the dabster Posted July 6, 2017 Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 Evening all, Just purchased a 2017 Factory 300 and coming from a Gas\Gas noticed first gear too short for almost all sections. Seen john lampkin's ssdt preparation guide, where he recommends changing the primary sprocket from a ten to twelve (42/12) which makes bottom usable. Phoned Beta today and was advised most riders in the ssdt this year opted for 42/11. Is the 11 tooth front enough to make bottom effective or should I go for the twelve? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lineaway Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 You could also shift to second more often. With the 11 it runs good, but makes 2nd not as useable. I tried the 11 this last week as I am searching for just the right combo myself. Trouble is we ride tight very large steep rocks at high elevation. (Thirty feet tall plus) I know completely different terrain, but I also just switched from a Gasser. The Beta first gear has always been too low. Good luck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyt Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 2017 Beta 2T 250 Factory. Terrain: lots of big rocks, slippery creek beds High elevation around 5 to 6 K feet above sea level. Average temp around 98 to 101 F Level of rider: Really old fart novice Lots of experimenting settled on 11 in front 41 in rear. Experimenting over with. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greychapel Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 I have been riding mostly Beta's for the last 25 years...hardly ever used bottom gear, mostly 2nd, with 3rd and 4th in reserve, never felt the need to gear up, but i suppose if you do a lot of road work it would be handy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stroke4stroke Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 Evening 14 hours ago, the dabster said: Evening all, Just purchased a 2017 Factory 300 and coming from a Gas\Gas noticed first gear too short for almost all sections. Seen john lampkin's ssdt preparation guide, where he recommends changing the primary sprocket from a ten to twelve (42/12) which makes bottom usable. Phoned Beta today and was advised most riders in the ssdt this year opted for 42/11. Is the 11 tooth front enough to make bottom effective or should I go for the twelve? "almost all sections" Why change and leave yourself lacking for the rest, few though they be? You've paid for six gears in the box and you probably don't feel the need for a higher sixth so use second as suggested above. You don't really want SSDT (11) gearing for the average section; they are a bit straighter that week so first can be higher than normal. I'm sure you'll get used to it as it is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betabonkers Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 I've got a 17 factory and never used first , I found if you gear it up it knackers 3rd and 4th. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the dabster Posted July 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 Appreciate all the replies. Don't need it faster as I wont use it on road it was just second gear was quicker than suits my riding style. I like to be between quarter and three quarter throttle in a typical rocky stream, I'm not super skilled and struggle to carry a higher gear if that makes sense. Also seems crazy to make a bike six speed then to have the first one almost obsolete because it's too low. What was the logic behind such a short gear? what could it be used for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viking Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 Try using the first gear and you will get used to it! A friend changed from a Sherco to Beta 300 and complained at the same thing. Told him to try using the first gear in tight sections, and now he almost rides in first almost everywhere except bigger steps. It´s just in your head as you are not used to the slightly higher revs in your ears. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the dabster Posted July 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 4 hours ago, viking said: Try using the first gear and you will get used to it! A friend changed from a Sherco to Beta 300 and complained at the same thing. Told him to try using the first gear in tight sections, and now he almost rides in first almost everywhere except bigger steps. It´s just in your head as you are not used to the slightly higher revs in your ears. Good point, i'll stay with it and see how it goes, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lineaway Posted December 4, 2017 Report Share Posted December 4, 2017 (edited) I went up to the 11t countershaft on Saturday. Last event of the year Sunday. I always rode in second in 90% of the sections. Yesterday it was reversed. All in first except for two sections. Had a third gear hill climbing starting on the hill, still pulled it no problem. Will be keeping this combo 11/42. Might try a 43 when I next change sprockets. I ride Expert class (3rd from the top class) which is probably more of an easy hard line. Thanks Billy! Edited December 9, 2017 by lineaway 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelieman14 Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 My 2016 Evo 300 came with 10/42 gearing and I experimented with 9T (SS gearing of 9/42) but felt that 1st gear was definitely too low. Tried 11T with 42 and 44 but still was too tall for riding sections. I ended up with 10/43, then tried 10/44 and have been happy using 1st Gear in 90% of my Intermediate level Section riding. I only use 2nd gear if there is a bigger hill to get up. Going very slow in 1st Gear provides maximum control for my environments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lineaway Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 First has always been too low on the Beta`s, I always got pretty good on the clutch from riding in second all the time. First being so low is not confidence inspiring, you need more instant momentum. Not instant sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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