I have a 2011 280 txt pro with a stock 41 tooth rear sprocket. I have been told it would be better to change this to a 44 or 46 tooth sprocket.
So, what tooth are you folks running on the rear and why?
Thanks,

Your Pro should have come with a 10T countershaft sprocket (11T comes on the bike). I installed the 10T on my 280 (with standard rear sprocket which is a 42T - so unless they changed, yours should be a 42) and find first gear works better in really tight sections and second is useable more often. Going to a 44 rear with the 11T front would result in a similar change, but a front sprocket is easier and cheaper to swap out and you should not need to change the length of the chain. IMO a change to a 46 rear is too much, but gearing is a personal preference and some like super low gearing. If you find the 10T countershaft still leaves you with a first gear that is too tall (too fast), then you can go up on the rear, but I would give the 10T front a chance first.

Brock

that's weird Brock, my countershaft sprocket came stock at 11T and my rear is 41T. Guess they use whatever is on the shelf!

What about you other folks, what front and rear teeth are you running?

I've always found that the 280 pro's are geared too tall, great for a pro on a pro but too quick for the normal rider. Since 02 the pro's came with 11/42 until lately when the bikes with the new airbox and muffler started coming 11/41. Again personal preference comes into play, what may work for me might not for you.Here's what I use on an 05 280 11/44. 10 tooth seems too low for me but may work the best for you if you are just starting out and trying to tame the beast. Throw in a slow throttle tube and 1 size larger pilot jet for smoother low speed running and easier starting. Just my thoughts but should get you in the right direction. Mark.

Thanks Mark, that is some good info and gives me some ideas to try. Yes, any help is appreciated since I am totally new to this sport.

Mark,

I love the 10T CS sprocket. I am not just starting out, but I do find the beast easier to control in the tight stuff. On the other hand, I find the quick turn throttle to be the preferred tube, so there appears to be some conflict in my Pro choices. Can you help sort out the confusion?

Thanks,
Brock

Don't really know brock. I just installed the 10T and appears to be much better. Will be getting the black tube in a day or two and will let you know how that works.
This is just what Charlie at TTC recommended I do to my set up.

I didn't know that 280moon was also Mark. My reply was to see what Mark Sturtevant could do to help me with my inner conflict using the white throttle tube with a 10T sprocket. Mark S. has guided me through some rough patches in the past and I know I can count on his sage advice to get me sorted out.

I agree again with Mark and Brock, The ten tooth and slow tube throttle works well for me... and its CHEAP !! So it really works for me !! lol Chad

Lets look at the gearing choices, but it may be apples/oranges comparisomes given the different years of our bikes, while Brocks and mine are more alike 280moons is slightly different. Now I don't think the internal trans ratio's are changed but 280moons bike has a improved exhaust and airbox which I believe smooths out the low end running. Lets look at the ratio's, moons now at 10/41 which is 4.10 to 1. I'am 11/44= 4.00 to 1 and Brock likes 10/44, 4.40 to 1. Moon and I are close but Brocks gearing is in the basement but it works for him,he's been kicking my butt for years! Now look at Chad's bike, he likes 10/41 and his is a 2011 300. I had him try an 11/44 on his old bike but he could never come to grips with it but he's now riding very well on almost the same ratio he couldn't ride with before. Is it all upstairs? Are the minor differences in our bikes, Do we all ride the same class? Find what works for you, gearing is the easiest to try and will have the greatest effect. Having said all that I stiil like the 11 tooth due to the superior angular velocity over the 10 tooth. Mark.