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Tech.Tip:Gear Ratios
FAQ
BY
Jason P. Laskowski
Technical Editor
Gear
ratios got you in a bind?
Another popular question that I’ve
seen floating around the message boards
is in regards to gearing and gear ratios.
“What is gearing down?”
“Do I need a larger or smaller front
sprocket for more top speed?”
“What effects will my ATV have if I
switch to smaller tires?”
I’m sure you get my point by now.
Well I hope this quick overview will
enlighten everyone just a tad.
Larger - front sprocket = more top speed,
less acceleration
Smaller - front sprocket = more
acceleration, less top speed
Larger - rear sprocket = more
acceleration, less top speed
Smaller - rear sprocket = less
acceleration, more top speed
Taller - rear tire = more top speed, less
acceleration
Shorter - rear tire = more acceleration,
less top speed
1" @ the rear tire roughly
translates to 2 teeth on the rear
sprocket.
2-3 teeth on the rear sprocket roughly
translates to 1 tooth on the front
sprocket
"Taller" ratios mean more top
speed, less acceleration, smaller
numerically.
"Shorter" ratios mean less top
speed, more acceleration, larger
numerically.
To obtain a gear ratio, divide the number
of teeth on your rear sprocket by the
number of teeth on your front. For
example, 13-tooth front and 40-tooth
rear.
40 divided by 13 = 3.07
If you had a 11 front and 37 rear that =
3.36
If you had 3.36 and you went to 3.07 that
would be considered moving to a
"taller" gear, because you're
going to achieve a higher top speed with
it.
If you had 3.07 and went to 3.36 that
would be considered moving to a
"shorter" gear, because you'll
be acceleration more and achieving less
top speed than before.
Don’t want to bust out the
calculator? View our printable gear ratio
chart [here].
Keep in mind, depending on engine power
rating, you will NOT be able to rev out
last gear in every ratio! If you have a
14 tooth front sprocket and 30-tooth rear
sprocket on a stock 250cc quad, you can
hang that idea out to dry, because
it’ll never be able to pull it with
100% efficiency.
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