Gearing for specific mx track: what would you do?

[rablack21]

I run into the same issue Ryan. I run a 14/37 almost %90 of the time. Early in the season when I'm not in shape I switch to a 14/38 as it helps on the bottom end ever so slightly for the tight track I ride on as well as my lack of stamina to hang on at higher speeds.

 I'm curious if it's more of a traction issue and the reason i say that is this. At the one race a guy showed up with a Roll 265R set up for MX...nothing crazy but just a clean bike. Anyway we were talking after his race and I said you are jumping stuff and clearing things I have now chance in hell of doing. we talked set up and gearing came into the conversation and long story short....we ran same gearing with similar engine mods but he was putting his power to the ground much more efficiently than I was. Have you tried messing with your air pressure? Maybe scoot that A$$ back just a bit more on the straight away?? Just throwing some ideas out there.

As mentioned don't be afraid to mess wiht the gearing but that 39 rear gear you may be shifting like a MOFO on the holeshot but then again it may help with the traction? Keep us posted.

Hey Joe, good to hear from ya. I could be wrong, but I don't think it is a traction issue. I did actually lower the air pressure in my tires last time I was out at this track and my traction was awesome! I dropped my rear from 8lbs to 6 lbs, and the tires and engine really liked it. I was pulling wheelies out of the turns and on the straight aways. I could lift the front tires in 3rd and 4th gear. The rear tires were hooking up and eating really well.

As you said, I may have to try the 39 just to satisfy my own curiosity, but like you said, I don't want to have to shift constantly when racing.

Here was my thinking for option 1 if I went this route (and it may be totally wrong).  Essentially if you gear the engine up, the quad wouldn't accelerate as fast. If the wheels are not spinning as fast, then even better traction would be available, if that is an issue. Plus, the top speed of each gear would be slightly higher than before. If that is the case, it should require a little bit less throttle to reach the speed I need to clear the double (since 3rd gear top speed will now be slightly higher), thus not maxing out the rpms. And I should also be able to push 4th gear a little bit further(since 4th gear top speed would also be a little bit faster). Down side would be my holeshot acceleration would be a little less.

Again, this is just me pondering the different ideas, and i appreciate everyone's inputs. I like having discussions on stuff like this. We need all the advantages we can get against these fellers with twice the size motors we do.

[jamieg45]

You can beat most off of the line if you pay attention to the gate mechanism, and time it just rite when you see it move and the gate will drop then. I did real good with my 265 motor and then with my 310 even better. I was always asked hows come I was so good at the gate and the whoops too. Its practice and practice, getting the rev rite and the same with being on the track to a jump. I really think you will like the 14/39 set up and how well it will work out for you. With my banshee I ran a 14/41 on it for mx and had the speed for all as well, there was only one track that I couldn't keep traction to do the big double coming out of a corner. I would always loose the rear end out and have to not jump the jump. The photo of the jump is in the action pics that Harold Goodman is doing on his Suzuki he use to run. Only a few riders could do it on a quad though.

[JoePA]

I think it's finding that right combo where everything works for YOU. As both you and Jamie have mentioned its getting that proper acceleration where if say you are running a 14/37 you may have too much wheel spin but a 14/39 might be perfect. As well as Jamie mentioned practice, practice and practice. This helps the most and the one thing that I have trouble with is trying somethign different. I feel if it's good why mess with it and in fact it may not be good I just found a way to deal with it. Suspension is a biggie one doens't like to mess with unless it's just plain horrible.

I say try the 39 and see if you can find a 38. I know it may not be that noticable but it could be the magic number. Once you get your set up dialed in to where it is working for you keep a log of jetting, gearing, suspension settings etc. don't be afraid to wrtie in what works best for what time of year....Example: early spring setup, low humidity: 165 main, 45 pilot, dgh needle in middle position.

Good luck and keep us posted. Gonna try to get the dust off of the R and get my out of shape a$$ to a race this weekend so i'll keep you posted as well.