YZ450F 14-53 Gearing Question

Speeddemon73
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Speeddemon73

Hey All,

It's almost time for me to get new drive parts for my 450. In a couple of previous forum posts I've been reading about the 14-53 gearing on the Yamaha 450 as being beneficial in every way. However, what I've read seems to be just regurgitating what test riders have said and I have a hard time believing its what us normies actually feel. Looking for people's real world opinions/experiences with this gearing combination and what things you noticed when implementing this gearing on your bike. I'm currently running 13-49 gearing on my 15' YZ450. Thanks dudes! 

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crc245
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crc245 8/4/2023 7:40am
8/4/2023 7:40am

Tall seat,14/53 gearing, and mapping were my favorite features on this particular YZ450F…

 

https://www.dirtrider.com/story/tests/2021-yamaha-yz450f-gytr-mod-bike-…

 

Be sure to get a 120L chain. Trim to length but run the axle as far back as possible; Relatively cheap and easy to test the gearing combo. Let us know your thoughts if you try it!

Speeddemon73
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Speeddemon73 8/29/2023 6:29am
8/29/2023 6:29am

For anyone who has a YZ450, do yourself a favor and run the 14/53 gearing. It is literally better in all conditions than the standard gearing or 13/49 combo. The 14/53 gear ratio is very close to the standard 13/49 gearing, but the decrease in chain tension effect on the chassis is very noticeable. First thing is this gearing combo makes 3rd gear usable basically everywhere on the track except the tightest of corners. Being able to stay in 3rd all around the track helps eliminate the gearing tap dance routine. This gearing combo also really eliminates the "on/off" feel when navigating long sweepers and allows you to steadily coast through a corner on throttle. I've also noticed that the rear end just feels more free and the overall chassis also seems more free. Overall, I've never been happier with my bike and really wish I would have found out about this gearing sooner. If you have a YZ450, seriously consider this combo the next time you need sprockets, but as CRC commented, make sure to get a 120L chain. 

1
austin_not_boston471 10/22/2024 6:29pm
10/22/2024 6:29pm
Speeddemon73 wrote:
For anyone who has a YZ450, do yourself a favor and run the 14/53 gearing. It is literally better in all conditions than the standard gearing...

For anyone who has a YZ450, do yourself a favor and run the 14/53 gearing. It is literally better in all conditions than the standard gearing or 13/49 combo. The 14/53 gear ratio is very close to the standard 13/49 gearing, but the decrease in chain tension effect on the chassis is very noticeable. First thing is this gearing combo makes 3rd gear usable basically everywhere on the track except the tightest of corners. Being able to stay in 3rd all around the track helps eliminate the gearing tap dance routine. This gearing combo also really eliminates the "on/off" feel when navigating long sweepers and allows you to steadily coast through a corner on throttle. I've also noticed that the rear end just feels more free and the overall chassis also seems more free. Overall, I've never been happier with my bike and really wish I would have found out about this gearing sooner. If you have a YZ450, seriously consider this combo the next time you need sprockets, but as CRC commented, make sure to get a 120L chain. 

Trying to get a different gearing setup on my 23’YZ450. Would 14/53 do just as well on this bike as it does the original poster’s 15’ model? I ran 14/52 for a short time but it was hard to get into 3rd much with that setup. I prefer a calmer 3rd gear lug 

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