CRF250L Gearing Change 13/42

To get a little more out of our 2018 CRF250l we decided to change the gearing to 13/42. However we wanted to know if this mod would get us more power, how much would it change the speedometer and would we want to keep it? If you enjoy this video please subscribe!
#crf250l #dualsport #crf250lmods
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[@iridemotorbikes]

Good stuff!

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks!

[@rickshawphilippines]

Bike sounds great

[@DadsDomain]

I think his next mod will be to the spark arrestor for a little more tone

[@harleyokan452]

Cool video...Did you have to modify/replace the rear chain guide for this setup?

[@regianeduarte2000]

Nice video the 250l is an interesting bike to look at

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks, it honestly has its own looks. I don’t think the other Honda bikes look anything like it

[@ukmudlover7839]

I hear all these things about the gearing but not once have i had an issue. The bike moves well it's very tough with a bit of extra weight but it works well as standard. That cbr engine just works so well on the bike. I ride mine like I stole it 👍

[@DadsDomain]

It does work really well. I would say this change just gives you that extra pep at lower speeds if that’s what you’re looking for

[@johncarlson8029]

Remember 1 tooth on the front up or down = 3 on the rear. Shorter meaning smaller front and bigger tear is the best for Eastern woods riding. You seem to have very open fire road type trails where you can use morw speed. I live in Virginia where you don't usually get out of tje top of 3rd so i went down 1 tooth in front and up 3 to 6 i can't remember but it turned into a warp speed woods bike where as i could use 5th and 6th at times on open stuff. But in tighter terrain it was untouchable even by mx bikes. Needless to say i helped set up alot of bikes for woods racing at GNCC district 7 harw scrambles. We came in at the tio 5 quite a bit. ... alot of moner and alot of fun. This was with the bigger framed air cooled XR 250r and 600r which was all we had from Honda. The new frame came out in 96 or 98 can't remember. Oh well have fun!.

[@DadsDomain]

Nothing beats having experience. Good to know about the front/rear ratio. I wasn’t aware that the 1-3 is the gap

[@abyss5469]

I LOVED my xr250r I used to have

[@canon.250]

i remember when my 250l was that quiet that i could hear the clutch pull 😂

[@beomsukim3929]

I have crf250l rally. I tested 14/42 and I get better acceleration until around 40 mph. I see about 5000 rpm at 50 mph, 6000 rpm at 60 mph and 7000 rpm at 70 mph (max speed). Too much engine noise above 60 mph. If you ride offroad 14/42 seems better, and if you ride faster than 50 mph on road, 14/40 is better. I changed back to the original setting 14/40.

[@donaldmaclean4842]

From past experience with another bike. When the speed on the bike is higher than actual it adds millage to it also. A friend charged his hayabusa sprockets and when we traveled the same distance he indicated higher mileage.

[@DadsDomain]

When my dad and I did a 40 mile MPG loop his odometer was off of my 450l stock for stock. After this video I compared my 450l to my phone and it was spot on. We'll be posting a video soon of the speedometer calibrator we put on it after this.

[@theravedaddy]

I was running 13/49 to keep up with ktm300s on sandy trails. It made for some frantic gear shifting and road speeds of 160kph indicated! I just switched to 13/45 and thats a much better ratio for fast trails with the only downside being that it bogs down on very steep climbs, i have to rev n clutch it to keep climbing.

[@DadsDomain]

You’re definitely pushing the bike for all she’s got though. Sometimes it’s a lot of fun to max out a bike and know it’s taking skill too!

[@theravedaddy]

@@DadsDomain the stock suspension has refined my crashing skills to a point now where i bail off the thing just as i can feel it about to wipe out real bad... :)

[@mj3387]

i would have liked to see a 0-60 and top speed comparison between the stock gearing and the 13/42, you basically took 11 minutes to tell us the speedometer will be off and that you like the set up.

[@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx]

My stock klx250 is 14/42. The speedo is off by about 6-10 mph depending. I’m swapping to a 13t in the front. Heard it’s overall better. Barely lose any off the top as well. More torque

[@DadsDomain]

I really enjoyed the extra snap it had with the gear change but 65 was turning more rpm for sure

[@agavejon]

What part of the country y'all in, this area looks nice?

[@awatts222]

My 2021 CRF300L rally has a front wheel speedo, will that prevent the change in speed?

[@connorfagan9801]

I run a stock front and 47 rear works a charm off Road

[@DadsDomain]

That probably gives you a lot more response than stock

[@connorfagan9801]

@@DadsDomain hill climbs are now way to easy man like hills where previously a run up was needed can now start at the base and full send straight up them.

[@jayzukicmartinez2397]

What's the best gear ratio to climb steep hills on the crf 250l?

[@magnuspym]

You never mention the stock gearing. did you go up or down on the front& back??

[@Fives-gm2bv]

I did the exact same gear change. The bike struggles to go 50 mph screaming. But it’s the only thing you can do to get lots of torque and enough power to do wheelies. Stock gearing is so bad that it almost kills the bike trying to move in first gear on the street. So your top speed is severely limited. . Which sucks. But if you’re driving the speed below this it’s pretty good.

[@DadsDomain]

It needs a 7th gear!

[@Crittermoto]

You called out about 6000rpm at 60mph stock. What was the rpm at 60mph 13/42? If you’re 10miles of were you at 7000rpm at 60mph?

[@williamfilla1102]

hey mate what app do you use for the speed

[@mahaniamir]

what are original sproket sizes on 250l 13/39 !??

[@drewmacmillan6954]

Great vid. My bike with that setup , top speed is 80 plus miles per. The bike could do that all day , as you are nowhere near red line. But the bike is much more comfortable at 65 , yet you have that reserve to crack it on to pass anyone doing the speed limit.. Great bike! Cheers

[@DadsDomain]

We have taken a somewhat longer ride after this upgrade and he has no regrets doing it

[@WADEPH33R3]

so with this set up you were still able to get to 80mph?

[@KostinAndreyVladimirovich]

For roads 15/45, for mud 13/45. I use 14/42 (maximum speed 73 mph GPS)

[@walkerskii]

Will the sprockets he installed give them low and power, but at the same time slow down the top speed on the freeway?

[@craigbielsky115]

@@walkerskii yep...

[@spekulatius1337]

15/45 is the exact same ratio as 14/42 lol

[@spekulatius1337]

13/45 means a whopping 17.5% more torque and less top speed.

[@jondotcom8706]

Same setup on my CRF300l with stock chain. I’m able to tackle gnarly tight stuff with much less effort

[@airadaimagery692]

You still running a 13/42 on your 300l? What’s your top speed? I’m thinking about putting going from stock to just a 42 rear.

[@davidroberts7490]

Hi, good video ! Was that 63 mph at 7,400 rpm ? Happy Easter ! 🙂

[@DadsDomain]

Yep. It adjusted everything by about 10mph and 1000 rpm

[@kleitosaliagas5668]

@@DadsDomain was that the top speed?

[@enduroapratoedintorni]

ciao ti scrivo dall italia e vorrei fare la modifica dei rapporti che hai fatto tu ma non riesco a trovare il pignone di 13 e la corona di 42 mipuoi dare delle indicazioni dove trovarle? grazie

[@christopherhamm1574]

I installed the 13 front last year. That gave a little bit more throttle response but certainly not enough to pick up the front wheel. Was looking to change the rear sprocket. Not quite sure if I should go with the 42 or the 45. Im still unsure which way I want to go. My first changes to my 2018 are the following: Tusk folding shift lever, Flat Land Racing radiator guard, Acerbis skid plate and frame guards, and hand guards.and of course the 13 tooth front sprocket. Perhaps I will just flip a coin on the rear sprocket choice.

[@DadsDomain]

That’s a nice list of upgrades. How often do you go 65? I wouldn’t go higher than 42 if it’s too often. If you’re mostly around trails and 55 and under I would go 45. But sometimes there’s only one way to know and that’s to try it.

[@christopherhamm1574]

Dads Domain I sometimes use the bike as a commuter to work. I do about 3 miles of highway speed (65mph) each way. I bought it mostly for dirt roads and trails but found it to be quite good on the highway for short trips. I will probably go for the 42 as the stock chain will work. I only have about 700 miles on the clock. Lots of smiles in those 700 miles.

[@adrenalinexotics]

Christopher Hamm in a bit confused these bikes are wheelie machines without changing the sprocket a 13t makes first and second gear wheelies from a mph roll almost Impossible to not come up and I weight 250lbs..

[@DadsDomain]

You must be sitting back too far because I can slam my 450 full throttle and keep the front end down no problem. I don’t really consider the 250 a wheelie machine but that’s just me

[@adrenalinexotics]

I’m not saying I can’t keep the wheel down by sitting forward and holding weight I’m saying his comment about NOT being able to get the front wheel up is insane

[@TokyotimTech]

I’ve ridden the 250L in about 5 countries so far and 13/42 is the best all around gearing if you still want to be able to tackle anything difficult off-road. If you like to avoid pavement 90% of the time then this is the combo you want

[@DadsDomain]

Its amazing how versatile this bike is at the end of the day, it can do just about anything!

[@brucejones5341]

A bit confused here. Isn't the speedometer connected to the front wheel? So in my head the odometer has nothing to do with the sprocket size. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[@Skidoo_Riderz38]

@@brucejones5341 no sadly it works with the rpm of the engine!

[@cheefussmith9380]

very nice! is that SE texas?

[@DadsDomain]

No, we're up in NE WA

[@cheefussmith9380]

Dads Domain lol samsonite? I was way off!

[@brummiecrf250l5]

Hi,may i ask where you got the 2 red headlamp shroud decals from please.thanks and kind regards,Vince, England, U.K

[@DadsDomain]

My dad actually made them out of spare graphics kits from our other bikes. I was surprised he did so good!

[@brummiecrf250l5]

Hi thats cool,he did a real good job.thank you.

[@Shootemfulloholes]

Great vid and really helpful. im using 13T in front and 40T rear and it just seems to be a real good all around ratio!! at 65 i get a 10 mile difference.

[@spekulatius1337]

13/40 is gonna be off 7.1% and 13/42 is gonna be off 11.6%.

[@petertaylor2148]

It's not making sense to me. You seem to have geared it down.. meaning it will be a lower geared bike.. but you have a higher top speed, you must have given it more throttle, than the first try . Am I wrong ? So 60 mph at 6000 rpm. What was the rpm at 63 mph on the second run ? I think you gave it more throttle bro . So on the first run, would it do say 7000 rpm it you went full throttle. Or were you at full throttle.. ? To be a fair comparison l need to know. But ofc l take the point it's much better . Great bike.. Awesome 👌

[@paulbarrows3244]

I am interested in this bike and found your channel, good stuff. Thoughts on someone 6'1" 200lbs getting this bike?

[@DadsDomain]

I am 6’3” 215 and the way I see it is if you want a go anywhere, good mpg, low cost bike it’s awesome. But the power can be lacking. That’s the main concern. I have a video comparing this bike to my 450l in detail

[@TokyotimTech]

6’2 here 230lbs you really gotta change the suspension. I love the bike but it’s sprung for 150lb Asians. I did the full Racetech on mine

[@lukefish7562]

@@TokyotimTech I’m getting one this AM and have read that about the suspension. I’ll be off road 90% of the time. What would you suggest? Thanks a lot! Have fun! Be safe!

[@TokyotimTech]

@@lukefish7562 Def Racetech front and back if you can afford it

[@abumuhammad40]

Wats the stock gearing.wats the best setup for wheelies.i only ride in dirt.never past 60miles per hr

[@thumperbangin2000]

Abu Muhammad stock 14/40

[@timbarrow1318]

am looking at getting 13t and 42t rear, i need to do 70mph for 4/5 miles sometimes, but i also want to do some wheelies easily. is this set up good?

[@DadsDomain]

Yep I wouldn’t be afraid of running it that speed for a few miles. I wouldn’t want to do it sustained for a long time but here and there should be just fine

[@TokyotimTech]

13/42 is the way to go. Your RPM Is a little high at 70mph (I’m remembering 7000rpm I think) but it doesn’t hurt anything other than your mpg. 13/42 is just the best all around unless you never ever intend to go off-road and want to cruise hwy all day every day

[@nightcrawlerau919]

TokyotimTech Thanks 👍

[@walkerskii]

If you got more power down low, does that mean it now goes slower top speed and sixth gear?

[@callmeda98]

Yes I did the gearing change. That will happen

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I have a 2017 crf250l, I tried a 13 tooth front sprocket, bike was slower and used more gas, took it off and went back to stock !

[@BluuSkyz]

Same, I found that 14/42 is perfect.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Can I ask if the stock chain fits that combination (14x42)

[@markcollins5026]

@@iangriffiths9930 man, I haven't tried it but I herd the stock chain will fit !

[@dixy2k]

Big bore kit next?

[@DadsDomain]

If it was mine yes! But my dad would never be willing to do it

[@billtinkler1544]

What about rpm and speed before and after?

[@DadsDomain]

Basically in top gear the rpms match the display. So if it said 60 it’s at 6k in top gear. So now to get around 64 mph on my phone it’s showing 75 on the display which is about 7500 rpm. Sorry. I only briefly mentioned the 1:1 early on and should have added that at the end

[@BluuSkyz]

The 13/42 setup was way too short for me. I wen't to 14/42 and I'm happy with it there. Can still pull up 2nd gear wheelies no problem.

[@DadsDomain]

Thats still a good compromise and you don't have to worry about the chain guide

[@trentenhoward9475]

You can pull it up in second but the real question is can you hold it in second

[@waxmanvids5015]

yeah I agree.. 13/42 makes it feel like its screaming at 60 mph.. it's really not but faster cruising seems like it's working on the engine too hard but I'm sure it won't hurt anything

[@spekulatius1337]

14/42 means 4.8% more torque and less top speed.

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

12/54 for an exciting bike

[@DadsDomain]

That would def make it zippy down low

[@craigbielsky115]

15/43 on ice tuck and roll bro.....

[@xxxFfreshxxx]

You serious?

[@grege1441]

I would be curious to know how it effects your gas mileage. That may be a little hard to determine taking into account the changes in the speedo.

[@DadsDomain]

I wish we had mapped our route in the mpg video we did. It’s a lot of roads my dad normally rides so we might go after it again too see what the change is

[@nelsdude]

I put a 42t in the rear with the SpeedoDRD. The speedometer is dead on now. Without any other mods I get consistently 80mpg.

[@norincobrocapri46]

What were the original sprockets, please ? ...and where is the speedo drive taken from

[@DadsDomain]

The original sprockets are 14/40. I haven’t looked on his bike bike to be honest as to where the sensor is. I just no it’s not based on the front wheel like they used to be

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

It’s computer based. The speedo correction device plugs inline with the OEM harness. It’s like a pcboard with some chips on it.

[@jimkline8080]

I would like to know why you think the GPS is more accurate than the actual ground speed, the gps speed cant read the contours in the earth up and down hills this i read in my off road gps i purchased for my sxs just wondering?

[@DadsDomain]

How would I calculate that though? My 450l read far more accurate to GPS than my dads 250l did stock. GPS is the only consistent item I can measure and I've used it in sections where they have radar lights posted and its pretty accurate

[@eljuano28]

He's rolling on fairly flat terrain in this vid. I think GPS is gonna be close to accurate for what he's trying to do. You're not wrong at all, but in this case, it's maybe a little more technical than you need to analyze this situ.

[@henryhiggins2021]

What was the original sprockets ? 14/50 is the go.

[@waxmanvids5015]

stock is 14/40

[@crazychicken675]

Just did this last week definitely not recommended if you want to be able to go 60 65 or even 70 miles an hour for anything short of a very short time RPMs are insanely high for even 65 miles an hour... shes screaming at even 60 mph. The next day i took the 13t off and went back to 14, next time rear tire off might even go back 40. With 14/42 its 60mph and turning 6800 so not terrible but def takes away from on road usability

[@DadsDomain]

I agree. We have a mountain route we like to do. 15-20 miles or so at 55-65 so for stuff like that its fine because that motor is so damn reliable. But for long term trips....no good

[@joelrogers5972]

I went the same route and ended up with the 14/42, but I occasionally commute on it.

[@Zen-525]

45 tooth on rear is best. front sprocket should stay at 14 so u dont wear out the chain guide fast. speed is easy to check its exactly 10% difference. easy to calculate speed.

[@joelrogers5972]

Did you have to modify the chain guide to fit the 45t rear?

[@Zen-525]

@@joelrogers5972 nope. u just need to get a new chain. fit a new chain with rear sprocket. keep old chain and sprocket as spare.

[@DadsDomain]

I've heard about the chain guide, we'll have to keep an eye on it

[@Zen-525]

@@DadsDomain ive used a 13 tooth on front. chain guide very worn but still not worn through. seeems to last well.

[@pedrolast9537]

Supposedly I was planning to replace my crf 250L 13t front and 42t rear but if you compute the ratio of <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="822">13:42</a> that would give you a turns ratio of 0.309 and rounded of to 0.31, meaning you have to buy two sprockets, but mine what I did instead of buying 2 sprockets I retain the original 14t in front and replaced the rear with 45t so I only bought 1 sprocket, if you compute the turns ratio of the 14t and 45t, <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="885">14:45</a> that would give you 0.31111 or 3.1 so it has the same performance with the 13 and 42t, I hope this can help with some crf250l owners, if you have doubt consult with any Mech'l Engineers, Thanks.

[@DadsDomain]

Did you have to change the chain? That was why my dad did it this way, to save a few bucks and keep his stock one

[@pedrolast9537]

@@DadsDomain No I did not replaced the whole chain since it is still new I just bought new chain links and connected to the existing chain.

[@caleto1000]

Es mi combinacion 14t 45t Y con aros 17' 14t 42t

[@rr.cycles]

What’s the top speed like? That’s the only thing holding me from doing this mod

[@audiogarden21]

I ride a lot of street which is specifically why I haven't changed the sprocket sizes on my WR250R.

[@DadsDomain]

I wouldn't do it if you want to do >65 often but I haven't specifically tested top speed

[@adamharrison4340]

Top speed is right around the same, still doesn’t have the power to hit redline in 6th. I hit 73 at around 8800 rpm. SpeedoDRD setting is -12.8%

[@artthurman3446]

@@adamharrison4340 I have a 2015, With super-moto wheels...17's. It still has the OEM 14/40 gearing, but the rear circumference difference is 1.75" smaller than the OEM 18" rear. (77") I ran recently ran 820 km mostly at 110 kph, (68 mph) and it was happy. I went WOT a few times and it was ok, but the CRF250/CBR250 engines both start to heat up over prolonged high rpm. I had no tach then. I have done engine mods since, so no good comparison, except I have a tach and CRF300 cams and a bigger throttle body, plus a programmable ECM controller. Much better low end...no dyno on top yet, but I can run 8400 +/- rpm all day long. I am 75% street/dirt road. (WE drive them nearly the same) Not too much single track. We will soon go to the Himalayas. Sea level to 4.6+ km altitude. (15,000+ feet)

[@SoMissingFive0]

Where could I pick up a 13/42 sprocket

[@DadsDomain]

Lots of websites sell them. I normally shop Rockymountain ATV or CRFSonly myself

[@canamdennis6829]

What is top speed please and thank you

[@pabloitare]

same!

[@Ben24636]

I dont understand are you testing the accuracy of the phone or if the gearing is better cuz the phone and the speeds really dont need to be accurate it's just a baseline

[@DadsDomain]

I'm using the phone as a consistent baseline to compare the gearing changes to. However I've found over the years the phone works good. I had the speedo go out in my old Suburban a long time ago and I just set the phone on the dash for awhile until I fixed it. Worked good enough to keep me from getting a ticket!

[@powertool4uau]

Good vid, but you missed the most important bit!!! you told us how many teeth you PUT ON but you didnt tell how many teeth you STARTED WITH for comparison...

[@DadsDomain]

The stock gearing is 14/40 so it was a one tooth change up front and two in the rear

[@danielgoldman6937]

So by doing this mod will I lose 10mph of top end max speed?

[@joecamel6835]

yup

[@69adrummer]

That looks an awful lot like N Idaho...

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Been watching a lot of dualsport videos these past couple days. It seems to me that CRF250Ls are quite popular with dads. Any idea why that might be?

[@DadsDomain]

The easiest way I can put it as you get older you aren’t as worried about how fast you can go and put a higher priority to the experience, reliability cost factor. Etc. when I ride that bike I am perfectly happy driving it for what it is. Going up a hill and have to downshift, heck maybe double downshift, who cares. On my 450 it makes me want to ride fast, and I consider it to be a part race bike so the maintenance doesn’t bother me. I am just really lucky to get to ride both. But for me if I could only have one it’s the 450. But ask me again in ten years and it might change

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

@@DadsDomain You know what? That actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the response!

[@DadsDomain]

No problem!

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

They’re also popular because they’re cheap, reliable, and fun! Being a dad or not, the CRF250Ls are good all-around bikes. If I have the need to go fast and stupid, my Triumph 1200 will happily oblige.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

@@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures Right, but I mean in contrast to other small dual sports like the Kawasaki KLX250R or Yamaha WR250R.

[@rodrigofreitas9679]

top speed?

[@DadsDomain]

I didn't test it....hopefully someone can chime in who has. I'm thinking low 80's possibly

[@imthebest346]

Is that the stock odometer?

[@DadsDomain]

Yes it is

[@imthebest346]

Dads Domain how do you make it to see your revs

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

How about 3 on front and 177 rear?

[@DadsDomain]

Sorry I am not quite sure what you mean?

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

Dads Domain for sprocket lol

[@DadsDomain]

@@mr.terwilliger5728 But what specifically are you saying I've never heard of 3/177 - Stock is 14/40 what change are you referring to?

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

Dads Domain I know I’m just being a silly goose

[@DadsDomain]

Got it! Ya know if you want to see a gear reduction like that my son has a blade 70s little helicopter and the gear on the motor is so tiny compared to the gear it drives the rotor with that it’s almost like the fabled 3/177 😉

[@jaypence1911]

Does the bike seem to rev higher at higher speeds...like 55 and 60?

[@DadsDomain]

Yep. In very generic terms the bike in 6th turns 1000 rpm for every ten the stock speedo shows. So rpm went up about 1000 rpm at 65 over stock

[@jaypence1911]

@@DadsDomain thanks...ive been debating this mod.

[@DadsDomain]

@@jaypence1911 If it was my bike I'd do it for sure. Granted I'm about 225 right now but that little change really made the lower gears more fun. However I'd also want to do the speedo mod too....I don't think I'd be happy long term with it that far off

[@chrisdadigger1018]

Great now you made it too slow for highway use. The bike is slow stock now it’s even slower

[@kismetbikeworks4946]

Id sooner see off road antics than just Tarmac as Tarmac is for road bikes !!!!!!

[@upaginit]

I don’t see how they sell enough of these bikes to keep producing it, must be that many rookies starting out..

[@DadsDomain]

I am giving you a heart message because that’s how I used to feel about it. First I will say it’s a big mover internationally. But now that I have time with it I would totally buy one for cheap trips and use based on

[@allenclinton4874]

Dipstick comment.

[@jorgev.9229]

Invariable. Videos de moto empieza con bolsa de gatos. Llamado " musica".

[@stephtraveler7378]

12 seconds to get to 63mph??? umm. no thanks. you're trying to make the bike something its not.

[@papovidalfernandez7179]

5 53 not. Good. Joke

[@pedrothomas4944]

all motorcycle 2 miles higher