Proper Enduro GEARING Setup! What gearing do Hard Enduro pros use??

Today the IRC Tire Guy breaks down his thoughts on hard enduro gearing.

[@rafy600]

Brother there is no one on the web with your riding abilities and knowledge that can explain and teach techniques, setups like you. #1 🤙🤙🤙

[@robinburrowes6807]

Whatever

[@1MarkBevans]

Extremely accurate description of efficient gearing philosophy. I know there are lots of folks that need this understanding.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s what I was hoping for! Thanks for watching!!

[@tkrey23]

Deciding between 1st and 2nd and gearing for conditions and for that choice is exactly why I don't like the wide ratio transmission as much on the EC/XCW bikes. The closer ratio XC bikes reduce this decision point and taking it another step, this is a big reason some guys prefer to convert the SX's for woods for racing... close ratio transmission

[@AntiStressKit]

Thank you for the video Rich, it added much needed clarity to a convoluted topic. Cheers

[@vinuezaer]

Great description. I knew all that but nice to have it in one video.

[@onurguner5286]

As always provides the best explanation of the subject.

[@wfodavid]

You sure have Improved in the skills dept. Very nice to watch.

[@joshcollinson8680]

I can’t thank you enough for all the info and experience you bring to use. It really shortens the learning curves. Allowing use to to pin point focus on our true riding abilities faster. Thank you!!!

[@chadrides914]

Just picked up a Beta, was looking for gearing info, knew I needed to come to your channel. Thanks 🙏

[@thealvaco]

Very good explanation! Made very good points

[@christophernicola9293]

Ec 300 here. I found 12/50 was awesome in the tight stuff. I was in 2nd gear most of the time, but when it came to riding the fire breaks it ran out of legs.. I've gone to 13/51 and its a nice combo..

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Epic video, thanks for enlightening us to gearing. Was always wondering what others rode and your perspective. When people ask me about gearing on my videos, I'll just send them this video. 💪🔥

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha Perfect! Thanks for watching I appreciate the support!

[@dznnf7]

I'm not sure I learned anything new at this point in my life, but your explanation here was fantastic. What a great channel!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha thanks for watching

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

It amazing how much the difference from just changing 1 tooth in the makes. Way back in my early days of riding I changed the front sprocket on my "86 Husky so I could race in moto and a few weeks later I raced a hare scramble but never changed my sprocket back. I payed for that in all of the slower spots as well as the hills with little run up.

[@uncletom1971]

I see I already liked this clip. However, returning to it was so refreshing and inspiring, again after a year or so. Now I am somewhat new to the sport, and motorcycles in general, but I am slowly getting there on my KTM 350.

[@josephr3039]

Well covered. Nice job

[@mattgallizioli5978]

Thanks for the breakdown as always very helpful in figuring out what works for me.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That was my hope! Glad it helps!

[@mattgallizioli5978]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto FYI I have switched back to IRC tires and Wow I have made some lines that I have been working on for a while and the VE33G is working can’t wait to try the IXO9W G next. Thank you for all the work you put in I really enjoy it and it helps so much.

[@mattgallizioli5978]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto FYI I have switched back to IRC tires and Wow I have made some lines that I have been working on for a while and the VE33G is working can’t wait to try the IXO9W G next. Thank you for all the work you put in I really enjoy it and it helps so much.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Much appreciate!

[@Alex_Piazza]

Really good information. What is almost easier to discuss is final gear ratio. I would bet regardless of make or model, after you make your sprocket changes your final gear ratio (including transmission ratio) is very close to the same to fit your riding style. That takes a lot of the guessing out of picking sprockets.

[@bikelife_317]

Good points here. Makes a lot of sense

[@endurolabs]

Thanks to you sir, i found the right gearing for my bike

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks for a great explanation

[@Motumatai3]

I used to guide enduro rides, and always kept a couple of 12 tooths in my bumbag for when we hit the lunch break 20 miles from nowhere, and the guys who said they were guns riding enduro on their MX bikes were stunned by the increase in riding ease they got when we replaced their front sprockets.

[@rideroftheweek]

I agree with the thoughts on the GasGas EC300 gearing. First is too short and second is too tall. I find myself using 2nd and clutching an awful lot more.

[@Superdisco199]

I agree with the 13/52 philosophy whereby you end up with an insanely low first for below walking speed stuff and then the rest of the box ends up as close ratio. Regarding DIrt-tricks sprockets, I didn't notice a huge improvement over a cheap RHK rear. The main reason a steel sprocket wears is because when a chain stretches, even just a tiny bit, the load is condensed onto a few teeth. If they stretch at all = bin time.

[@RogerBadgerDSFlyer]

You sound like a politician, dodging the question LOL. Except you make sense, you intimately know what you’re talking about, and you gave a legitimate answer. Thanks.

[@paulbugden7708]

Great stuff!

[@avz46]

Agree with everything ! not mentioned was the power valve tuning. i run different final gearing with different power valve set up too as well as other mods ie sx 300 cdi and head on my 17 xcw. Ended up keeping the sx head and going with the stock cdi just cause it made the bike run really good down low in the rpm, run 12/50 gearing and never use 1st accept crawling through really nasty log matrix with control.

[@humbertobizzotto]

Beta 2022 15-49 is crazyness for hard enduro… went 12-49 and it suits me really fine

[@dekancaine]

Love to see u talk about bike setup for guys that have moto bikes. I’ve got my 22 crf450r setup to do a lot better in the woods cause I do both. I’ve softened my suspension a lot with gold valves and moto c rider which they said was a close woods setup to. Flywheel weight , I got a rekluse auto cause I’m missing my middle and ring finger on my left hand. First time with one and I like it. Like 2-3 rides in with it.

[@dekancaine]

I live in eastern Kentucky. We have some crazy big mountains here so killer riding.

[@peterjames1596]

Well said Rich.

[@timsilva1944]

I recently picked up a low hour 2020 500 XCFW. The stock 14/48 would be OK for desert riding, but after one ride in steep technical terrain, I switched to 13/52. Now with more time on it, uncorked with an ECU, I may go with a 50 rear sprocket.

[@enduroid]

best explanatıon ever on youtube thanx

[@elihamou6902]

Also found that when I swap back and forth between my hard enduro JX8 to my everything else 140/80 M5B the M5B really needs the 52 vs 50 rear.

[@sparkyboots]

Great video Rich. Going to keep trying out different combos. But one thing you didn't mention was whether you used steel or aluminum. I would imagine steel would be better (more durable) for the stuff you do.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I use dirt tricks. The ones in the video, Those are steel. They last forever. 👍

[@longzook]

I ride 12-50 and love it on my 300xc . I found the really technical terrain 13-50 was just to tall for me .. At 230 without gear the clutch was not happy in the slow stuff, the trade off is the fast stuff it’s buzzing the motor harder then I would like , but that’s a trade I’m content with .

[@gasnxt6805]

I run 12-50 also on my 2018 Beta 300rr. Just this week i went back to a 13 but after 1 ride in the hard stuff i will go back to a 12 for this weekend.

[@mattcourtney3001]

2016 beta 250. I run 13-51. I use second gear for most slow technical situations. Seems to work pretty well compared to the stock gearing.The only time first gear is useful for me, is for pivot turns, and practicing super slow wheelies.

[@warrenlilly2091]

Wow on a Beta that means you'll top out at 60mph! Mine is at 14/51 and that gives me all I need.

[@keshmo12]

Good video. I always just figured the pros don't really care about gearing because there skills make up for it. Stock is good.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

They do a lot of adjusting and testing. 👍 thanks for watching!

[@garretthorner]

Great explanation as usual 🤙 I don’t usually mess with gearing because by the time I have an hour of ride time I just adapt to whatever I’m on but for people who are more picky than I am it makes a huge difference. Out of curiosity, do you personally think you’d finish an erzberg or gold class Romaniacs? Might make a good video topic I think

[@avz46]

Talk about changing sprocket sizes on 4strokes please, cant get away with low rpm lugging as much but bike revs out longer so I find lower is better for sure. have to keep rpm higher to avoid stalling.

[@griptic5900]

Greetings from Poland👊💪

[@NA95187]

2022 fx350, eastcoast single track. Stock was 14-51. Just went to 12-51 and its much better.

[@hermankloppers3190]

i run a 13 49 0n a 4 stroke 250 and 2nd gear is perfect for more speedier climbs but my 1st is super powerful and i can climb steeps with technical difficulties at almost walking speed i term it as tank mode one consistency and i usually make it all the way to the top without pause or dabs

[@c01by25]

Well explained

[@angelturborodriguez3023]

Fantastic video mate, you're a legend! What do you think a 12/50 for KTM 300exc 2stroke, 6days 2012, for a combined regular and hard enduro? The original is 13/50. Cheers mate!

[@MB-bj7dv]

At last. My requests were answered. I asked you a question about this topic and finally gets an answer.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad I could help!

[@krazed0451]

I ride anything from hard enduro to open fire trails, I rarely wish for different gearing.

[@wee535]

12/50 on my 450 feels good 👌

[@arongitis]

thanks rich

[@jesserichter7560]

Best gearing video I've seen everything else was like Chinese

[@EnduroWurx]

Hey Rich. Great video! I'm on a 1979 Honda CR250. What gear should I be in when doing slow wheelies? I just want some insight so I can start looking comfy like Tomac

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Lol!!! You’re my favorite person.

[@Kay_ory]

Wait… just how comfy is he??? Huh Tire Guy!?!?

[@husaislander4838]

Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the information you give us. What was your gearing on the Sherco? They come with 14/48 on the 300 and 13/50 on the 250 i would guess the transmission is the same. I am looking at a 22 Sherco SE 300. I am coming for a Husqvarna TE 300 with the 13/50 set up. Thanks

[@MiguelGutierrez-to2kv]

Hi, Used to have a 20 Sherco 300 2T. with 13x51 for hard stuff. the second is on point for extreme, not the best setup for High Speeds.

[@louisdoucet1498]

Thank you

[@mariomatijasic4309]

After lot of riding on my tpi 250, with 13/52, I’ve decided to stay on this gearing on my TE300 2021, and it’s fabulous. Since it’s 300, it can lug heavily and for long and slick uphills, I can use 3rd with little clutching, and for slower parts 2nd. 1st is not so usable because it’s too snappy, but it can be used for very slow parts, tricky pivot turns etc. This is very similar to your 12/48 :) Thank you for great content and keep it up for upcoming year. Greetings from Croatia :)))

[@tomasvelecky181]

12/48 and 13/52 is the same transfer :-) I have 90 kg and I also drive 13/52 on my tpi 300. p.s. For hard enduro Billy Bolt also uses 12/48 transmission, but unfortunately, I still miss something to ride like him :-D

[@mariomatijasic4309]

@@tomasvelecky181 12/48 is very close to 13/52, because the ratio between front and rear sprocket is 1 tooth smaller front sprocket equals to 3.5 tooth bigger rear :) So if you use 12/48, you could say it is like 13/51.5. These are small differences, but I think someone like Billy feels it. My riding buddy drives 12/49 and you can tell the difference, for those half tooth shorter ratio, bike is even more powerful :)

[@dirtbikefun]

Interesting, i have been recomennded 13/50 i pick up my 2022 te300 this week and been riding my mates FE350 with 13/52 but feels like 50 or 51 might be better? mostly for trail riding and learning enduro

[@bikersoncall]

@@dirtbikefun How do you like your new (still new) TE300? Congrats!

[@dirtbikefun]

@@bikersoncall love it, I have around 35 hrs on it now and got a day out Sunday with a training day in 5 weeks to improve my skills 🙃👌🔥

[@sfade6217]

Do you recall what you ran on your Sherco 300? I find myself going back and forth between 13\50 and 13/49.

[@MacawAviculture]

In CO I sometimes need to be able to ride comfortably at 70mph on my 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F to get from my home to my desired trails, I considered running a 14/48, but before changing, maybe an even smaller rear sprocket would be better? Thanks.

[@grutzmac]

Chain length and rear axle position? When you drop down a tooth on the front do you take a link out? If not, do you feel the rear wheel being further back? Thanks man!

[@adambatchelder4121]

I guess i pefer gearing set up for 90 percent of my ridding day, so if im doing my Typical Hi Sierra single track 8200 mile day with 90% technical trails I want my gearing as low as possible and I live with the 10% on the road only being able to go 50 miles an hour. If I'm going to the desert I'm gonna gear it up and and live with the 10% where I have to slip the clutch.

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

Can’t trust beta with their gearing either. Specs can say one thing, end up with something else once assembled. Probably ran out a given sprocket that day. 13/51 works for my PA woods riding on my 300 RE

[@jblob5764]

Love this. Information so many people need. On my ktm 525 i run 13/48 most of the time because its on the road a lot and needs to handle 70mph comfortably in 6th. When i go to things like the desert 100 or similar events i throw on a 49t rear for the little extra bottom end pull in 1st. Not a huge difference but it makes one. 3.69 vs 3.76 ratio. Stock on the bike is 14/48 or a 3.42 ratio. I like the bottom to have the punch of lower gearing. And 13/48 is great on the road and can still reach 100mph at the top of 6th, stock is 110 so it lost 10mph off the top end by dropping 1 front tooth but 100 is plenty fast for me 🤣

[@tedhicks5431]

I wonder what sprocket i would need for quicker take off

[@sorindobria2315]

I've got beta 300 2022. I use 13/50 for slow technical terrain. What gearing do you use to your beta please

[@JoshuaPfenning]

Good stuff. Does tire size change gearing ratio much?

[@ivicaplatuzic6563]

I think yes!

[@freetaylor72]

So a 14 48 on a ktm 200 would be for speed, and not very good for a single track riding?

[@glennalderton1313]

Hmmmm, on my TE300 I used 12:50 = perfect. Now with a 2021 Sherco 300 2T it has 13:48 stock = not so good. Definitely too long. Just put a 50 on the rear so I'll see how much difference it makes. Not knowing the internal gearset ratios makes it a seat of the pants process. Good info though!

[@glennalderton1313]

@@alangolightly9850 Rode mine today and it was a big improvement. I can carry 2nd gear uphills much better now. Easier to pick up the front wheel too. If I use the "tame" map it hangs on at grunt time. Definitely better - for me.

[@dirtbikefun]

Great information. I am picking up my first 2T this week :D Te300I I will of course try the standard but been thinking 13/50 might be the right. Trail riding and learning enduro :D. any thoughts from anyone be grateful.

[@andysmith2792]

If a 300 is your first 2T bike, forget changing gearing. You’ll need to learn how to ride that thing. The 300 2T’s are all crazy. Just run stock gearing. I’d guess it will be 12 months before you have the ability to ride that bike to the extent that you could make use of a change to gearing. Disclaimer, I’m assuming you have no 2T experience. Apologies if you do. Either way have fun on your new bike. Good choice of bike by the way from a 2016 Exc 300 owner. I’m considering changing to the TE as I’m short and the rear link suspension would really help.

[@dirtbikefun]

@@andysmith2792 was my first motorbike period. Changed gearing, got Tsp head, got the suspension done. She’s fun and a great first bike.

[@robin-fj6zk]

interesting! what about rider weight?

[@enduro-parts-aus]

is the gas gas ec300 gearbox the same as the exc or the xc ?

[@guy2189]

Need help I have a 2022 ktm350 sxf but I only ride enduro like jday on the East what would be a good gearing combination for it. And yes I know I should get a xc but I already pay more that 1/2 of this one and want to keep it . Any help will be appreciated.

[@arturw.4771]

What was your gearing on Sherco? I use 13x49 byt thinkink about 14x51

[@markhall912]

I just got a 98 cr250r going to ride tales in the Woods thinking about 12 51 gearing it seems to have a tall gearing right now would it be to low at 12 51 Even though it's not a beta

[@davis6383]

how is 13-52 on Sherco 300 21? For hard enduro

[@posterlion]

One of the main problems with answering this question for most riders is that of engine type. IRC Guy rides a two stroke and that changes everything. Not to mention my drool factor over two strokes. I am so pissed the manufacturers removed them from the dual sport universe. Which really means that I hate government. Cheers. 🙂

[@jesta.drifter1249]

Rich, one question about using a 12 tooth front, someone previously told me these were bad because the chain is making to tight of corner???? is that not an issue now days?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I’ve never had an issue with 12 tooth fronts. 👍

[@billmastrippolito7132]

Trials bikes run as low as 10 teeth on the front

[@killabyte79]

hey dude what zone are those nice rocks?

[@jmeezy4050]

I am the first! Whoo hoo! Love these videos.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching and supporting brotha!

[@jeffbrownell279]

I seen a vid of Johny walker using 12/50 or 12/52(I forget exactly) on his beta practicing in rocks.Seems insanely low to me.I just drop to a 13 in front for hard enduro terrain and stock 14 for Enduro and hair scrambles.When I replace my rear sprocket I will replace with another steel sprocket as I have tweeked 2 aluminum ones in past.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

He is using 13:50 I believe.

[@jeffbrownell279]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto I just watched one of his bike set up vidio,s and he had 12/51 on but says he changes for different conditions.That is crazy low on a beta 300 but sure would make rock crawling and pivot turns easy.

[@MegaJoojee]

I bought a rieju mrt with suzuki ts125 engine mounted on it. It has 11-62. That is insane, 1 st geae is practicly useless. Can some one explain why would any one do thos? Its lke taking one gear off and now it is 5 speed instead of 6.

[@noahfoufoulas4761]

Anyone have gearing recommendations for a GasGas EX 300? Currently running stock gearing and I find it perfect for racing, but in the tighter technical stuff I find myself desiring something between 1st and 2nd.

[@johnguilbert1349]

I prefer gold tooth grin sprockets

[@jamesking4225]

13/50 on my beta 300-250, and run 14/50 on my beta 200s

[@miketursky1410]

I'm riding a 2006 KTM XC250 w/5 speed gearbox. Since the gearbox doesn't have much spread, I have found that a 14/51 (stock 14/50) gearing setup is a good compromise.

[@robertocgomezdelacruz]

I have a question and I haven't found any response online hope you can help me I got a 2019 crf450x stock I'm 225lb I want to start moving in to hard Enduro but my bike don't have the power like you mentioned in your video I'm planning on changing my gear ⚙️ setup I was thinking 12/51. Or 12/53 what do you recommend? By the way I always watch your videos thanks for your help 🆘

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

What is your current gearing?

[@robertocgomezdelacruz]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto 13 front and 51 on rear

[@robertocgomezdelacruz]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto please let me know what you recommend to use in my bike thanks I'm currently using 13/51

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I’d try 12 52

[@joeypowell2255]

I could not disagree more. The '97 CR250 was a non-turning stiff framed bag of shit. Aside from that, you're spot on. ☺️

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂 damn that’s funny!

[@H8er-Maker]

Those early days of aluminum frames felt like a step backwards. I had a 98 CR & it was a sled.

[@tbirdscollection4138]

what year you live in

[@germancontreras4448]

2022 EC300 my dealer told me it was 14:50 is this true? Seems high.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

My stock 21 came with 13:50. Doesn't seem like they'd go to 14 but.. who knows!

[@germancontreras4448]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto yep confirmed by the dealer ! Seems a bit high eh? Would ya keep it at that!

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

When you say “we want a much shorter 1st gear and a much longer 2nd gear”, I think you have it backwards. You say 12-48 on the ec300 gives you a “longer” 2nd gear, I think you mean it gives you a shorter 2nd gear. It’s a lower overall final drive ratio, which means second gear is also lower/shorter, not longer. You actually want a taller (longer) 1st gear, and shorter 2nd gear to avoid feeling like you’re in between 1st & 2nd (aka you want them to be closer together). It’s why the XC gearing in KTMs is so great compared to the XC-W gearing.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I suppose it gives the illusion that it’s longer because you’re always in second. You can hold more momentum but still ride nearly as slow as you could in first. But yes you are correct (closer together) 👍

[@jerseyjeeper1575]

Dirt Tricks is the way ..

[@Amateurs2Roues]

Can't find Dirt Tricks in France 🥲

[@pierr057]

oué c'est la loose...

[@tomfisher47]

Thank you