2012 TE 250 gearing question

[L8Braker]

Hey guys I just picked up a 2012 TE250. Still breaking it in but I can already tell it needs to be geared down. What gearing can I run and still be able to hit asphalt? I was thinking 45 rear, but not sure. Also does anyone know the current top speed on one? Thanks!

 

[Bruce A]

A 45 rear will run at about 7000 rpm at 100 kph (60mph). In theory the top speed with stock gearing is about 185kph (114mph). never tried it though. How much asphalt are you looking at? I have a 50 on my rear sprocket and occasionally use it to commute. It revs lots on road but is perfect off road You can calculate your speed and revs for different set ups at www.gearincommander.com

 

[Indorider]

I think it all depends on what type of riding you do. I run a 12/50 setup but ride technical stuff that goes straight up and down and just short connections of asphalt.

 

[L8Braker]

Thanks guys! I only need to hit a max of 10 miles between fire roads /trails etc. speed limits of 45-50 so traffic is flowing about 55-60 guessing.

 

[Freaky]

I run 12 and 50 but only do a few miles of road at a time, you should be ok on 13 and 50 with yours being a 310, you'll cruise nicely at 55mph.

 

[L8Braker]

Ok guys went out for an afternoon ride and 6th gear is totally pointless(overdrive only). It hit 71 in 4th and over 80 in 5th(then left off). I am def thinking at least 45 rear, but maybe 50.

 

[Bruce A]

The 50 makes it much nicer off road especially if you ride any tight single track.

 

[L8Braker]

Ok playing with the link Bruce provided these bikes are geared for 128mph theoretical top speed??? hahaha going to 50 rear still gives you a theoretical of 103. RPM at 60mph goes from 6k to 7.5k. Thanks to Bruce I am gonna order up a 50 tooth rear! I will report back once it is installed.

 

[henson802]

I'm not sure how different your bike is from mine. I have a 2010 TE 250, completely powered up (with 50 rear sprocket) and I'm lucky to see 45-50 mph @ 6,000 - 6500 rpms -- and I only weigh 135. I can hover around high 40mph by keeping it revved at around 6000rpms then revving it up to 7000rpms or so when the mph dips to low 40s.

I love the TE 250 but I'm in same boat as you, I have to ride 10-15 miles between trails - and the roads are 50mph speed limit. I'd like to be able to 'cruise' without stressing the engine much, at 50mph around 5500-6000rpms. But I also love the 50 rear gearing as it's perfect for off road. And these bikes handle like a dream in the dirt.

No one really has stated whether it's good or bad but I'm assuming 6,500rpms for long stretches -20 minutes- on a 250 won't exactly keep the engine in great shape for long. I'd suggest a 45 rear - my bike is being stored for Winter but I plan to get a 45 rear this spring to try that. Maybe a 47 in rear or keep the rear and get a different countersprocket... lots of options to explore.

If that doesn't do the trick, then I just may end up getting a TE310 or KTM350. I think those would be great for 'weekend warriors' who do dirt riding but also pavement to get from trail to trail - or to vist a friend, etc.

And there's no way a TE250 can do 128mph top Maybe 80 but if you maintain that speed you going to blow that engine pretty quick.

 

[Bruce A]

Henson802 you are correct about there being no way the bike will do 128mph. That is why I said in theory about the top speed. This speed is calculated based on the gearing and the ability to make max rpm. The bike doesn't have the power to redline in 6th. I appologise if I mislead anyone but i can assure you that my bike can cruse comfortably at 60-65 with the 50 t on the rear.

 

[henson802]

Henson802 you are correct about there being no way the bike will do 128mph. That is why I said in theory about the top speed. This speed is calculated based on the gearing and the ability to make max rpm. The bike doesn't have the power to redline in 6th. I appologise if I mislead anyone but i can assure you that my bike can cruse comfortably at 60-65 with the 50 t on the rear.

Hey no problem. Just find this discussion interesting as it pertains to my situation too.

On my powered up TE250, I can get mid 40s-50 by hovering between 6,000rpms and up to 7200rpms to hit higher 40s-52. It's odd to hear the differences in speed since we have the same basic setup and machine - except mine is 2010 (50 rear et all) - and I don't think too much has changed from 2010 to 2012 - I also have JD Tuner installed and all that jazz for powered up.

It just makes me slightly uncomfortable with the wear on the engine sustaininhg 50mph with a 50 rear. Maybe I'm being extra cautious/paranoid from when my motor seized up last year (Still haven't found exact cause, I was changing oil every 800 miles so that certainly doesn't bode well regardless - probably clogged the oil pump, ultimately starving the crankshaft of oil - won't do that mistake again, 200-300 mile oil changes!). I can get the bike up to 70 or so if I quickly rev it up and such - but wouldn't say it's 'comfortably cruising'

All I know is the bike, when restricted, keeps rpms from going above 6500rpms (I think??). So sustaining those RPMS for long periods is probably not the greatest thing for your engine if you want it to last. We'll see - no one knows the real answer. Better to be on the safer side. I will let ya'll know how the 45 rear sprocket goes when I get it this Spring.

I'd just be more on the careful side, I had to replace the crankshaft, cylinder, and oil pump when it seized - a $1400 investment I do not wish on anyone!

 

[ARH]

Congrats on the bike, my 2012 TE250 is great, though I had a hard time with it until I got the power up mods done, I think the biggest single thing was swapping the rear sprocket for a 50 t. Super for single track. I did a couple of dual sport rides with a group of bigger bikes, and found my self being left behind on the paved sections since I don't like to push it much past 50 mph. But if you don't need to go fast and just want an awesome bike for tight trails that you can ALSO ride to and home from the trails, I think you will like the switch to the 50 t. It makes a huge difference. Maybe I'm being over careful not to sustain high revs, but I want to keep this bike for many years. Also notice the oil change and service intervals change when you do the power up, not sure just changing sprockets affects this or if it is more to do with removing the throttle stop or if this is just because they assume you are racing and using the bike hard, I compromise and change oil and filter every 15-20 hours of ride time. Something else to consider, especially after reading henson802's post, Yikes! the manual recommends oil & filter change every 8 hours for full power bikes. every 1,000 Km for restricted bikes (what is that, about 500 miles?)

 

[henson802]

It's standard for these bikes to change oil every 300-500 (8 hours) miles max - and filter every other. It's my first real dirt bike and I wasn't aware - figured every 800 would be ok since I didn't ride it too hard-- probably half easy road miles and easy/medium trails (I didn't read the manual either --stupid!!).

ARH, I think it's good not to abuse the bike at higher speeds. Those high revs are fine for cranking and snapping such on the throttle, but sustaining is a different story. Especially the way the X-lite engines are designed, it's easy to suck oil through the air box --- something else to be careful of. I think 'cruise' speeds for a TE250 that can sustain longer trips would be 5000-6000rpms - and good maintentence of course - engine will last. Parts are moving incredibly fast, and when it blows up at high revs - let me tell ya - it does some damage

50 rear won't hurt the bike but I wouldn't expect sustaining over 50mph without going above 6500rpm.. that's the way it is for me and I'm light rider..Riding 2010 TE250 for a couple years. 50t sure as heck makes it fun to ride in the dirt. I think a TE310 geared with 45 rear would be perfect if you need to ride 50mph roadways to trails , a little extra oomph never hurt no one right?

 

[ARH]

It's standard for these bikes to change oil every 300-500 (8 hours) miles max - and filter every other. It's my first real dirt bike and I wasn't aware - figured every 800 would be ok since I didn't ride it too hard-- probably half easy road miles and easy/medium trails (I didn't read the manual either --stupid!!).

ARH, I think it's good not to abuse the bike at higher speeds. Those high revs are fine for cranking and snapping such on the throttle, but sustaining is a different story. Especially the way the X-lite engines are designed, it's easy to suck oil through the air box --- something else to be careful of. I think 'cruise' speeds for a TE250 that can sustain longer trips would be 5000-6000rpms - and good maintentence of course - engine will last. Parts are moving incredibly fast, and when it blows up at high revs - let me tell ya - it does some damage

50 rear won't hurt the bike but I wouldn't expect sustaining over 50mph without going above 6500rpm.. that's the way it is for me and I'm light rider..Riding 2010 TE250 for a couple years. 50t sure as heck makes it fun to ride in the dirt. I think a TE310 geared with 45 rear would be perfect if you need to ride 50mph roadways to trails , a little extra oomph never hurt no one right?

I guess I ride a little slower, you would have to average over 60 mph to rack up 500 miles in 8 hours. I am doing less than 400 miles in 20 hours of ride time. Most of the trails on my riding area are the tight, twisty, whacking your hand guards on trees type. I wish the manual gave the intervals in the same measurement (either time OR miles) so you could compare apples to apples...

 

[henson802]

Right... Since my little mishap, I been changing oil every 200-400 miles. I'm doing a lot more road riding between trails it seems. 20 or so miles to a trail thats 5-10 miles long, and you go back and forth.. you can do the math .

It's objective, when I'm on my bike (50 rear and powered up TE 250) - I need to get the rpms between 6500 and 7000rpms to maintain 50. I'm sure you will be fine, just be a little cautious at the bikes limits (sustaining high revs obviously not great on engine life)...

I hope to stay with Husky and try the new 2013 TE310R with like a 45 rear. That KTM 350 exc-f certainly is dreamy, but damn... KOST TOO MUCH.

 

[glangston]

I rode my 2012 TE 310 with the 40 for a while. Decided with the extra power it could do fine with a 45 as I do a lot more fire road than single track.

250 probably needs the 50 with your parameters.

 

[henson802]

ja ja, 50 rear for more off-road riding / single track ... 40 if you plan to do more roads and easier trails -- I think 45 Rear would be good for a solid mix

I'd be more apt to say 45 Rear if you are not racing it and plan to do road travel to your trails. Just my opinion! It's good to hear everyones feedback.

 

[L8Braker]

Ok guys a 50 rear and chain are on the way. I will be out of town most of next week, but hope to have it installed by the dealer while I am gone. I will report back asap, but can't wait to see the change it makes on the TE250.

 

[Indorider]

Watch how you gas it in the first 3 gears. It'll be standing stright up before you know it!

 

[henson802]

Watch how you gas it in the first 3 gears. It'll be standing stright up before you know it!

Hah this isn't a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke 450... just a 4 stroke 250, heck, I have trouble getting the front up even when I'm trying to..