03-26-2018, 09:02 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Corrales, NM
Posts: 118
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RX3 holding it's own against the big boys!
Morning,
This past weekend I attended an Entry Level Training class for ADV type riding here in NM. It was put on by West38moto. I have to say I really enjoyed the two days and learned a lot. Of course I was the only one there with a CSC bike and received a lot of attention and some good natured ribbing. Out of the 10 participants and the three trainers the bike distribution went something like this: 6 BMW GS 1200's (both standard and Adventure models) 2 BMW GS 700's 2 BMW GS 650 2 DR-Z' 1 Triumph Tiger (Boy what a sweet sounding machine) The little RX3 held it's ground and performed all the tasks assigned. The only time I dumped my bike was when I was showing off.(I made a spectacular get-off, too bad they didn't get it on tape) One of the trainers, who has a GS 1200, was really impressed with the RX3 and thought it should have cost $10k, they were all blown away when I told him it was $4k delivered. I finally came to the conclusion that I need to lower the gearing, the only real problem I experienced all weekend was starting off if the ground was anything less than flat. All in all it was a great class and I highly recommend them if you're a noob like me. |
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03-26-2018, 07:38 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Redmond, WA.
Posts: 534
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That's great to hear. I had a similar experience when I took my RX3 to RawHyde Adventures for training and a tour in January 2017. My bike did great also. Changing your gearing will help a LOT. I went to 13/45 for off-road. It will mean your top speed is 72 MPH but on the hills on the highway it is actually better than stock gearing...it can pull itself up! Off-road that gearing combo can climb really well and can even restart on a steep hill with no issues. Nice thing about 13/45 is the chain length is IDENTICAL to the stock 14/44 so swapping is easier. In fact I had purchased a spare sprocket carrier so I could easily swap back and forth. Now, find a place where you can go practice those slow speed skills they taught you so you don't forget them!!!
Joe
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2017 BMW F800GS Adventure |
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03-27-2018, 09:31 AM | #3 | |
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Corrales, NM
Posts: 118
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Quote:
Hey Joe, Thanks for the info on the gearing. I was going to search the forum for info on what I needed to update. I bought the 13 front sprocket with the bike thinking I could just swap it out, but I guess I need to change out the rear sprocket too??? Thanks |
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03-27-2018, 10:07 AM | #4 |
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Somerset, KY
Posts: 687
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I just swapped the front on mine originally, try that before you do the rear sprocket, it might be enough of a change for you....it was for me.
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Huck 2013 Honda NC700X 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 2016 AJP PR4 2022 Templar X 250 2021 Sondors Metacycle AMA Life Member |
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03-27-2018, 10:40 AM | #5 |
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Volcano, Ca
Posts: 7,112
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I agree with Huck on this. Try the 13 and see what you think.
I had both front and rear sprockets (13's and 45's) for both of our RX3's. I went 13 tooth on both and left the back stock. My wife loves it on hers but I thought it was a little too tight for our type of riding (mostly paved twisties). I put he 14 back on the front and went with the 45 rear. Love it now. We don't do much off-road though. Have little dual sports for that.
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"Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350 |
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03-27-2018, 10:45 AM | #6 | |
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Corrales, NM
Posts: 118
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Quote:
So I can just swap out the front sprocket without changing the rear and the chain can stay??? Thanks |
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03-27-2018, 11:57 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Somerset, KY
Posts: 687
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Yes, there is very little difference in Diameter of the 13 tooth front sprocket and the 14 tooth, you will just need to adjust the chain a little
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Huck 2013 Honda NC700X 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 2016 AJP PR4 2022 Templar X 250 2021 Sondors Metacycle AMA Life Member |
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