gearing for woods

[kendunn]

I have an 02 EC300 that is new to me and I find the gearing a bit off for me. Its 49/13 and it seems that the ratios are too wide for the type of woods riding I do. The bike seems to do best when it just comes on the powerband, but then I shift and the rpms seem to drop too low. If I try and rev it out it is just hard to deal with and wears you out a lot faster in rocky 1 1/2 track. I hardly ever get over 40 mph when trail riding, and if I do fast fire roads or whatever I like my XR650R better anyways. I feel that first gear is too tall also. I was thinking about going all the way to a 12 front and see what happens. What do you guys think? I would like to be able to shift when it starts coming on hard, but not have the rpms drop off to just above idle. I love the way the bike handles, its amazing, and the power is great when you can keep it in the mid. Only other complaint is the dang kick-starter is so short.

[gasser]

You have 2 readily available options for the kick starter - 07 or later gasgas (about 1 inch longer) and yamaha (about 1.5 inches longer).

Sounds like your other problem is a tuning problem not a gearing problem. Waken up that bottom end and your gears will seem much closer together.

[kendunn]

Originally Posted by gasser

You have 2 readily available options for the kick starter - 07 or later gasgas (about 1 inch longer) and yamaha (about 1.5 inches longer).

Sounds like your other problem is a tuning problem not a gearing problem. Waken up that bottom end and your gears will seem much closer together.

I have been thinking about what you said and what I posted and think my problem is maybe where I am coming off a bike like an XR650R to a 2t. I guess I just need to get used to the fact that its not going to have half the torque at 2000 rpms that the XRR is, of course it has 75 lbs less weight too! Thats why I bought it. I have my bike tuned pretty well I think toward bottom end, thinnest base gasket, proper jet kit, etc. Just don't think it has the V Force reeds in there, but I didnt check.

[Krasi]

I run 13/51, trails, and am quite happy. I seldomly reach 50 km/h while twisting in the woods/mountains.

[SideshowBob]

Originally Posted by Krasi

I run 13/51, trails, and am quite happy. I seldomly reach 50 km/h while twisting in the woods/mountains.

I run 13/50 and will likely move to 13/51

[Eric K]

A stock 300 has strong low end torque when jetted correctly. I assume you have the jetting in good shape. If not, start there.

Much of my riding is on tight technical trails. I am accused of riding where only the goats go. I can crawl through rocks with a 13/50 and lift the front end very easily. A 12T front is not necessary for a 300 IMO.

If you are after really meaty low end torque get the RB Designs head mod - it is impressive. Plus it will improve your fuel mileage. A real win-win.

[Cruiser]

I ran a 12 48 on my 250 as it was easier to swap that out on the new factory gearing to get the most out of the factory chain,, not enought room to put on a 51 with the stock chain.. That gearing would equel 13-52 and for a 250 it felt too low,, I went beck to 13-50 for allaround and would swap out a 48 for dual sport runs.. and actually liked the 48 in the woods after a while.. after doing some mods for low end the 13/48 felt fine and would tractor up some rough stuff no issue..

[jasont1532]

i run 13/51 and it works well all around especially tight rocky shit

[iancp5]

You're better off sticking with standard (13/48) or very near. Use the clutch. I tried 12/48 and found I never used first - way too low and snatchy. Due to the engine characteristics it is impossible to get it smooth at very low speed around walking pace without clutching it. It's a 2 stroke you have to use the clutch more.