450X Gearing and cruising speed

[Motties]

Hi,

My 450X still has the original gearing (13-51) and is an absolute blast at Maraisburg and the likes.

But, I need to start thinking about long liaisons/ gravel and tar stretches ( and things like that, thinking of going 14-48 but not sure that will do in terms of a comfortable cruising speed, low speed technical stuff and dunes climbing. I have the gearing commander but prefer to hear from the dogs.

I know some guys here do long trips on the X

Please share your experiences regarding the above, what you use etc.

[wolf skaap]

Go 14-48 and see what you think.
Adding a 15 to the mix will work without having to lengthen the chain, so you can test both setups.

I've done many trips on both setups and I'm still not exactly sure which I prefer. X has enough bottom end to manage either but you might have to turn the idle up just a tad, to prevent it from flaming out at too low rev's.

For cruising, I always compare small DS bikes to my KTM's; running the X with 15-48 is like having the 5th gear midway between the 6th of the KTM and the 5th of the X with 14-48. (if that makes sense..)
Don't think that you will be lugging the bike up steep climbs with 15-48; you will have to ride some stuff with more speed (which is good)

I don't mind having to rev the Honda 1000rpm's higher in order to cruise at the same speed, seeing as the KTM's used quite a lot of oil in comparison.So it seems to me that the X is much happier at doing long distance than the pumpkin bikes.

I get the idea that they were built to have the piss ridden out of them for 1000 miles at a time.
Just like they do in the Mexican peninsula

[Motties]

Go 14-48 and see what you think.
Adding a 15 to the mix will work without having to lengthen the chain, so you can test both setups.

I've done many trips on both setups and I'm still not exactly sure which I prefer. X has enough bottom end to manage either but you might have to turn the idle up just a tad, to prevent it from flaming out at too low rev's.

For cruising, I always compare small DS bikes to my KTM's; running the X with 15-48 is like having the 5th gear midway between the 6th of the KTM and the 5th of the X with 14-48. (if that makes sense..)
Don't think that you will be lugging the bike up steep climbs with 15-48; you will have to ride some stuff with more speed (which is good)

I don't mind having to rev the Honda 1000rpm's higher in order to cruise at the same speed, seeing as the KTM's used quite a lot of oil in comparison.So it seems to me that the X is much happier at doing long distance than the pumpkin bikes.

I get the idea that they were built to have the piss ridden out of them for 1000 miles at a time.
Just like they do in the Mexican peninsula

Dankie Wolf Skaap

Not sure I follow you fully on the comparison with your KTM though, I assume this is a 530? Are you saying that 14-48 feels similar to the KTM's 5th and 15-48 feels like a 5.5th (sic) on the KTM?

At what speed do you cruise with the 14/48, can it sit at 110 for an hour or two, or does it feel like you are breaking it? I hate this part but it is unfortunately a very big part of something like Amageza and the likes.

I will put on a 14-48 anyhow and see how it goes. Thanks for the info (so far)

[sidetrack]

Even with 14/48 the X will do 160km/h. Cruising 100 will be breeze and the motor can handle the revs.

[Bender]

How did you find the 14 - 48 Setup Darksider, I am between two minds for a ride that comes up next weekend the Warthoh Run. I want to take the Honda with a 14 - 48 Setup, it will be mostly long stretches of gravel road. Out rides up to 250km a day.

My concern lies with cruising speed, I see you mentioned 110Km.

[wolf skaap]

How did you find the 14 - 48 Setup Darksider, I am between two minds for a ride that comes up next weekend the Warthoh Run. I want to take the Honda with a 14 - 48 Setup, it will be mostly long stretches of gravel road. Out rides up to 250km a day.

My concern lies with cruising speed, I see you mentioned 110Km.

Go 15-48
If you cant find a 15t sprocket in time, I have a brand new one which you can buy from me
 

[washer6]

Even with 14/48 the X will do 160km/h. Cruising 100 will be breeze and the motor can handle the revs.

Are U serious??
I get max 135km/h with 14/48 sprocket setup. I am doing the motor soon and will see what she gives then??

[sidetrack]

Even with 14/48 the X will do 160km/h. Cruising 100 will be breeze and the motor can handle the revs.

Are U serious??
I get max 135km/h with 14/48 sprocket setup. I am doing the motor soon and will see what she gives then??

Wolf skaap got over 150km/h on the GPS and I'm sure he was running this gearing at the time, what do you weigh  

[dirtWarp]

Even with 14/48 the X will do 160km/h. Cruising 100 will be breeze and the motor can handle the revs.

Are U serious??
I get max 135km/h with 14/48 sprocket setup. I am doing the motor soon and will see what she gives then??

Wolf skaap got over 150km/h on the GPS and I'm sure he was running this gearing at the time, what do you weigh  

was 160 with 14-48 WITH flat rear
thank you very much 

[washer6]

i weigh 95 kilos. but bike weighing about 150kg at the time with all the fuel and nav gear. Also the fairing does it's bit too slow it down, so taking all that in consideration i would think that that speed is not too bad heh??

[dirtWarp]

i weigh 95 kilos. but bike weighing about 150kg at the time with all the fuel and nav gear. Also the fairing does it's bit too slow it down, so taking all that in consideration i would think that that speed is not too bad heh??

You max out at 135km/h on tar , correct?

That CRF is carrying 30% more weight than mine did  + extra wind resistance might limit it 
Mine had a full DRD exhaust fitted though