2018 Honda CRF450 gearing for lack of low end

erik_94COBRA
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948
Joined
7/21/2016
Location
Houston-ish, TX US
7/16/2018 6:02am
Have about 15 hours on my '18 Honda CRF450. First 450 I've spent any amount of time on and really enjoying it so far.

The problem I'm having is in semi-tight turns: ones I can take in 3rd gear with some clutching or downshifting to 2nd. Staying in 3rd feels like it requires more clutching than a 450 should need. Downshifting feels faster but uses a lot of energy.

This lack of pull from the low end into the mid-range is making me consider changing rear sprockets to a 48 tooth rear to lengthen 2nd gear or to a 50 tooth rear to bring 3rd gear on sooner. Stock gearing is fine everywhere else and would be fine for this if it had just a little more off the bottom.

Any thoughts?
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aedwards07
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5/17/2008
Location
st cloud, FL US
7/16/2018 6:22am
Just about everyone i know me included runs the 50 on the back.
1
slipdog
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10043
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7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
7/16/2018 6:27am
I run a 51 on my '17 and it pulls 3rd no problem in tighter turns. My opinion is you should never be in 2nd on a 450 except off the start.
1
erik_94COBRA
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948
Joined
7/21/2016
Location
Houston-ish, TX US
7/16/2018 6:31am
Thanks for the replies. Was leaning towards lower gearing for using 3rd more.
1
7/16/2018 8:54am
slipdog wrote:
I run a 51 on my '17 and it pulls 3rd no problem in tighter turns. My opinion is you should never be in 2nd on...
I run a 51 on my '17 and it pulls 3rd no problem in tighter turns. My opinion is you should never be in 2nd on a 450 except off the start.
Thanks! Might try this on my 18’. I’m in between 2nd and 3rd a lot.
1

The Shop

fourfourone
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2922
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10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT US
7/16/2018 10:05am
keep it in 3rd and don't be afraid to use the clutch
xaka17
Posts
34
Joined
1/3/2016
Location
GR
8/20/2018 9:00am
I put on a 48 and it works really smooth in second.it helps on starts plus it has the power for jumping immediately after turns and third gear can blow out any straight on standard map.another plus,,,48 send the rear wheel further back and the bigger wheelbase will give you more frond end traction and more stability in fast sections.dont forget after any decision to readjust the sag (108 personnal setting) and play with highspeed comp.
50 tooth - 1/12 (out)
48 tooth +1/12 (in).

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