ASK THE MXPERTS: WHEN IT COMES TO TEETH MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

Going from 13/49 to 13/54 would increase acceleration, but decrease shift points.

Dear MXperts,
I bought a 2022 Husky FC450. Besides the rave reviews on quality/performance, I liked that it came lower from the factory (I am just over 5’ 5”). Thus far, I am very happy with it! I do have a gearing questions I’d like MXA’s opinion on. First, I count the stock gearing as 13/49. I ride mostly on my own property/track. I’m almost always in second and third gears, but I do find situations where second feels too tall, so I use first gear, which feels too low. I am thinking of going to a 52- or 54-tooth rear to be able to more comfortably use second instead of first. Your thoughts?

Your idea of gearing your 2002 FC450 down is on the right track, because changing the gearing is the easiest way to make second gear more usable in tight turns, while bringing third gear down to where it pulls harder on corner exit. However, you are overreaching with your sprocket sizes, we would suggest going to a 50-tooth rear sprocket (maybe a 51 if you are solely focused on your own home track). A 52-tooth rear would be way too low and a 54-tooth would have you shifting every four feet—plus it is unlikely that you will find a 54-tooth sprocket and, if you did, you would have to lengthen the chain and modify the chain guide.

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