Ok guys if you run those kind of speeds, you got me. Around here Wyoming most of the time, corners, washes, something comes up really fast, even with 13-49 gears. The few times on a clear open road,I'll top out. I'm not a road rider. Usually I'm cutting across sage brush up a hill down into a valley, I guess just rougher terrain. Thats why I gear down alot. And I like to hillclimb quite a bit. Again the low gearing helps alot. This is a stock bike, no extensions I'm takeing about. I climb in 3rd gear. most people climb in 2nd. On my hillclimb bike, its the opposite. I like tall gears 14-47 (stock gearing) the reason is I built the motor for torque not rpm. The bike hooks up better (like a new style 4 stroke 450) with motor built for torque, tall gears. Plus its alot more controlled power, its not that crazy explosion power. For me it helps me keep my lines going up a hill. And I dont have to use my clutch as much going up the hill. Its easier for me. I love kx 500's but the only thing to an extent I dont like is that is that crazy hit, its fun buuuuuut, at times gets me in trouble sometimes. I build most my bikes for torque. why? Thats what 500's are all about torque I use it. Its like a big block chevy verses a small block. One torque one rpm. I do have a 1986 and for some reason its an rpm bike, it pulls like a 2 stroke 125. Hard hitting magnum type. Still fun though at times. But for all around rideing I like torque. And no you dont actually gain hp by gear changes. But you do it one time 14-47 to 13-49 youll see what I'm talking about. Ride with stock gearing then come back and make the change. Some people like it some dont. It works for me. I use all 5 of my gears not just the 1st 3 gears. Thats why I gear down.
