worth it for ya? You would probably go crazy if you should change oit several times during the day. But if would be nice if you know you got a longtarmac-day ahead. but as I said, perhaps not the best option for you, in this situation.