I'm not sure where to put this, so I'll stick it in here.
Those of you running two sets of wheels, with different gear ratios, how do you do it?
I would like a 14/48 on my road set and a 13/50 for my off-road set. Looking at the chain reference stickie, I would need a 110 link chain and a 108 link chain, two chains isn't an issue. What I don't really want to do is keep changing out the front sprocket. I would have to take the speedo pick up off every time, unbend the locking tab washer, without breaking it, I'd need a load of spare washers, just in case, and then change it with my inadequate tools at home, I struggle getting the correct size spanner in and my socket set isn't deep enough due to the shaft the speedo sits on. But I can't think of two gear ratios that would allow me to run one chain and one front sprocket, just swapping the back wheel in and out.
I'm not sure how many links are in my current chain, but I'm running 14/52 and I swap the rear sprocket onto the other wheel as and when required. I have a spare 48 tooth rear sprocket knocking about, but the chain doesn't go tight enough with it fitted, you max out the adjusters. I'm aware that this is a worn chain, and it sits quite far back in the swinging arm anyway, due to the tall Pirelli MT43, it's still quite close to the swinging arm.
I'm aware you should change a chain and sprocket as a set, but it makes no sense really, because if it wears as one, when you took the wheel out, you'll never put it back in so the chain link touches the same tooth it was before you took it out. Surely by the general logic, this would increase chain wear as well?
For a while now, I've been studying the chart, looking for a combo that would suit my needs with a minimum amount of fuss. The answer is of course two bikes. But I can't really go down that route, I've already filled the garage.
Please help, Adam
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Adam. 1993 Open Enduro: 14/48 Gearing, Uncorked, Twin-Air Filter, Snorkel Removed, 263cc Piston, Ported and Polished Head, Shorty Header, DG-O Silencer(Loudener!), 140 Mikuni Main, Standard Pilot, Bottom Needle Clip (Still A Touch Lean)
Thanks, I suggested 13/50 because that's what was on the bike when I bought it, and it seemed quite good off-road. 14/52 is too much of a compromise I find. After all my mods, I probably have the torque and power to run standard gearing up to the rev limiter now, but I would miss the third gear wheelies that 14/52 provides . So something like 14/48 would actually make sense for road work. The problem comes with running the offroad gearing. As it will be used on the road, for commuting, more than going out into the countryside to get muddy, I have a Honda CRM 250, but I do prefer the power delivery of the TTR for long distance trials and the like, and sloppy mud. The Honda is slightly more racey, probably better suited to dryer conditions and faster track riding.
I've had a sleep on it and I think I might just get two C+S sets and just put up with the hassle of swapping everything over as it won't be that often. I might run 13/52 on the off-road set and possibly a 14/46 for road riding. I'm not sure. I still need to put the bike back together.
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Adam. 1993 Open Enduro: 14/48 Gearing, Uncorked, Twin-Air Filter, Snorkel Removed, 263cc Piston, Ported and Polished Head, Shorty Header, DG-O Silencer(Loudener!), 140 Mikuni Main, Standard Pilot, Bottom Needle Clip (Still A Touch Lean)
Using my calculator, your offroad gearing 13/50 gives you 3.846:1. Your onroad gearing 14/48 gives 3.429:1. To avoid changing the front sprocket, you could leave it at 13 and put a 44 or 45 rear on for roadwork (3.385:1 or 3.462:1 respectively) - a 44.57 tooth sprocket would give you the exact same road ratio but that's not really practical! Fun with maths!
Unfortunately, the smaller sprocket will cause faster chain wear, but if you're using 2 chains you'll probably get the same "life" out of the 2 rears, 1 front and 2 chains! BTW, the chain doesn't sit in the same sprocket tooth all the time.
Simon.
-- Edited by mossproof on Saturday 24th of January 2015 07:21:07 PM
. So something like 14/48 would actually make sense for road work. The problem comes with running the offroad gearing. As it will be used on the road, for commuting, more than going out into the countryside to get muddy, I have a Honda CRM 250, but I do prefer the power delivery of the TTR for long distance trials and the like, and sloppy mud. The Honda is slightly more racey, probably better suited to dryer conditions and faster track riding.
