Front sprocket removal

I'm about to attempt this when my 12 tooth arrives in the mail. I've read the many posts on this procedure but none seem to say whether the chain needs to be loosened in order to install the new sprocket.
Thanks in advance!

going from 13 to 12 will leave some slack and you will probably want to make some adjustments.

cryptomundo wrote:

going from 13 to 12 will leave some slack and you will probably want to make some adjustments.

What I mean is, will the stock sprocket slide right off the shaft without first having to move the rear tire forward?
Thanks

I'd plan on loosening the rear wheel axle and sliding the rear wheel forward to allow plenty of slack.
No big deal since you'll have to make a chain slack adjustment, anyway.

Doesn't get much easier to adjust than the WR, anyways. So much easier than my old KLR. HATED adjusting that thing.

chouser wrote:

I'm about to attempt this when my 12 tooth arrives in the mail. I've read the many posts on this procedure but none seem to say whether the chain needs to be loosened in order to install the new sprocket.
Thanks in advance!

ummm, try it and let us know.....

Make sure you read the new/improved chain slack adjustment, and not whats in the manual.
If if talks about measured 1.5-1.9 inches, its not the new one.

If the chain gets hot to the touch, it is tooo tight.

That turned out to be pretty simple. Yes, I did have to move the rear wheel forward to get the chain off. I did do one dumb-ass thing, though. After finishing, I test drove it around the block and while I was standing in the driveway patting myself on the back, I realized that I had forgotten to tighten the rear axle nut. DAMN!!!! I think the 12T is going to be just right for trails and moderate hill climbing, and yes, I did double check everything else.

Thanks for the pointers - especially to the fella that said to stand on the right side with your foot on the brake and pull up.