Hi all!

Bike: 2006 KLX 250 w/430 miles

I just received my tires, tubes and rim strips from Dennis Kirk, i went with IRC brand GP-1. 4.60x18 rear-----3.00x21 front

For ease of use----It's been a while "30+ years" since I replaced a cycle tire, Talcum powder and/or Dawn? or any newer methods?

Question: as long as the rear tire is off, the sprockets are OEM and I am thinking of going lower on the front sprocket to 13t. Good idea? I really do not care about speed, I am interested in good/better pickup. Or is going to a larger rear sprocket better? And Should I get a new chain?---having only 430 miles on the OEM chain I am curious if I need a new one?

Where is a good place to get a new sprocket and chain?? Dennis Kirk? EBay?


Thanks for any input!!

Stashu

 

As long as you keep the same pitch with the new sprocket i woulndn't bother replacing the chain with only 430 miles on it.

 

Thanks for the reply!

So if I went with a 13 tooth front I can use the same chain BUT remove one link and as always replace the master link.

thanks

Stash

 

I would continue using the stock chain. You should not have to remove a link from it, you will have to adjust the chain slack, but there is enough adjustment room to accommodate the 13 t. I ran mine like this until I went back to the 14 t with the 351 big bore.
Changing tires I use talcum powder and windex, but yeah pretty much the same.
Dan

 

Thanks for the reply.. good to know I do not have to take a link out.
I've seen 13t sprockets on Ebay "RENTHAL FRONT Sprocket" part #438-520-13
for about 20.00 or so.

Better than stock Kawa OEM Sprocket???

Thanks

Stash

 

I prefer going up a couple of teeth on the rear instead of dropping a tooth up front, when I'm looking for more pull. I think the drivetrain lasts a bit longer (chain and front sprocket) when you don't have such a tight radius of a smaller front sprocket. However, in the long run, it's probably cheaper to go to a smaller sprocket in spite of the small increase in wear rate.

But, if you're going to change the chain at 430 miles, can I have your old one?

 

A 2006 with 430 miles???!!! Really? Did you miss a zero? Nice find!

picked up my 2006 one year ago with 3K miles. It was sweet and stock. I thought I picked up the lowest mileage 2006 around

then bumped up the stock 14/42 to a 49 rear and 13 front and needed a new chain for length. Now running 13, 14, or 15F with 49R (this weekend was with the 15/49 pretty close to 13/42). Yesterday, I wish the 14 was on. It was steep and we were fully loaded for a weekend DS ride; put on over 200 miles in the desert off road.

 

My 09 has 6474 miles on the stock chain with about the last 2000 being a 351.
Most of the time I run 12X42 with 14X42 for more hiway. Last ride I put a 15 on just to see the diff. No more 14 for me. When I get new it will be 12&15x42.

I ran Kanda "Washougal Sticky" front and back but just went with a Kenda "Track Master"120X100 out back to see if the wear was any different.

 

12 tooth for an '09? Details?

 

im gonna run 14/49 here shortly