GT5 66cc Stock Chain - How Much Risk ??

[maniac57]

chains don't really stretch. i mean, the links don't get any longer.

when new, after a couple rides, it seats itself into the sprockets and all the links and rivets work themselves into place, that's what causes it to loosen up.

the rollers on the chain wear as it ages, that's why it's mistakenly called "stretch."

the teeth on the gears will also wear, and over time can develop a sawblade look to them from constantly moving in the same direction.

on older bikes, a lot of times a new chain won't fit on an old sprocket because the teeth have worn so much.

Even the super HD #40 I use had to be adjusted after the first mile or so, but, onnce it took a set,it has not moved since.
I literally can't remember the last time I had to adjust my chain. At least three or four months (almost daily use 25-75 mi per day)I did have to move the tensioner after the roller wheel wore into the new pattern since the #40 is so much wider. It made the alignment critical I always tack weld my tensioner which might help keep things strong and motionless even when coasting downhill or engine braking.
I have always told new builders the chain is the single weakest link in any stock kit. Even set up perfectly, the junk chain included with the kit is a failure waiting to happen.


I have a pile of stock kit chains.
I make bracelets out of them.

 

[picklefish]

thank you so much for your kind reply. I understand it now. I need to find someone who can pin stripe flames on the sides of my fuel tank.

 

[Motorbikenewb]

You can get a heavy duty chain at a farm or tractor store. Get a good chain breaker tool also.

 

[picklefish]

well, If I have any more issues I will. The $15 chain from the bike store is working perfectly. I took better resolution pictures and posted them go google plus. heres the link, the album is public so you should be able to see them all. (4) I took close ups to show the motor mounting I did, washers as gap fillers. Also the chain tensioner that came with the kit is working fine but I can definately see it wearing out so I will change to the skateboard wheel type until I can manufacture a spring loaded one.
https://plus.google.com/photos/1049...ms/5860043161489732033?authkey=CJ6N04a_n4DlHg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-...AEA/6GQ-e0YqYjM/w454-h339-p-o-k/Picture+4.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AEc/IoOHjzOWh0s/w454-h339-p-o-k/Picture+7.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...AEg/7fdHqOI6eQU/w454-h339-p-o-k/Picture+8.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...AEM/1LbOjRKAX3w/w454-h339-p-o-k/Picture+6.jpg

I ditched my origional bicycle chain for the pedal side and put the kit supplied chain over there, the new chain from the bicycle store went on the engine side. I also used the kit supplied rear sproket attachment stuff. The rear wheel bearings got repacked with Motorcycle high performance bearing grease courtesy of a neighbor. No wobble in the sprocket or rear wheel. The rear wheel cones were just wobbly enough to throw the chain so thats all fixed.

 

[maniac57]

Looks pretty good so far. Be sure the chain roller bracket cannot turn on the bar and catch in the spokes. ANY movement in the bracket will cause problems.

 

[picklefish]

Im definately not going to relax on the safety checks before each ride. I cant afford pysically to get hurt! lol.

 

[Motorbikenewb]

I went ahead and got a #41 chain from the tractor store. WOW... the sheer difference is night and day. It rides so much smoother now (i guess because of the extra width in the links, its more forgiving), and I have of mind that the chain is less likely to fail. Thanks for all the feedback.....

 

[picklefish]

I have to wait a while to order mine, will have to internet order it since the closest tractor store is too far to ride.

 

[bairdco]

if you're gonna get one online, i recommend getting a Diamond #41 chain off ebay. 10' for $30 or so, you'll have enough for two bikes, and you'll never have chain worries again...

 

[maniac57]

if you're gonna get one online, i recommend getting a Diamond #41 chain off ebay. 10' for $30 or so, you'll have enough for two bikes, and you'll never have chain worries again...

Hard to go wrong with Diamond chains, been using them for years on dirtbikes.
Quality stuff.

 

[picklefish]

Thats good stuff right there. someone had posted this link earlier in this thread, before I hijacked it, sorry. 10' of #41 for $17.00
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/3850476/Chain/#41-Single-Strand-Roller-Chain

 

[Legwon]

yes, i did.
but that is super-cheapo compared to the diamond chain... like they said earlier, if u gonna buy online get the diamond one
only reason i got that is bc they just down the road from me ... lol

 

[picklefish]

good to know, thanks