400ex sprockets

[yub350]

Hey guys, i'll start from the begining so no one is confused. I recently went to the dunes and didn't like the way my 05 400ex was climbing those hills(2nd gear pinned). So i wanted to switch to a smaller front sprocket. Well my 400ex already has a 14 in the front and a 39 in the rear that came stock. Do you guys think dropping the front down to a 13 will kill my top end? I still would like to trail ride and have good top speed. Just want some more torqe for climbing the hills. I will be going back out to Glamis in about 2 weeks, so would really like to test it out there. Thanks for the replays.

[400exdave]

well, a 13 tooth up front would defenitley make it a lot quicker, and also, just as you say, you will lose top end. The good thing about a sprocket (especially the front) is that it is easy to switch out. So truthfully, if I were you, I would change up the front to a 13 and take it to glamis. And if you don't like how it slows you down top speed wise, then switch it out at your tent or trailer. Hope this helps

[yub350]

Tnx man, that is probably what i'll have to do. Also by putting on a 13 wouldn't it make me shift faster and i will have to do 2nd gear starts? Will i have to remove some links from my chain too? Thanks..

[duke416ex]

What gear are you wanting to climb in. You said 14/39 stock, but stock gear is 15/38, so your bike is already geared down quite a bit. I usually climb in 2nd gear, but that is in the woods and not on the dunes.

[yub350]

I bought it brand new with that gearing, so i guess its the new 05 gears. But it will only climb the huge dune hills in 2nd. I shift into 3rd and it bogs down. I just want to go faster up the hills.

[duke416ex]

Sorry didn't realize it was an 05, I would probably do the front just for ease, get a half link and a master just in case you need to take some out of the chain. I would think that until the chain gets some wear on it you should be able to take out the slack.

[yub350]

ok so do u think it will do 2nd gear starts?

I have a 2004 400ex and I went down a tooth in the front, but I still have trouble pulling 3rd up China Wall in Glamis. I can pull Olds in third and Comp in Fourth no problem, but the softer steeper hills I'm still only getting 2nd. Don't get too upset with your bike. It wasn't built to pull high gears up hills. Take it down a tooth in the front. You will be able to start in second no problem, but its going to feel the same in third as it did in second your not going to go any faster. your bike is just going to rev out quicker.

[duke416ex]

It would be close just going down in the front. You might have to go up in the rear a little also to do good 2nd gear starts. Mine is just on up in the rear, I can do them, but it lugs down before taking off. A lot would depend on if you run 20s or 22. Iguess you are running 20s or you would have said. Have you thought about getting a rev box?

[yub350]

I am currently running a white bros rev kit. I think i'll just leave it alone. Dont really want to kill my speed. Over the summer i will being making my bike a 426 so it should help out a little bit. Thanks for all the info guys.

Good choice the bike is bad *** in the dunes with a pipe, jet, & air filter combo. Just leave gearing as is. Its a good combo. If your not already using straight paddles in the sand give those a try. I was running a pair of the GBC Sand Sharks (v paddles) and the were hurting the bike when climbing dunes all they were good for was turning. I would get some extreme haulers or a set of any other straight paddels you will notice the difference big time they will hook a lot better.

[yub350]

im using sand sharks in the front and rear right now. thanks for the help.

When are you going to Glamis? I will be out there the weekend of April 22nd.

[yub350]

Me too :D Ill probably be camping in wash 9 or 10. What about you?

Probably Roadrunner not too sure yet it all depends on how full it is when I get there. If not road runner then maybe pad 4.

[yub350]

Is it going to be packed out there you think?

If you make your way over to Olds on Saturday look for a banshee with a purple frame, white platics, and a Gray seat. I will be on my red 04 400ex with no stickers and a LRD full exhaust system.

[yub350]

Cool man I'll be out there. Youll see my slow 400ex making it up the hill in 2nd gear.

No I was there just this last weekend and there was hardly anyone in the dunes. Its getting warm though this might be my last trip for the season.

[yub350]

This is my last one too, then im going back in September. Will probably have a 426 kit on it by then. I just hope its not too hot.
See you there!!