New Chain advice

[memnoch]

Ok, maybe daft question, I don't know...but...

I need a new chain for my chop... It's a Kwaka Z650 in a modified Honda 550 frame (hardtail).

I didn't build it so I have no idea what chain the builder used but I'm assuming I'll need to get one made to length...

Ok, how do I correctly work out how long or how many links I need? Yes I have the old one (sheared) and could work it out from there BUT...previously, the chain has run over a movable roller tensioner and was a real pain in the arse (forever moving and needing adjusting)...and while I need to keep this (without it I'll be unable to adjust tension at all), I would like to shorten the chain some some.

Advice? ideas? or should I just do the obvious and replace as is and just get it 5 or 6 links shorter?

[guydewdney]

id buy a chain of the same length as the old one...

fit it THEN see how many links you can take out - its amazing how much taking 1 link out makes a diference.

Easily done with a grinder of some sort (grind off the head of the rivet and a bit of the side plate, and punch out the pin using a nail if you have to!)

also fit my guyoiler http://www.btinternet.com/~adelphi.house/Guyoiler.html .... saves a lot of buggering about with new chains / oiling / adjustment - my last chain lasted 25,000 miles on a TDM 850 with Nos...

[Creature]

remove the chain - and count the links, probally a 520 chain but take it with you.

I would also check ya sprockets as you may find they are pretty worn and if they are and ya fit a new chain it will ruin the chain.

often the chain& sprocket kits can be cheeper than just a chain

[wegit]

http://www.btinternet.com/~adelphi.house/Guyoiler.html
Just read that with great interest, guess what my project is next week !!!

And recomendations in oils ??

[Creature]

I use chain spray on grease - spray it on when ya park up for the night and it dont splatter all over ya tyre - also gives it time to penetrate into the links

[wegit]

I have tried them but it tends to spread and it's a nightmare to clean off the swinging arm when it gets thrown up

[Creature]

thats why ya do it when ya park the bike up :)

[wegit]

Back in 5.... Bike will be stood til Sunday Morn... Let's see

[memnoch]

Thanks for the tips guys - especially re: lubricating the damn thing!

Cheers

[guydewdney]

my logic for not using chain lube is this:-

sticky gooey grease + road dirt = grinding paste

light oil dripped on chain + road dirt = flung off dirt, clean chain...(oh, and dirty bike - i extended my chain guard a bit to help with this)

I reckon it would probably work quite well if u used just water - the best thing is the cleaning action of the liquid dripping onto and taking off the dirt. my chain still looks new (ish) after 10 - 15,000 miles... the side plates are dirty, but the rollers are nice and shiney...


oh - and light oil (compared to grease) is easy to clean compared to sticky gooey spray grease / chain lube

[Mad Dog]

I know about the home made stuff,

but,

I gotta say I've been using Scottoilers for many years now.
Provided the drip rate is set up correctly, and you use their oil, they work perfectly and vastly prolong chain and sproket life.
Especially the new one with a twin feeder (used to make y own end up to feed both sides of the chain)