Why 17/45 Sprockets on Hawk 250?
 

Why are the majority of the Hawk owners going with 17/45 sprockets (2.65)? Why not 15/40(2.67)? It will be close to the same ratio and would only need to change the rear sprocket. I know I would have to cut the chain but that's easy stuff. This would shorten the chain by 2 links. Shorter chain less stretching. The 45 tooth sprockets are $25 and not in stock but I can get a 40 tooth for under $19. Has anyone done this combo with any issues? Just think outside the box.

I'm running 16/40 combo that's been working well for me.

That's good to know, so I should be ok with 15/40. I could always do the 16t on front if I feel the need to.

I always prefer to take the reduction on the rear wheel on unit construction m/c power plants. A larger front sprocket is easier on the chain. Although you should fit a new Uni-bear chain or one of equal quality, sooner rather than later.

A new chain is in the plan once I change the sprocket and I'm satisfied with the setup.

Why not try it? What is the worse that could happen?

Ordering the 40t today. I knew the sprocket would work. I was just concerned if anyone had any issues with the combination of the 15/40 sprockets. I'm still waiting on my jets. They're on that slow boat from China.

What is your top speed with this setup? Do you lose any low end for off-road? I may just order the 16t to try it out.

I've thought about this as well. I'm currently running a 17/45 and have toyed with the idea of going to a 17/43???

If I were to do it again, I think perhaps a 16/43 (2.69) may be the sweet spot to start. Easier and cheaper to change the front if you want to make further changes, dropping all the way down to a 40 rear seems extreme to me, and a 43 rear leaves you options of adjusting the front to a 15, 16, or 17?

Is a 14 front available, or too small IDK...

I thought about the 43t. And getting 16t for the front. I got the 40t ordered. Should have it on Monday. I think it's going to work out. Just hope I can get it put on before the weekend. Taking a camping and off road trip this weekend.

My top speed with the 16/40 combo is still only around 70-75 mph depending on the incline and wind. Just not enough power to pull high speeds consistently. I don't ride off road with the Hawk too much but for easy trails it works well for me.

According to my tracking # i'll get my 40t tomorrow. I think the 15/40 will work out perfect but good to know that the 16/40 combo works. I'm about 50/50 on and off road and the off road is mostly flat with only a few man made hills. No hills in South Louisiana lol. The Corp of engineers have set up a great off road area in the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco , La. with about 5.5 - 6 miles of trails.

O-ring chain
 

Has anyone tried this chain? XFMT Gold Oil-Sealed Custom O-Ring Heavy Duty Drive 428 x 136 Chain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019OEZFKW...I20PBHCDVW0MML Not a bad price.

https://www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-...n+hdr+130+link

That is what I run with a 16/44 combo.

I looked at them but going with an o-ring chain. Where I ride it has a lot of very fine river sand and when that stuff is wet it gets all up in the chain. I have one on my Honda 200x and never had to worry about it. I would just hose it off and oil it up. The O-rings keeps the sand out of the bearings of the chain. I didn't have any problems with the chain stretching either. 1st trip we made with my 4 wheel the sand ate the crap out of her chain inside and out. You could literally heard the grains of sand grinding away at it. Got an o-ring chain and no problems since. well worth the extra money. IMO the cheapest o-ring chain out there is about 100 times better than a regular chain.