change in gearing = diff chain length -> how does this affect the bike?

[ben]

Per some previous posts, I am going to try 14/49 gearing on my 2001 KX500.

The new chain to go along with my sprockets is 116 links, and I think a stock chain is 114 links.  It got me to thinking, how will moving the rear wheel closer or farther back affect the handling or cornering of the bike.

My first thought was that moving the rear wheel forward in the rear axle slots with a shorter chain would decrease the wheel base, and make the bike corner better, but then I think I read in MXA a while ago that when you slide your rear wheel back, it puts more weight on the front end, thereby increasing the bite of the front tire.

So, how will a shorter or longer chain, and the moving of the rear wheel forwards or backwards, change the way the bike works?

Thanks.

--Ben

[kx666]

at least 90% of riders will not notice a difference. if you are not going to be changing gearing often i would recommend getting a new chain, the set up will last much longer.

if you want to over exaggerated example, look at the difference between a dragster and a formula 1 car. a shorter wheel base is easier to turn, think of the bike as a lever. your in the center and you have to spin the bike, a longer wheel base takes more effort...

unless you are as picky as i am (i even change jetting per weather changes, change gearing constantly...) you will not notice any difference. if it fits, it fits and keep playing with gearing until your happy. gearing makes a big difference
i hope this helps
~steve

[hughes]

What kind of riding are you going to be doing?? I ride woods and the 14/49 works great for me. I have noticed that I could use just a little lower 1st for the really steep hills but over all it works great I can use 2nd and thrid gear mostly and seems to able to shift less and carry more speed.

[ben]

>> What kind of riding are you going to be doing??

I ride motocross, with maybe one hare scramble a year.

--Ben

[KXcam22]

Ben,
   I would suggest 14/48 for MX. That is one tooth more on the rear than stock.  I've been very happy with that gearing for MX (and just about everything). 2nd gear starts are a guaranteed holeshot and will pull a decent 3rd gear start. 14/49 is more of a bush gearing for single track and hills.  You won't notice the extra wheelbase, there are just too many other variables at play. Hope this helps. Cam.

[Polar-Bus]

Per some previous posts, I am going to try 14/49 gearing on my 2001 KX500.

The new chain to go along with my sprockets is 116 links, and I think a stock chain is 114 links.  It got me to thinking, how will moving the rear wheel closer or farther back affect the handling or cornering of the bike.

My first thought was that moving the rear wheel forward in the rear axle slots with a shorter chain would decrease the wheel base, and make the bike corner better, but then I think I read in MXA a while ago that when you slide your rear wheel back, it puts more weight on the front end, thereby increasing the bite of the front tire.

So, how will a shorter or longer chain, and the moving of the rear wheel forwards or backwards, change the way the bike works?

Thanks.

--Ben

I have swapped to 14/49 also. Much better utilization of 1st gear in the woods, and better utilization of 2nd and 3rd on the MX track. I highly recommend this gearing. There is much tech knowledge about running a "tight" wheelbase (wheel pushed all the way foreward), and "long" wheelbase (wheel pushed all the way rearward. I've been told by pros' that the rear suspension behaves differently in whoops, and square edged bumps. I don't notice any difference, so I always set my chain length in the middle. Avoid running the KX500's wheel too far foreward, as the tire beats the crap out of the shock protector from contact.