Time to change out sprockets and chains

[AZRickD]

I noticed my rear sprocket has a bit of a wear pattern to it. The chain and front sprocket are original. The rear sprocket is an aluminum 50T that was put on shortly after purchasing.

It is a 2005 EC 250. We ride some technical stuff out here which is the main reason the former owner put on the 50T.

After having ridden it for several months, I'd like to consider a 51T or 52T to make second gear a little more useful in some semi-tight trails. Is the 51T a big enough difference for my application? Will 52T be too much? Will I find myself spinning the tire too much with a larger rear sprocket?

What are good bang-for-the-buck chains (O-ring) and sprockets?

Thanks,

Rick

[2 strokes 4 life]

Are you wanting to make the 2nd gear bigger or smaller? I switched from a 48T to a 50T and i still find it not a huge difference. I think you are better off with a 52T.

[eff]

I run a 52T JT rear sprocket and Regina Gold O-ring chain. That combo holds up real well and the 52T is great in the rocky NE woods.

[PEB]

13/49 is the magic combo for tight stuff. I have had excellent resultd with the Rocky MT deluxe "o" ring chain for about $50. I always try to run steel sprockets and the chain is generally good for the duration of one rear and two front sprockets.

[AZRickD]

Originally Posted by 2 strokes 4 life

I think you are better off with a 52T.

I need a bit more of a granny gear out of 1st. This will also make 2nd gear more usable. The areas I'm talking about are long rock gardens through our numerous dry washes, as well as those pesky uphill switchbacks where I have to carry the clutch more than I'd like.

If it turns out to be a bad move, I'll get a different one.

I don't want to use steel because of the extra unsprung weight out on that pendulum. The difference is really noticeable. I'm prepared to give up some longevity.

[joey11]

I run ironman 13/51 and it seems to be a great combo with a Regina 0-ring. Probably 65-80 hrs on the sprockets and still good. I do wish sometimes that second gear would last a little longer without the need to switch to third, so I just bought a 50T sidewinder on fleabay for cheap to try. I'll post results. Does anyone know if I can run one link less with the 50T. I am already near the end of adjustment on the swingarm with what I'm running now. I'd like to shorten things up to make is turn sharper. Would this help?

[Skidad]

At least get the Ironman front until you decide finally on the rear size you're going to use. 13/52 seems pretty common for the 250's in gnarly terrain. It's what I use on my KTM 250 EXC as well for New England.

The rear Ironman you will not believe how light it is. I had been using a Stealth sprocket but will be using the Ironman from now on. Good stuff.

[2 strokes 4 life]

I must not be ridding enough tight stuff because i think i am going back to a 48T over the winter because with the FMF Gnarly it pulls alot more on the bottom and mid than the Messico did.

I am sure with the RB-desinges Mods will add alot of bottom as well so i think the 250 should pull it fine. I am going to also lose some weight over the winter so that should help too.

[dave948]

You can't beat the Ironman sprockets. As said they are very light and will last forever.(3 chains is normal service life)

My bike had 12/48 when I got it. I rode it like that for a month or so then at the suggestion of the previous owner I changed out to 13/50. To tell the truth I can't really tell the difference. He said it would soften the hit a little but it feels the same to me.

I may try the 12/50 as I have the sprockets but this is opposite of what I was told I should do. The previous owner was alot faster than me.

[AZRickD]

I ordered the new Renthal front sprocket from GoFasters. He said they had just gotten Renthal to import them for the Gasser.

The YZ250 and CR250 sprocket didn't match. Gas Gas USA was unaware of any cross-reference.

I took off my front sprocket and examined it with the chain off which shows a lot more perspective. It's definitely warn. I went with a Moose aluminum rear sprocket to see if I like this ratio. Chain is a DID X-Ring.