Gearing is one of the cheapest ways to change how an e-moto feels. A sprocket swap won't add power, because the motor and controller set that. What it changes is how that power reaches the rear wheel: harder launches and easier climbs, or a higher top speed. Here's how gearing works, how to choose it for your riding, and what to know before you swap.
How sprocket size changes the ride
Your final-drive ratio is the rear sprocket tooth count divided by the front. Change either one and you change the ratio.
- Bigger rear sprocket (or smaller front) = shorter gearing. You get more torque at the wheel, harder acceleration and easier hill climbs, but a lower top speed.
- Smaller rear sprocket (or bigger front) = taller gearing. You get a higher potential top speed and a calmer launch, but less pull off the bottom.
A change of one tooth on the front sprocket shifts the ratio much more than one tooth on the rear, because the front is so much smaller. Make small changes and test them.
Gearing also affects heat and range. Gearing too tall for tight, technical riding makes the motor and controller work harder at low speed, which builds heat and drains the battery. Gearing too short for open riding means you hit the motor's top RPM sooner. Match the gearing to where you actually ride.
Choosing gearing for how you ride
- Tight trails, technical climbs, hard enduro: Go shorter (a bigger rear). You get better low-speed control and less motor strain when you're crawling.
- Mixed trail riding: Stock gearing is usually a good balance. Change it only if something specific bugs you.
- Open fire roads, fast tracks, supermoto: Go taller (a smaller rear) if you're hitting the top of the speed range and want more.
Before you change anything, look up your bike's stock tooth counts in the manual or on the parts listing and work from there. Talaria lists the Komodo's stock gearing on its spec sheet: 14/15T front and 50/53T rear, according to our Talaria Komodo page.
Sprocket options we carry
Steel lasts longer, especially in mud and sand. Aluminum is lighter but wears faster.
- Sur-Ron Ultra Bee: Warp 9 Anvil Steel Rear Sprocket, DirtyBike Rear Sprockets, KKE 53T Aluminum Rear, Heavy Hitter 520 Ultra Bee Sprocket
- Sur-Ron Light Bee X / Talaria Sting: DirtyBike Steel Rear Sprockets
- Talaria Sting MX5: Warp 9 Talaria Sting MX5 Rear Sprocket
- Other 420-chain e-motos: Warp 9 E-Moto Steel Sprocket (check fitment on the product page)
See the full range in sprockets.
Choosing a chain
- Match the pitch. Your chain size (420, 428, 520 and so on) has to match both sprockets. Some conversion sprockets change the chain size, so read the listing before you order.
- Sealed (O-ring/X-ring) vs. non-sealed. Sealed chains hold their grease inside and handle dirt and water better. Non-sealed race chains are lighter with less drag, but they need more frequent lubing.
- Length. A bigger rear sprocket may need more links. Never run a chain that's been stretched to the limit of the adjusters.
Options include the Renthal 420 R-1 Works Chain and the Tusk 420 Off-Road Chain. You'll need a chain breaker to shorten one. Browse chains for more.
Swapping sprockets: the basics
- Put the bike on a stand and loosen the rear axle nut and chain adjusters.
- Remove the chain, either at the master link or by sliding the wheel forward.
- Swap the sprocket and tighten the bolts to your manual's torque spec in a crisscross pattern. Use thread locker if the manual calls for it.
- Refit the chain and set the slack to your manual's spec. Make sure the wheel is aligned so both adjusters read the same.
- Tighten the axle to spec, then recheck the slack.
- Re-check the sprocket bolts and the slack after the first ride.
Chain slack specs vary by bike. Sur-Ron's Ultra Bee manual, for example, specifies 10–25 mm. Use the figure from your own manual. If you swap sprockets, it's a good time to replace a worn chain too. A new chain on worn sprockets, or the other way around, wears out quickly.
Keep it running
Clean and lube the chain regularly with Maxima Clean Up and Maxima Chain Pro. Talaria Sting owners can add a DirtyBike Chain Guide Kit to help keep the chain on in rough terrain.
FAQ
Will a bigger rear sprocket lower my top speed? Yes. Shorter gearing trades top speed for acceleration and climbing.
Can I reuse my old chain with new sprockets? It's not recommended. A worn chain wears new sprockets quickly, so replace them as a set.
How often should I check chain slack? Check it before rides, and always after a sprocket change or a muddy ride.
Not sure which sprocket fits your bike or what gearing to run? Email our rider support team at support@tbelectricmoto.com.
