You might want to count your chain links. It has to be an even number.

 

You know, I never even thought about it that way! I removed one "link" and one set of side plates (obviously) so I guess I effectively removed two links from a 112, making it a 110, which is consistent with everyone else using this combo...

Thanks for making me stop and think!

TC

 

I have a 09 KLX 250s with only 400 miles and am planning on changing the gearing as well. I bought it years ago from a family member for a deal I couldn't pass. I bought it exclusively to use off road. I actually stripped it down and registered it as OHV only to not have insurance.

I was looking at changing the gears but mine, stock, is 15/42. I counted it 3 times to make sure it really was 15. I want it for OHV only, basically just narrow trails. I have zero need for top end speed. I tow the bike to where we ride from. I was thinking of going 13/49 but thought that might be too much coming from 15/42. Everything says add a tooth at a time but I don't have the money to buy that many gears. If im just going trails and want it to ride like a dedicated OHV dirt bike, should I go 13/45 or 13/49, or something else? Anyone else notice their stock sprocket was a 15? I originally planned on only changing the rear sprocket until I found out the front was 15.

Lastly, should I just sell it and buy a dedicated dirt bike instead of changing the gears to make it more like a dedicated dirt bike? Didn't want to run into more things I want to change down the road.

 

14/45 for me is nice off road but 47 in the rear would be perfect for tight trails i think

 

I don't believe any klx came with a 15t. 14/42 is stock. I would try 13/42 and feel it out for your terrain.

 

Based on your below post, I would recommend ditching it and getting something more woods/trail focused. I had the 2007 KLX250s and while I still miss it on the paved roads, once you hit the backroads and trails I am glad I moved on to my 2004 KTM 400 EXC. The KLX250s is so underpowered (and mine had the jet kit, had the K&N filter, and a two brothers exhaust along with the air box mod to remove the snorkel which all really did wake the bike up) that once you get into some tight sections, mud, etc.. it doesn't have the power to get you out of trouble some times. It really is very happy just cruising along easily, but the lack of power and lack of ground clearance and soft cushy suspension all limit what it can do off road. Also, mine had more 50/50 tires on it, well, maybe 30 onroad/70 offroad tires on it, but still, the tires were no knobby dirt tires, so that hurt it's offroad performance as well. But, all in all, if you're going to drop all the money for a new chain, new sprockets, exhaust, jet kit, intake, and then probably end up desiring more power and going with a big bore engine kit, you might as well have just gotten something that is offroad focused. And if you have no desire to ever have it on the road, then your options open up immensly to get a really good higher powered dirt/offroad bike for pretty cheap!

Okay, that's just my two cents. On road with some riding on nice smooth dirt roads and some very limited tougher dirt sections, the KLX is great for just cruising along seeing the sights, but once it gets tight, technical, steep climbs, muddy, you'll def. want something with more ground clearance and move power!

Enjoy bud!

 

Hi all, MJG, I am running a 14X48 and the stock chain guard is just fine. 110 links is just right. My 'lil brother is coming up with his Yammie Tdub 200 so I am going to slap my 13 tooth up front and see how I like the 13X48 setup. I have noticed no wear on the chain roller either with the 14X48.
Freddie

 

The wear is actually on the pin in each link. You won't see it. The only way to tell is to either measure over a set number of links or when the sprockets show wear due to the wear. Regardless, the trick is to just run the sprockets and chain until both are shot then replace sprocket and chain together. Just makes sense.

You will probably like the 13/48, I ran a 13/47 on my bike and it virtually never got bogged down in first or second. You were reving the bag off of it when doing 60-65, but otherwise great.

 

I just bought a rear 50t. The JT Sprocket shipped was only $8.50! Too good of a deal to pass up.
stock: 14/42
current: 13/42
future:14/50

Any advice or predictions? Chain link amount? Chain guard usage? Thanks guys.

 

See this: https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-length-42553/

You likely won't be able to use the chain guard (mine went away a long time ago) and there's also a decent chance that the chain guide will be a problem and may need to be moved forward as I needed to do with a 51t.