I had no idea it would do this. As you may know, I built one of these guys from scrap parts. My sprocket center hole is about 1/2" larger than my hub cap. Also, it's mounted with a raggy joint.
I had the sprocket centered and all the wobble adjusted out of it when I first mounted it. After many miles of joyful riding, the sprocket seems to have moved from that perfect position I had fought so hard for.
I started it up today, on its center stand of course. As I merrily revved the engine I looked at my chain tensioner. It was moving like a child's see-saw. I was shocked, shocked I tell you. But I didn't have time to true it up, so off we went. I could not feel any tightening and loosening of the chain as I would have before my invention turned up.
The bike ran smooth and quiet, just like always. I honestly had no idea it would do what it did. Knowing what I know now, here's what I'd do if I had to start over on this project.
1. Make sure there is plenty of movement for the roller.
2. Use a roller skate wheel (ebay) or a standard bearing idler to guide the chain. NOT a sprocket. I'm concerned that a sprocket won't allow the side to side flexibility we need to keep the chain on the big sprocket. I know that seems contradictory, but it's what I think.
3. Mount the thing so the roller is close to the big sprocket. It's main job is to feed the 'loose' chain on to the big sprocket. So Near is Good.
That's it! After my experience tonight, there's no way I would ride without the spring loaded tensioner. FYI: mine cost me $2.00 at Ace for the spring. Best 2 bucks I have spent in a while.
I had the sprocket centered and all the wobble adjusted out of it when I first mounted it. After many miles of joyful riding, the sprocket seems to have moved from that perfect position I had fought so hard for.
I started it up today, on its center stand of course. As I merrily revved the engine I looked at my chain tensioner. It was moving like a child's see-saw. I was shocked, shocked I tell you. But I didn't have time to true it up, so off we went. I could not feel any tightening and loosening of the chain as I would have before my invention turned up.
The bike ran smooth and quiet, just like always. I honestly had no idea it would do what it did. Knowing what I know now, here's what I'd do if I had to start over on this project.
1. Make sure there is plenty of movement for the roller.
2. Use a roller skate wheel (ebay) or a standard bearing idler to guide the chain. NOT a sprocket. I'm concerned that a sprocket won't allow the side to side flexibility we need to keep the chain on the big sprocket. I know that seems contradictory, but it's what I think.
3. Mount the thing so the roller is close to the big sprocket. It's main job is to feed the 'loose' chain on to the big sprocket. So Near is Good.
That's it! After my experience tonight, there's no way I would ride without the spring loaded tensioner. FYI: mine cost me $2.00 at Ace for the spring. Best 2 bucks I have spent in a while.
