440EX top speed run with GPS was...

[Steven]

Ok, I made a top speed run on my 440 and recorded it with my GPS.

68.9 mph on paved road and super reved out in 5th gear.

This is about the same top speed this bike ran when it was a modofied 400 (66 mph).

I have discovered that the top speed will remain about the same because both set ups ran to redline in 5th gear, even if the 440 got to redline in 5th much faster than the 400.

Now in the sand, gears 1-2-3 rip. 4th and 5th rev out nice as well but not with the same urgency. How often do I do 68 mph in my normal riding? Never. So this stock gearing seems to be a waste of available thrust.

If I drop down to a 14 tooth front sprocket, how much top speed will I loose? Anybody know in mph?

I would like to make better use of 4-5th gears but I'm afraid that if I shorten the gearing, the rear tires will spin more than bite in the lower gears. What do you think?

Also, for those of you interusted in jetting, I checked the plug after that 5th gear run. Even with the dynojet 170 main, I was still a tad rich. There is definately room to safely go to a 168 or 166 perhaps. I think that the 170 might run a little cooler so I'll leave it for reliability. What do you think?

Thanks, Steve.

[BadA$$440]

I took off my 14th cuz i was TO MUCH bottem end. But then again i am a speed guy. 68mph? are you sure. I had my 400 with just a pipe clocked at 71 on paved roads WOT. I heard the 440 kit has ALOT of bottem end also.

[Big - D Racing]

Gear up, go to a 16 front. The 440 has a ton of bottom, the 16 will give you an equal amount of top end to compare to the bottom.

[tprender]

With my 440 I use a 16T/38 and might change to a 36 next time. Use this to get the top speed for the 400.
http://home.earthlink.net/~gellett/400ex.htm
Engine kits will only get you to that speed quicker. The trans is what the limiting factor.

[Steven]

Yeah, I'm sure. The GPS is a 12 channel, so its acurate to the 1/10th of a mph. I could have held on longer but I was affraid to blow the engine. I'm sure 70+ could have been done.

Like I said, the top speeds are about the same between the 400 and 440. Its the gearing thats the limitation, not the motor. Both engines will run to redline in 5th gear with the 440 engine will pulling like crazy on the 400.

Anyway, you guys think I should go to a 16 front sprocket?

Steve

[shook]

My 426 with TC cam and x6 pipe 39mm fcr mild head porting ran 71.1 and the carb is way off right now hasnt been on but two rides still trying to dial it in.My buddies 310 esr motor ran 88.6 with stock gearing this past weekend on a gravel road.however I do have 16t front on my 426, butIm thinking about putting it back stock gearing I believe it is the best of both worlds.

[tprender]

I have a 440 with a full race cam and I only ride in the woods. I tried a 16T on the front with the 38 in the rear. I would not go back to the 15 for any reason. When riding I can keep it in 2nd and not have to shift very much. I don't think that I lost any bottom. If I did, I can still pull any hill and run even with a piped Craptor.

[oregonrider89]

I found on my 440 the 16 was a little too tall. It pulled alright but I am going to run 15/37. I have the sprocket but haven't been able to try it. I'm going this weekend, I'll let you know how it does.

oregonrider89

[440exnacsracer]

for all of you that dont want to use those front sprokets anymore, i have some oneal element boots i will trade for a 16t front sprocket and $20. the boots are in fair condition..pm me if interested. lata
Ben

[Steven]

Thanks for the help fellas. I ordered a renthal 16 tooth today.

I figure that it makes more sense to make better use of 1-2-3rd gears than it does to focus on the thrust 4th and 5th.

Right now, 1-2-3 spin really bad on any surface. I hope the gear change will help bog the engine some and cause better hook up.

With any luck, it will still pull gears 4-5 ok.

I'll take another GPS reading after the change and report it. Anyone think 80 mph is possible?

We'll fnd out.

Thanks, Steve.

[DMC mx400ex]

i dont think it will make that much of a diff...

[BigThumper33]

I'm guessing 73-74mph

[GreatAim]

http://home.earthlink.net/~gellett/400ex.htm
this site says that 1 tooth= 5mph

[DMC mx400ex]

yeah and it goes 75 stock:huh :huh

[Steven]

Well, I spoke with Christian today. He is my local honda tech who has been wrenching hondas for 17 years.

He said the 16 was a good idea. It his words, it will help slow everything up so that I could get more traction.

I hope this is the solution. I'll report again next week.

Steve

[ChadEXer]

You probably wont like the 16t! Some people do but i definately dont!!! My 416(cam and full race porting)ran real strong and outran every 440 i raced but when I put the 16t up front I couldnt hang anymore,,,I got rid of it!!!

[DMC mx400ex]

16 th increases top end... lowers low end..

[mopar 400]

All you guys are talkin about what size sprockets, yet none mention what size tires you are runnin with the sprockets. I have tried a 14, 15, and 16 front with a 38 rear, and found with 20-11-9 holeshots on the rear and a 416 10.8-1, with a rev box the 15 front 38 rear is right on... Just my .02

[ChadEXer]

Originally posted by mopar 400
All you guys are talkin about what size sprockets, yet none mention what size tires you are runnin with the sprockets. I have tried a 14, 15, and 16 front with a 38 rear, and found with 20-11-9 holeshots on the rear and a 416 10.8-1, with a rev box the 15 front 38 rear is right on... Just my .02 Thats the same setup i had with my 416 too and I agree stock is the best gearing,,,Ill be running stock gearing on the 505 too,,,nuless I think it needs a chancge,,,but I think Honda did a good job with the gearing!!!

[Steven]

Thanks for the input guys... worst thing than can happen is that I don't like the 16. I'll still have the 15 to put back in. Thats the fun of playing.

Thanks, Steve

[eldoexrider01]

i got a 16 and 36T sprockets. and after tryin em all out guess which ones i picked.......yup u guessed it. stock.