Gearing - KTM/HQV 450/500/501 Dual-Sport Models

Jeff gives his recommendations for gearing your KTM 450/500 or Husqvarna 450/501 for Dual-Sport Riding.

[mattsutube]

I agree wholeheartedly. An old codger mid-60s guy here. Chain noise drives me absolutely batty. Of course it's deemed normal, but sounds like the damn bike is tearing itself apart, LOL. I'm at stock 14-48 gearing, 22 500 excf. The only way I can get rid of it is to slightly tighten the chain while leaving play with the swing arm on a horizontal plane to the counter sprocket. But I know that's a slippery slope... always appreciate your informative very well done tutorials.

[kevm]

2018 450EXC. 14/48, Good vid always like hearing rider input, , , I see in the vid the rear mud guard
wearing down the lower shock mount, , , noise doesnt bother me but that does, , , I use a couple of layers of vinyl on the mount and the rubber guard, sticks on and easy to replace

[krproton]

Hello Jeff. I just purchased a 2017 EXC-F with 100 hrs, 2, 500 miles (uncorked, Vortex ECU). Previous owner had 14/48, but I liked neither 5th nor 6th gear crusing on paved connector roads at about 55 - 60mph. I was going to try 15 front to put it back to the stock ratio, or 50 rear to make 6th useable, but I saw this video, so I just ordered a 47 and will try what you said (14/47). Thank you!

[spatchist]

Trivia comment - Suzuki did that rubber sided countershaft sprocket back in '78 on the GS1000, they also had a big cover with sound deadening inside .

[paulbrinston]

I feel on the 20-23 exc 500’s that when they are uncorked, intake Reed delete, aftermarket exhaust and a open muffler. They need taller gearing. Love the 14/45 setup on mine, loads the engine more and pulls like a fright train 👌 never lost anywhere it felt, more everywhere since it has way more power then stock

[scarsman]

With stock gearing being 14/48, how much change in speed/rpm on the road will that one rear tooth make? I've never just made a one tooth change on the rear. I have a '21 500, on really tight PNW trails. I initially changed my front to a 13, then my rear to 51, riding in 1st and 2nd. But after a season of riding and getting much better at it, I ended up back with the stock 14/48 and riding the same trails in 2nd and 3rd gear. I don't hit more than brief stretches of service roads, but it seems to pull 60 without feeling like it's being wrung out.

Thanks for another great video! I always enjoy your videos, and the way you explain your reasons for doing, or not doing things, based on facts and experience.

[Notfounddddd]

Im running deeper 13/50 gearing and it’s exactly where I want it but I’ll let you know that I’ve got ALLOT of chain slap noise still but my old 1290SAR always had chain slap so I’m used to it. Most annoying part about it to me is my buddy’s talking about it but that’s just them digging deep to find something about my 500 that they don’t like😅

[motofamily]

I have a Husqvarna 2016 Husqvarna FE 501 and it has a 14 49 on it. Still feels tight. I’d like to open it up more. I was thinking of going to 45 maybe the 47 like you’re talking about. What do you think. Also what chain length should I get if I run the 14 47?

[scottforti]

Jeff, any idea on how to fix the spacing between fourth and fifth gear on the newer 500s? 4th and 5th are basically identical and then huge gap to 6th

[roberteddy]

Jeff, what luggage setup is on the bike in the video? I can see it’s Wolfman but what base and what size rollies? Thx

[christoforospilitsis]

You don’t use the dirt tricks counter sprocket washer.Why is that Jeff?

[chinoktmaviles]

Hi Jeff, quick question what size and brand on rear tire on this bike !

Thanks

[barnescycle]

I plan on spending about $300 and installing a 6th gear in my 17 450XC

[grutzmac]

What tires and sizes are you running on this bike? THX!