[MikeKLR650]

Hi, I recently purchased a new 2012 450x. I ride in tiger stuff so I ordered a 52 teeth rear sprocket for the rear. I pulled up the gearing calculator here: http://crfsonly.com/howto/gearing/motor ... ulator.php
to check the differences compared to stock. This doesn't seem like it is going to lower the gears that much. Does it feel a lot lower adding one tooth? Also, does anyone know if I will be able to use the stock chain? Thanks.

[450man574]

I would Drop one tooth up front, makes more of a difference

[dlee]

The 450x 05-09 takes 114 links stock, but going up one sprocket size in the rear changes to 116 links
I drop my front sprocket to 12 T, and I was able to use my stock chain, again thats on my 05

[MikeKLR650]

Yes I saw in the Honda manual that it went to 116 links. I also saw that if the wheel base is shortened, the bike will turn better.

So stock chain with a larger rear sprocket and in the process it will shorten the wheel base by moving the rear wheel closer to the front. I hope anyway....

[MikeKLR650]

So a 53 sprocket will require a longer chain.

[dlee]

I would say yes,a 53 rear sprocket change would take you from the stock 114 links to a 118 links.

[Aussiecrf230]

One tooth at the front is normally worth 3 to 4 at the rear. Front sprockets are also cheaper when you want to play around with gearing.

If the wheel goes to far forward by use of standard chain it can rub on other parts. It also doesn't allow for much build up on tyres in sloppy stuff.