clutch ratio

[joelster69]

Hello all,
got a kenbar whirlwind ( just like a baja heat mini) , with honda gc160 4.5hp
dont know what i was thinking when i put a 10 tooth front clutch (comet $30) with a 48 tooth rear , tire 14.5" .
my question is the 4.8 to 1 ratio , to small for flat grass and street riding?
takes off kinda slow, but hauls top end wise .Im really happy the way its is.
but the clutch is getting pretty darn hot .
my 6 to 1 go kart (ran it) didnt get hot at all,
should I put a 11 or 12 tooth front sprocket, I have an extra motor 6.5hp , can up the motor .
i would increase the rear sprocket but i would have to lengthen the chain , p ain in the arse . but would prob be best , 54 or 60 tooth.
thx for your input

 

[joelster69]

just realized , definately dont want a bigger front sprocket , and they prob dont make less than 10 tooth front .
i got the 10 tooth cause it was the smallest they had
i think it tops out around 40mph now

 

[Oldsalt]

Minimum 60 tooth at the rear if you are going to ride on the lawn as you mentioned you do. 72 tooth would be better for that but would reduce top end on blacktop. If the rear tire was 12" in diameter the 60 tooth might work for you without a super hot clutch, but the 14.5" tire nixes that. You got it right, clutches won't last with a 4.8 to 1 ratio useing a 14" or 15" diameter tire.