How centered does the rear sprocket have to be?

[CRP]

I've been working on a used beach cruiser that I bought for $75, couldn't go wrong for the price. I've taken apart just about everything and this is basically a play around with bike, see what it does. That one is running well but I decided to build a new one. It's a four stroke and the only problem I can't figure out is the clutch doesn't work exactly right. Basically the bike is always pushing forward.

First question is how centered does the rear sprocket have to be? This thing is a ***** to get on and tightened down centered. I think I'm maybe a 16th of an inch off, is that good enough? I know it's suppose to be dead centered but I doubt I'll ever get it dead on center. The tire rubber parts aren't even flat.

Yes I do realize why people say the adapters are the way to go. I see why now, maybe next build. My idea is to sell a couple of bikes to get the funds for some higher end bikes. I live near the beach so a beach cruiser with a motor is probably an easy sell. This build is at $350 right now.

My second question is can you build a bike with gears? I saw a nice beach cruiser with hand brakes etc. but it had 3 gears so I didn't know what to do about that? First problem was the shiftier was on the throttle handle and would be in the way. Is it possible to work around a bike like that and keep the gears for when or if you pedal it?

 

[Tony01]

A 64th is ok. Goodluck

 

[Dan]

Personally, I much prefer bikes with gears. Ya can switch the shiftier to the other side.

Gears really help with take offs at lights and helping the engine with hills.

 

[curtisfox]

You can wrap tape or the like around the hub till the sprocket is centered, before tightening down...........Curt

 

[crassius]

up/down centering is the most important - side wobble gets more important if you have a fat-toothed rear sprocket

 

[CRP]

A 64th is ok. Goodluck

Ya, that's not happening. LOL.

Put the chain etc. bike is working well. Guess I was close enough on all my centering and lining up of sprockets. Had about an hour shake down run or runs and everything seems fine. I don't like to go to far before I have a good idea that nothing is going to fall off.

 

[CRP]

Personally, I much prefer bikes with gears. Ya can switch the shiftier to the other side.

Gears really help with take offs at lights and helping the engine with hills.

I thought about that, you just end up with the gears upside down on your handle bars right? Simple just take one side off and put it on the other?

 

[CRP]

This is the new build. Chain hits the rear fender, not sure whether to cut a notch in it or just leave it off the bike. It's kind of flimsy. Sorry it's wildly humid right now so the pic isn't that great.

 

[CRP]

My original bike getting some love as well since I'm in bike mode. Picked up a beach cruiser at the dump, it had rust free handle bars, front rim and seat post which are now on my bike. Took apart the clutch, one way or another I'm going to get that to run right. It works sort of but I'm doing all I can to get it top notch.

 

[CRP]

Oh **** the front fork is backwards. LOL. Must have spun around when I took off the handle bars.

 

[xseler]

I'd also remove that front fender........several members have endured extensive injuries from those broken front fender mounts.

Best of luck in your future adventures!!

 

[Dan]

View attachment 94929

My original bike getting some love as well since I'm in bike mode. Picked up a beach cruiser at the dump, it had rust free handle bars, front rim and seat post which are now on my bike. Took apart the clutch, one way or another I'm going to get that to run right. It works sort of but I'm doing all I can to get it top notch.

With it backwards, does have a utilitarian sorta look, LoL. Almost with a European, economy, city design.

Would mess ya up at speed. Great turning at low speeds though.

Made me think of a thing, CRP. I made a from scratch throttle assembly. Was so proud of it. Took days and had springs and pulleys. Really over engineered but looked so cool and old world. Get it all together and start the engine. It just races, wide open. I made it completely, from start to finish, backwards.

Now known as the "bassackwards throttle assembly" LoL! I was so dang proud of it. 2 funny.

 

[Dan]

Forgot to mention, CRP. Great looking build! Put a layback seat post and would have a bobber look. Really good looking comfortable ride.

Again, Purty work!

 

[Dan]

Another centering method and just wut I do. Use a stick or tape measure to get it close with wheel off. Then walk it with sprocket loose-ish after putting wheel back on. (is to a word. It's right there on the interweb)

The chain will reviel where it's off and slack, tighten up

Then whack it with a mallet to fine tune. Lastly, tighten down.

(If ya "whack" things with a mallet, ya might be a redneck, snork)

 

[CRP]

Another centering method and just wut I do. Use a stick or tape measure to get it close with wheel off. Then walk it with sprocket loose-ish after putting wheel back on. (is to a word. It's right there on the interweb)

The chain will reviel where it's off and slack, tighten up

Then whack it with a mallet to fine tune. Lastly, tighten down.

(If ya "whack" things with a mallet, ya might be a redneck, snork)

Whacking with a rubber mallet did come into play. LOL.

 

[Dan]

Har, CRP! 2 funny.

Was a running joke here way back. "Did ya try a hammer" no. Once ya got to a sledge, it meant what ever got ya so POed, ya beat it to death just so you'd stop pulling your hair out.

Never fixed any thing. Was just for mental health. snicker

 

[CRP]

Har, CRP! 2 funny.

Was a running joke here way back. "Did ya try a hammer" no. Once ya got to a sledge, it meant what ever got ya so POed, ya beat it to death just so you'd stop pulling your hair out.

Never fixed any thing. Was just for mental health. snicker

I did it for real. As I tightened down the sprocket it kept moving a little so I thought a gentle tap with a rubber mallet would move it over and it did. Worked to a point then I used a screw driver to move it a little when needed.

 

[Dan]

I get ya. And works really well.

I did it for real. As I tightened down the sprocket it kept moving a little so I thought a gentle tap with a rubber mallet would move it over and it did. Worked to a point then I used a screw driver to move it a little when needed.

 

[crassius]

I use a BIG hammer for up/down adjustment - always put an old drill bit or similar in valley between teeth so you don't mushroom tooth tips.

 

[leo]

you know the old saying. "if it doesn't fit, you need a bigger hammer..."

or my favorite, "you can't put windshield wipers on a duck's butt"
i beg to differ, if you beat the duck's butt flat with a coal shovel, you can mount anything you want... wipers, signal lights AND chrome mirrors.. lol