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.

[@kevm9724]

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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@Desktarp89]

Great video, as usual!

[@slaverace1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@motofamily461]

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?

[@TheKernables]

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😅

[@thegfam147]

Thanks

[@slaverace1]

You're welcome.

[@paulbrinston3336]

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

[@tkurbandesign]

Thanks for the input on your 14/45 setup. I have GET ecu and PMB end cap on my 21' 500 - I'm going to give 14/45 a try per your suggestion. Maybe a front swap between 13/14 is all I'd need for enduro/touring now! I'll report back.

[@scottforti3194]

I also run 14-45 on my supermoto set up 2023 ktm 500 fully uncorked and desmoged GET Ecu Fmf open air box I absolutely love it tops out around 112 mph and I never really need to go that fast but could also go to like 14-42 or even 15 front sprocket for more top speed but I love the low end grunt right now and the fact that I have awesome cruising rpms The only thing that bothers me is fifth gear feels almost the same as fourth so you’re either over revving fifth or lugging in sixth because of the way the gears are spaced I am thinking about ordering the parts to swap the fifth gear set with 450SXF to have even spacing but need to split cases

[@scottforti3194]

@paulbrinston3336 have you noticed the odd spacing of 5th gear with this gearing?

[@scottforti3194]

Also are you running 17s Or dirt set up?

[@paulbrinston3336]

@@scottforti3194 yes I’m not a fan, it was there no matter what hearing you run…hopefully the 24 model has this issue resolved 👌

[@roberteddy1951]

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

[@slaverace1]

Medium (12L) slavensracing.com/shop/rolie-bags-wp-by-wolfman/

[@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.

[@scottdrew6403]

Do you mean the opposite on your gearing statement? 13/51 would make you more prone to ride in higher gears (2&3) and 14/48 would make you stay in 1st and 2nd more.

[@scarsman]

@Scott Drew no, sorry, I should have explained better. I initially wasn't very good at slow, tight, technical trails, and felt I needed lower gearing. However as I got better at this type of riding, and better at using the clutch, it was then too low. I was riding in 3rd and 4th, and wringing it out on service roads and desert trails. Went back to the stock gearing and was able to ride the same tight trails in 2nd and 3rd now. And in the fast places, it's not screaming its guts out. I was just curious how much one tooth on the rear from stock would do, as I had only experienced these much bigger changes I tried.

[@Raulmay67]

My stock was 14/50, I was convinced that a 13 front was the way to go in the steep single track, but kept it on in the dual sport ride, but now thinking going back to 14 front to see what happens. I need to experience the feel to see what helps me. 14/48 seems to be the all around. I was surprised how easy it was to swap out to 13/14. Thx for your great vids, gives me confidence to work on my bike.

[@scottforti3194]

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

[@christoforospilitsis541]

Same year Sxf,5th gear set swap.gotta split the cases.

[@scottforti3194]

@@christoforospilitsis541 bro thank you so much seriously means a ton been researching for a while now don’t know what year sxf? Also you seem to be pretty knowledgeable have you heard anything about people putting the 450 throttlebody on the 500? I think stock is 42 and 450 is 44mm and or cams from the 450? Is this a decent upgrade?

[@chinoktmaviles7313]

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

[@slaverace1]

IRC M5B 140/80-18 slavensracing.com/shop/m5b-evo-soft-terrain-rear-tire-by-irc/

[@barnescycle]

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

[@slaverace1]

It's going to cost a lot more than $300 plus a lot of labor.

[@christoforospilitsis541]

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

[@slaverace1]

Stocker works just fine.

[@grutzmac]

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

[@slaverace1]

Hello: I'm constantly testing new tires but I currently use a Bridgestone X31 80/100-21 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/ and a Dunlop AT82 120/90-18 slavensracing.com/shop/geomax-at82-tires-by-dunlop/.

[@spinellydunigan3086]

Does anyone run 14 44 with 17 sumos?

[@Raulmay67]

Pegs?

[@slaverace1]

Fastway EVO 4. slavensracing.com/shop/evo-4-footpegs-ktm-fastway/

[@madman432000]

You didn't mention if you had to add or subtract any chain links when you went to 15 front setup or back to the 14 setup. I just put 13/49 back on my 2016 500 and like it better than the 14/50 or 14/48, mainly for trails. Don't care to go past 60 on any highway anyway so I gear for dirt riding. 14/48 seems a little throttle sensitive to me on trails and 14/50 not bad but still a little tall, 13/50 was pretty good to a little short for the power the 500 has. It is all about personal preference.

[@slaverace1]

The OEM chain accommodates the 14 or 15T sprockets.