Trials motorcycle Question?

Question

I am getting ready to buy a new chain and sprockets for my 01 Scorpa trials bike. My question is, Would I have more control over my back wheel if I put a sprockes less one tooth of my origional?? I almost have down the rear wheel hop, but I just cant seem to catch the timeing on that back wheel. I kinda just looked at it, that If I have a bit lower geared bike it might be less that I have to Rev my throtel for timeing. Thanks

Answer 1

First let’s start with some nomenclature.  If you subtract a tooth from your rear sprocket you will have higher gearing hence (torque decreasing into the rear wheel and, speed increasing)  If you add a tooth “lower gearing”  hence (torque increasing into the rear wheel, speed decreasing).  

I’m sure as you already know rear wheel moves, gaps etc.  have as much to do with gearing as they do with body position, technique, and bike geometry.    You could possibly get the control you desire from a different handle bar bend or technique.  I change gearing based on the terrain more so than ease of rear wheel moves.   It’s definitely easier to get on the rear wheel with lower gearing (add a tooth to the rear) but then you can’t gap as far.  Of course if you go too high then you don’t have enough torque and won’t go anywhere.   So there’s a balance.  I used to ride with higher gearing and use more exaggerated body english to raise the wheel, but I now ride with lower gearing and more exaggerated body English to make larger gaps.  It’s all preference and the best you know is the best you’ve ridden only you will be able to tell what works best for you and that comes with seat time and lots or testing.  Good luck. You could try stock, +1 and -1 but that cost $$$$ so  It would probably help to have a more experienced rider try your bike out  and give you their opinion.