getting the power to the ground

[Podium Werx]

can anybody help I have just finished my 500 a/f but find that off the line the front lifts, so i fitted a hole shot device which is fine but out of the corners you need slight throttle or it slides out I am running a 110 rear tyre  and a 14 tooth front sprocket and a 50 rear would ,t help to run a flywheel weight i just need to get the power down to beat the 250 any would be appreciated

[kxpegger]

can anybody help I have just finished my 500 a/f but find that off the line the front lifts, so i fitted a hole shot device which is fine but out of the corners you need slight throttle or it slides out I am running a 110 rear tyre  and a 14 tooth front sprocket and a 50 rear would ,t help to run a flywheel weight i just need to get the power down to beat the 250 any would be appreciated

14/47 is stock gearing and I still have some unexpected lifts! Can't imagine what a 50 would be like but I'm an off-road guy.

[ToomanyKaws]

Depending on your weight.   I can't run stock gearing.   Am down to a 44 rear.   I think a 43 would be perfect for me in the desert.    First dropped to a 45 and it made the bike so much more controllable for me.   Front wheel stays on the ground most of the time.   I am about 165 or less with gear.       Have 14/45 on my AF thats close to being finished.    Planning to use it mostly for the MX track though.   Hope to do 2nd gear starts and hang with the 450's.   

[serafin]

You need a wider rear tire.

Serafin

[kxpegger]

This is 14/47 in a desert wash a few days after this rare thing in Las Vegas called rain. No matter how much I try to stay off the gas and still move forward without traction loss it was still difficult. You can hear the engine start to work under load and then loss of traction and the engine says I won! It sounds like you're a track rider but I still can't imagine a 50 on the back even for motocross!

http://contour.com/stories/jean-06-26dec2010

[Green Fiend]

Podium,
I think its a problem all 500AF riders face. Keeping the front wheel down ! I keep a finger on the clutch. I constantly have to feather it, especially on the whole shot. I run a 14/47 with a Dunlop 110. Does well hooking up, even in sand. I ride motocross, gearing seem good so far. I might go up to a 48 in the rear to try to stay in third more. Coming out of a corner definitly makes you think twice about gunning it. More than once my tire would be spinning, than hook up. Giving the oh S*** factor. Be safe!

[alward25]

Traction is a problem,  I am running 14/50 with a 140/80/18  Michelin S12 xc.  I just dig a trench when drag racing.  Shifting sooner is better too so you are using the torque instead of the horsepower to launch.  Have you tried lowering the front a bit?  Move your center of gravity forward a little should help keep the front down some.

[kwakman]

go taller on your gearing, lower rear tyre pressure, move wheel back to lengthen wheelbase, maybe softer shock spring to increase weight transfer, flywheel weight,use rear brake as traction control (you may laugh, but it works!) buy a 250, steal competitors spark plugs, retard ignition to decrease mid rpm hit,which should help, or, all of the above, hth,K.

[weymouth399]

go taller on your gearing, lower rear tyre pressure, move wheel back to lengthen wheelbase, maybe softer shock spring to increase weight transfer, flywheel weight,use rear brake as traction control (you may laugh, but it works!) buy a 250, steal competitors spark plugs, retard ignition to decrease mid rpm hit,which should help, or, all of the above, hth,K.

You can put the thick oem head gasket in it, that will tame her in a big way.
A 89 500 I bought had that done to it, it wasn't any fun in the sand pits but was very  leathal on a MX track.

Bob W

[awak100]

a 110 is for little girl bikes, need a 120.  I use kenda wasigal, so far it has the biggest tallest widest knobs I've found  use the clutch more coming out of corners

[mxaniac]

I would follow the gearing and tire suggestions then focus on learning better throttle control.  If that doesn't get you where yo uneed to be then consider a flywheel weight.

[Dutch-K5 Fan]

Do you  have 450 or 250 frame? I have a 250 frame, would like to have 450 swingarm for some more leght. I use Pirelli 110/90/19 mt32, because of the fourstrokes the tires got wider. If I remember correct the k5 swingarm isn't longer than a 450.
I use stock gearing  and ride third gear in corners, even in a tight one.

Dutchie

[Podium Werx]

My frame is a 250 but also building a 450 frame but the swing arms are the same thought it mite be longer

[SS109]

Work on your clutch technique. That is the best way to keep your front end down and to maintain traction in turns.