Rear Sprocket on Templar X

NH Shorty · 06-03-2024, 08:49 AM

Hello! I am new here and purchased a Templar X in April. Have really enjoyed it so far and made a few mods, with the help of this site.

So far I have re-jetted the carb and installed bark busters.

I am in the process of swapping out the tires for some 50/50 Kenda K270's. While changing out the rear tire I want to swap the rear sprocket to bring down the RPM's some while tooling around on the black top.

I purchases both a 45 and 42 tooth JT rear sprocket. My question is, will I need to get a shorter chain or remove a link if I go to the 42 tooth? I ask as the rear tensioner is already about 3/4 toward the rear, so wondering if I will run out of room to adjust & properly tension the chain.

red2003 · 06-03-2024, 09:39 AM

Yes, you will need to shorten the chain. If you have a dremel or grinder, it's an easy process.

Thumper · 06-03-2024, 12:01 PM

All you need to do is remove a link or two. Get a chain break (~$15).

You will need one in the future anyway when you buy a new chain and need to remove some links, or when your chain stretcghes and it is too long.
This is a basic motorcycle tool to have when you own a motorcycle. It will get used.

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Aussie_in_MO · 06-03-2024, 04:22 PM

Took two links out of my stock Templar X's chain with an angle grinder, straight punch, and 20t shop press.
Mostly because I needed it done that day and couldn't be bothered going over to my Dad's place to get my breaker back.

NH Shorty · 06-03-2024, 04:56 PM

Thanks all! I will get to work removing the chain and start taking some links out. Anyone recall how many links they had to remove on their stock chain to fit the 42 tooth? Would love to get it right the first time, if I can.

Thumper · 06-03-2024, 06:45 PM

You will have to adjust to about 65-75% forward on the axel slot, square on both sides. This is so that you can loosen if needed, or tighten the chain after removing the links.

Then pull the chain around the rear sprocket. Determine the overlap, estimating appropriate slack in the chain... Look closely, because removing "one" link is actually removing two sections. They have to go back together using the master link.

No one can really be certain about the number of links you need to remove.

NH Shorty · 06-03-2024, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumper

You will have to adjust to about 65-75% forward on the axel slot, square on both sides. This is so that you can loosen if needed, or tighten the chain after removing the links.

Then pull the chain around the rear sprocket. Determine the overlap, estimating appropriate slack in the chain... Look closely, because removing "one" link is actually removing two sections. They have to go back together using the master link.

No one can really be certain about the number of links you need to remove.

Great explanation. Thank you !

ProDigit · 06-03-2024, 10:44 PM

You can use a chain breaker, to reinsert the rod in the chain and close the loop.
I've done several thousands of miles on an OEM chain which I've shortened this method.

Thumper · 06-04-2024, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProDigit

You can use a chain breaker, to reinsert the rod in the chain and close the loop.
I've done several thousands of miles on an OEM chain which I've shortened this method.

This is the standard method for continuous link chains. I've used this method on continuous link chains, but the master link on OEM chains and aftermarket Takasago RK standard chains are MUCH easier to deal with, and in 45 years I've never had a master link fail. Never.

I usually remove the chain and hang it for lubrication. It is so much quicker and easier with the master link. Personally, I trust it more than reinstalling with the chain break.

Always install the open side of the master link clip on the trailing side, make sure the link and chain are clean during install.

GypsyR · 06-04-2024, 10:43 AM

I've had one master link come apart/disappear. An older and well worn enduro bike I bought a few years ago had two spare master links hooked on the clutch cable. I figure there was a reason the previous owner wanted those handy. So I expect experiences vary.

Weresquatch · 06-04-2024, 11:22 AM

I'm gonna do the same swap shortly to a 42T. I have a chain breaker but I didn't know the OEM chain had a master link...things just got easier.

NH Shorty · 06-07-2024, 12:24 PM

Thought I would report back on my findings & outcome. I used the process that Thumper outlined and it worked perfectly. Ended up removing a total of 2 links to get the 42T sprocket with the stock chain to fit and adjusted correctly.

The higher gearing is exactly what I was needing and the 42T was the correct way to go. Thanks again for the assistance.

06-03-2024, 08:49 AM	#1
NH Shorty Join Date: Jun 2024 Location: Northern NH Posts: 4	Rear Sprocket on Templar X Hello! I am new here and purchased a Templar X in April. Have really enjoyed it so far and made a few mods, with the help of this site. So far I have re-jetted the carb and installed bark busters. I am in the process of swapping out the tires for some 50/50 Kenda K270's. While changing out the rear tire I want to swap the rear sprocket to bring down the RPM's some while tooling around on the black top. I purchases both a 45 and 42 tooth JT rear sprocket. My question is, will I need to get a shorter chain or remove a link if I go to the 42 tooth? I ask as the rear tensioner is already about 3/4 toward the rear, so wondering if I will run out of room to adjust & properly tension the chain.
	0

06-03-2024, 09:39 AM	#2
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,247	Yes, you will need to shorten the chain. If you have a dremel or grinder, it's an easy process. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
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06-03-2024, 12:01 PM	#3
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,406	All you need to do is remove a link or two. Get a chain break (~$15). You will need one in the future anyway when you buy a new chain and need to remove some links, or when your chain stretcghes and it is too long. This is a basic motorcycle tool to have when you own a motorcycle. It will get used. __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it
	1

06-03-2024, 04:22 PM	#4
Aussie_in_MO Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 156	Took two links out of my stock Templar X's chain with an angle grinder, straight punch, and 20t shop press. Mostly because I needed it done that day and couldn't be bothered going over to my Dad's place to get my breaker back. __________________ ---------- 2023 Templar X 2009 Triumph Bonneville 1976 Yamaha DT175 1974 Honda MT125
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06-03-2024, 06:45 PM	#6
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,406	You will have to adjust to about 65-75% forward on the axel slot, square on both sides. This is so that you can loosen if needed, or tighten the chain after removing the links. Then pull the chain around the rear sprocket. Determine the overlap, estimating appropriate slack in the chain... Look closely, because removing "one" link is actually removing two sections. They have to go back together using the master link. No one can really be certain about the number of links you need to remove. __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it Last edited by Thumper; 06-03-2024 at 08:04 PM.
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06-03-2024, 04:56 PM	#5
NH Shorty Join Date: Jun 2024 Location: Northern NH Posts: 4	Thanks all! I will get to work removing the chain and start taking some links out. Anyone recall how many links they had to remove on their stock chain to fit the 42 tooth? Would love to get it right the first time, if I can.
	0

06-03-2024, 10:44 PM	#8
ProDigit Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 152	You can use a chain breaker, to reinsert the rod in the chain and close the loop. I've done several thousands of miles on an OEM chain which I've shortened this method. __________________
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06-04-2024, 10:43 AM	#10
GypsyR Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 292	I've had one master link come apart/disappear. An older and well worn enduro bike I bought a few years ago had two spare master links hooked on the clutch cable. I figure there was a reason the previous owner wanted those handy. So I expect experiences vary. __________________ 2023 Templar 250 X
	0

06-04-2024, 11:22 AM	#11
Weresquatch Join Date: Jan 2024 Posts: 95	I'm gonna do the same swap shortly to a 42T. I have a chain breaker but I didn't know the OEM chain had a master link...things just got easier. __________________ Templar X 250 Vespa GTS 300 Vespa ET4 150 Triumph Legend TT 900
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06-07-2024, 12:24 PM	#12
NH Shorty Join Date: Jun 2024 Location: Northern NH Posts: 4	Thought I would report back on my findings & outcome. I used the process that Thumper outlined and it worked perfectly. Ended up removing a total of 2 links to get the 42T sprocket with the stock chain to fit and adjusted correctly. The higher gearing is exactly what I was needing and the 42T was the correct way to go. Thanks again for the assistance.
	0