Any thoughts on the following set up 13front and 48rear sprocket. Already changed the rear but still too fast off road

When you say you have already changed the rear, do you mean your running 15/48 at the mo?

I ask as I'm looking at changing my rear sprocket.

Yes thats right. I was hoping for too much. While the change is a big improvement. Its still too fast fot poor quality surfaces i ride.

14T sprockets wear fast, I'd guess a 13T will hook up in no time? May well chew through the plastic guide and into the swing arm pretty quick too?

Not heard of anyone running a 13T on the Z...

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Regarding the 14 tooth, I know this is a relative question. But how fast is fast?

I reckon the 14T front wears out 30% faster than the 15T. However, I should point out that I didn't fully "use up" the 14T sprocket I fitted as I didn't get on with the lower gearing and went back to 15/45.

I tried the 14T sprocket soon after I got the bike when I hadn't completely got to know the machine. Further on down the line, after I'd sorted out the open and closed loop fuelling, the need for lower gearing seemed less important anyway, as the bike pulled more cleanly from lower revs. By this point in time I'd also got more accustomed to riding the T�n�r� off piste and found that I could up the speed a bit on trails and felt less in need of the lower gearing.

I would spend a bit more time with the bike and the 15/48 setup and see how it goes. If it's still not right for you, then go for a 14T front - always best to try new things in small steps. I wouldn't jump straight to 13/48, as that is (on paper anyway) a seriously low final drive ratio...

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I've also put 14T front sprocket and my speedo is way off. What have you guys done, if anything, to remedy that?

I ran 15/48 and did some rally/raid kind of stuff. Only in very technical/trial kind of riding I can imagine the need for even lower gearing.

15/48 (18" wheel) on rally prepped Tenere




In most cases 'speed is the key'. If you can find your guts-button, somewhere between your ears, and dare to open up the throttle when in doubt you'll find out that the Tenere will become very stable and will plough through/over most obstacles (muddy grounds, loose pebbles or sand).

On tight and slow sections, the sheer weight of the Ten will give you more then a handful to handle and keep it all balanced (I'm no good at that kind of stuff). The engine however does pull even from the lowest revs (15/48): use the throttle to keep it just running while moderating your speed with the rear brake. The Ten will pull you through like a tractor!

HJ

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Riding the Mad Mule !! ... no more... went orange...

Thanks for all the advice singleminded, this bike really surprises me with ability to go through almost anything if you step on the throttle. Its like "did i just so that".
The problem is i just like taking it slow and enjoy the nature and thats when i fall.

By the way i recently put a new chain on and followed the recommendations regarding its slackness, but looking at your pictures, yours seems very tight..?

15/48 on an 18" doesn't count, it's more or less stock gearing on stock wheels.


In all seriousness, I'd suggest you put the cost of the chain and sprockets towards some rider training and learn to ride a bit faster. Unless you are actually on an enduro track, if you can't ride along in the bottom of the stock first gear, you're riding too slow and actually making it harder for yourself to keep the bike upright.

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I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400