I've got 21x12x8 Skat Trak 7 paddle Extremes and weigh 210 no gear and motor mods are in sig. The sand is the deeper soft sand in Little Sahara.

I'm trying to figure out what the best gearing will be. Its been longer than forever since I've ridden out there, but I think I ran 13/40 and it was OK. Lost pull in 3rd sometimes on the climbs though. Has anyone run a 13/41 combo in sand with a similar set up? I might be able to squeeze that combo into the chain. I'm thinkin' that combo might be optimal.....

I tried fitting the 13/42 combo but the stock chain even stretched, wasn't long enough. I think 12/40 will be way too loose even when adjusted all the way out.

I've also got a friends 21x7x10 Kenda Dune Runners as well as my own 22x8x10s in the same tire...but need to buy rims. Is it worth buying new rims at Little Sahara for the difference there would be using my 22s instead of his 21s up front?

Throw me your opinions.

Thnx

I am running 13/41 and have 6 paddle haulers..........I do not remember the tire size. I bought them from a member that was parting out his wife's z. I know they are on an 8" wheel. If I remember right he had them mounted on a narrower wheel then normal to increase the "runout".
I have not used the gearing or the tires in the sand yet so I wont be able to tell you anything until after this weekend.
I can tell you that I went to the 41 because I thought it would help keep me in third on the big hills.......we'll see.

Yeah its on the hills where it counts when you're not dragging. I had 20s on it last time with the 13/40 gearing. That's why I was a little concerned about pwr where I need it now that I'm on 21s.

Got 5lbs in back and 4 in front right now. Have no idea what Ill actually need. I would think that I may want to run the fronts just a little higher

Maybe I'l still get some feedback before I leave.

I run 3 (back) and 5 (front) and we drag up the hills........not so much on the flat. Unfortunately my 53 year old hill racer buddy isn't coming this trip. He hasn't been much fun since he got his 450 anyway!
The paddles I have now might be 20's...that could be why they are on the narrower wheel. I'm at work so I can't check.
As for the fronts we have both. I run the smaller fronts (Kendas) on mine because that's what I'm used to and the bigger (GBC's) are on my wifes. To tell you the truth I can't tell that much difference. For the most part the front tires aren't on the ground that much anyway

Where do you ride. What's the sand like? Course n heavier or fine and lighter like Little Sahara? I'm guessing that the softer and deeper the sand the less tire pressure you need right?

i would try a 12t,front and remove a link if you have to...uae the best tires you have on the rear

Sand is mostly Glamis with Pismo Beach every now and then and the sand is fine at Glamis. I will be testing the Dumont sand in about 8 hours
Softer and deeper, less pressure. At least that's the way I do it, the same way I would in my truck.

run 4-5 psi with the 13/41 youll be fine

You haven't run those tires yet?
Give the 13/40 a try. I had no problem with them. At 7 paddles your not over paddled and that's the key.

Couldn't get my hands on a 41 in time so I ended up running the 13/40 combo and it was good enough to get the job done. Probably didn't hurt that the sand was wet which made for better traction....but bumpy as hell.... I would have liked A 13/41 or 2 combo for better power on the hills at lower speeds and rpm though.

Otherwise.......The tires rocked Kirk!!

Yeah, can you believe that after our trip fell through last time it took this loooooooooong to get to use those things. There's a bloody dent in the garage floor from them...

I'm surprised you can't run the stock chain with 13/42. I ran that setup last month at the dunes and that was a brand new chain.

I liked that gearing setup with 21x12x8 6 paddle extremes.

Weird. I pulled and hammered the axle back just as far as I thought it could go with everything loose as a goose and just couldn't get the front 13t sprocket in by about 2 hairs. I do back first, then front. Is there a better way?

IDK....might have made it easier for me since it was a new chain, I just adjusted until i could get the master link on. It was pretty close. Maybe try the front first but IDK if that will help.

Glad you liked them. I was very confident they'd fit the bill nicely for your build.

I was looking thru your sig to see what swingarm length you have, looks like stock right. Adding a couple inches there would really help if your into the steep hill shots.
Also noticed your running some JD arms. Looking at a set of those for the Rappy. How you like them?

Yeah, I still don't understand where some guys complain about less tight turning ability with straight paddle tires. I rode the little Sahara trail twisties like a mad man.....with ease!

The JDs are definately the real deal. The workmanship is great. I got the Max Clearance style for XC and I also like the fact that its all balls, no Hiems, and good needle baring bushings at the mounts. Also like the quick and easy caster adjustment. Just move the shims at the top a-arm mount up or back for caster for neg., pos., or neutral. I'm sure you've seen.....

As far as the Swinger is concerned, as is, with the GTT rear end I have no problems keeping the front down on climbs. I gotta be careful not to get too long for the technical woods riding I do most of the time.

But...I am working on the idea of a stroker build. For that I'll need an extended swinger. At this point I just can't decide on whether to go the spacer route and all it's required BS, or spend an exorbitant amount of $$$ on a one-off CP stroker piston for my 94.5mm bore. Always interested in your .02

Hope I wont be over paddled for a 475 motor....