chain tension help

**CRUISER** · #11 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 06:33 PM

i have tried. even with tensioner off the bike i cannot remove a link. it makes chain just a hair short. that is why i am going to try a half link

Andyinchville1 · #12 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 09:50 PM

Hmmmm....In answer to your question, yes, a good straight chainline is important (in some of my builds it was necessary to bend the idler bracket inwards or outwards depending on where on the rear wheel stay the tensioner bracket was ultimately mounted...not easy buy doable with the right tools)....To save $$ it would be easiest to simply remove enough links and then lower the idler wheel accordingly....If the entire bracket needs to be moved you can always bend the upright so that the chainline remains in proper alignment.
Andrew

Andyinchville1 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 09:52 PM

You posted a reply before I got mine in! ;-0 ......The chain being a little short shouldn't be too much of a problem...can't you just lower the idler?

**CRUISER** · #14 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 10:01 PM

the way it is now is the shortest i can make the chain and it still fit with or with out the chain idler. i have tried everything. i think the only cure is the half link. the picture is deceiving the engine sprocket is level with the top of the wheel sprocket so of course with the rear sprocket being bigger the chain needs to head upwards. if i were to do it again i would make both sprockets as close to center of each other as possible.

**CRUISER** · #15 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 11:41 AM

i ordered a half link. will let you all know if they are worth it. hopefully it will be in next week.

MotorbikeMike · #16 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 08:19 PM

HI Cruiser, I only just saw this post I have a time seeing the little handle on the mailbag.

Take a little piece of aluminum and cut it in the shape of a T-Shirt. Loosen the rear motormount, and slip it in-between the engine and the sliding mout.

The shim will equal twice it's thickness in chain slack takup.

I've done this for years, works brilliantly!

If I've not been clear, ask away.

Mike

**CRUISER** · #17 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 08:24 PM

cool i will try that. thanks mike. ordered the half link but wasnt crazy about using it because most say they had problems with it. will let you know how it works

deacon · #18 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 08:45 PM

Thats a great bit of advice I had the same problem it's why i couldn't get both chains to tighten without a tensioner. Im going to remember that the next time I have to pull the chain off of either side.

MotorbikeMike · #19 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 09:52 PM

Deacon, you will not even need to pull off the chain to do this! loosen mount, slip in tighten repeat as needed.

Mike

deacon · #20 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 07:59 AM

I will have to take a link out of the bicycle chain to tighten it, then use your spacer to tighten the motor chain but it is absolutely doable. I will get that spacer off the bike and make it look a lot better.

thanks Mike