250r Problem... Short Gears or bad tranny???

[sdj1904]

I recently picked up an 88 250r for a pretty good deal out here in California...

The motor runs great...

Here's the question the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears seem extremely short... to where literally u put the power down and u shift up to 4th to go maybe 20 mph...

I know something is up but not sure what exactly.

I'm sure I sound stupid for asking but PLEASE respond with suggestions as to what to check or as to why the gears seem wierd.

Back in the day my dad had a stock 89 250r and his flew in 3rd gear (went prob 35-40 mph) so I know something must be wrong.

The quad shifts pefect so I have no idea as to what would make 1st - 3rd seem almost useless.

Again... Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[mi250r]

Check or count the teeth on the front and rear sprockets. May have been swapped out for differant gearing. Stock should have been 13 on the front, and 38 on the back.

[sdj1904]

The front sprocket has 12 teeth and the rear has 39? I'm guessing that is not the prob?

[mi250r]

That would gear it down... I changed to a twelve tooth front at silver lake last spring and it made a huge differance. Also made a big differance at home after. I put the 13 back on. If you have 18 inch rear tires and the 12 Im sure that would make it run out through the gears real quick.

[hondardr4life]

Yea, that gearing is really low. Are you running 18, or 20 inch tires. I'm running 14/38 with my 18's. If thats not he problem, then maybe the clutch is slipping :confused: , but it doesnt sound like a clutch issue if its not doing it in all the gears.

[sdj1904]

Ok I checked the tires... I am running 20 inch paddles...

So whats the better ratio to use? Should I purchase a stock set of sprockets?

13 front and 38 rear? Or would something else be even better?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Tom TRX250R]

I have tried the 12 tooth sprocket on my R as well just to give it a shot and it does go through the gears REALLY quick. I would suggest going with stock 13/38 or 13/39 with 20" tires on the rear.

[sdj1904]

I will go ahead and pickup a 13 tooth one for the front.

Do I need to buy a new chain as well or will the existing one be fine?

(Sorry I don't know that much)

[Tom TRX250R]

Its always a good to buy a new chain with sprockets so they will wear evenly, though if your chain is newer looking and in good shape, you can get away with it. If you do buy a new chain, definately go with an o-ring chain over non o-ring.

[jas250r]

yeah putting a 12 on front makes you bang threw the first three like nothing else. Just as fast as u let the clutch out your already pulling it in and shift again. Its kind of fun when racing your buddies

[beerock]

13/37 wrked awesome for my 265 with 20" sand stars, if you dont have alot of power maybe try 37 or 38