Shifter Kit Overall Good but 1 issue

europorsche914 · #1 01-17-2009, 01:37 AM

I would like to thank the guys at sickbikeparts for producing a product that works very well on these motorized bikes. They are innovators that keep bringing us improvements to our bikes. I have run into a few issues with my install and my kit has 200 miles on it.

When I am in high gear I am noticing some chain slip between the "pedal" chain and the highest gear in the rear cassette. Im not sure whether this is a chain line issue caused by the front freewheel system supplied by the kit (it isnt because of my chain since the problem has occured on the original chain and a brand new one and it is not because the rear cassette is too worn since I have tried two different cassettes with the same result.)

The directions in the kit state that the chain supplied will stretch and the person installing the kit will need to adjust the engine position about 3 times until it fully seats. I have adjusted my engine at least six times and the engine hasnt slipped down the frame. How do I know? I welded the bracket to the frame to eliminate that as a possible reason for so much chain slop. As it stands now I cannot move the engine any higher in the frame. I began searching for other locations that would cause the excess slack in the chain. I then noticed that the right hand bracket supplied by the kit was warped and the right side bearing was trashed. My only possible explanation for this occurence would be the higher amount of power my engine is producing. I can not allow the extra slack in the chain because it will derail within a short time which in turn derails the pedal chain which then gets wrapped up around the bottom bracket and jammed underneath the nuts securing the front chainring.

I wrote this to hopefully determine what is causing these issues and what possible solutions are available. I already plan to reinforce the right side bracket and I have also purchased new bearings. I dont know if this will be corrected in future revisions. I just need my bike to be reliable. Im not posting this to deter anyone from purchasing this kit since I have had a lot of fun with this kit and it is of high quality. Thanks Sickbikeparts !! -Justin

Pablo · #2 01-17-2009, 08:19 AM

Please send us detailed pictures of the installation and provide your order #. Thanks.

Also I would like to add that we will gladly replace your right bracket after we have a look see. Kinda the first we have heard of this, if you know what I mean.

europorsche914 · #3 01-17-2009, 11:56 AM

Sorry for the bad photos. The bracket was bent a little more severe before because I tried to bend it straight again and spot welded the bearing in place just to try to see what was goin on with the plate... You can see how slack the chain is from the bend in the plate...

jasonh · #4 01-17-2009, 01:00 PM

wow, how did you manage that one? Is your motor really producing that much more power? (if so, HOW) Or could it be from a misalignment of the plates causing the jackshaft to not run perpendicular to the side of the motor?

europorsche914 · #5 01-17-2009, 01:02 PM

no idea but i know i followed all of the directions and made sure that the plate was perpendicular to the engine... and both plates were parrallel... The only thing i didnt do was install one washer under one bolt on that plate but the bend in the plate is about 1.5" away from that bolt so i dont think thats the problem. The aluminum bracket is installed too. I think I will weld some extra steel to the area once it is again straight...

europorsche914 · #6 01-17-2009, 01:18 PM

There is some great guys over at SBP. Jim has been helping me diagnose the issue and is sending replacement parts. Talk about great customer service THANKS JIM!!

reg454 · #7 01-17-2009, 02:58 PM

if you need to ou could lower your engine and remove a link or two from the chainring side to take the slack out.

jasonh · #8 01-17-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reg454

if you need to ou could lower your engine and remove a link or two from the chainring side to take the slack out.

SBP also has a half link for that too.

They really are some great guys over there. They obviously like what they do

fm2200 · #9 01-19-2009, 09:09 AM

I was gonna get one these jack shaft kits, but the latest posts I've read is making me rethink about this product, its seems that there going to have to make a some major modifications on this kit. Im sure there is workable solution to problems encountered with chain wear causing to much slack etc but as far as I can tell it seems for now I'll be holding back on getting one and keep my vibrating single speed situation.

jasonh · #10 01-19-2009, 09:45 AM

What modifications? What issues?

If you install the kit exactly as the instructions say, you should have no issues. Sure, the chain may loosen a bit, so you tighten it. After the 2nd time retightening, I haven't had an issue since. (they also have a tensioner available) [and the stock HT chain likes to loosen a LOT, so that has to be tightened normally till it's broken in, so that would be nothing new]

I think europorsche's situation is a unique one, and I honestly wouldn't worry about this happening to you. The kit is well worth the money and is a nice piece of gear. Just take your time and install it properly and you should be good to go.