Chain & sprocket woes

Rago · 07-13-2010, 04:04 PM

I have a slight problem with the Maxfine & I need help. Basically, I ride her through the woods.... hard. :twisted: Obviously this has put some wear on the bike like a front rim that's starting to warp & now a broken chain tensioner. The rim I wasn't so concerned with, but I guess I should start looking for a replacement. What is getting me is the tensioner breaking. My bike has some sort of odd set up on the back of the swing arm that's basically a nut, bolt, & flat plate. I noticed it was broke when I was riding down the road & my chain popped off. That started a "chain" reaction (sorry for the pun, lol) because it balled up & completely locked up the motor.

Well to shorten the story up some, I got the chain back on, fired up the bike, & now the chain keeps making a popping sound. I noticed a small nick in the chain just big enough to catch my fingernail on but that can't be my problem. I either bent my rear sprocket or possibly the rear wheel needs lined up.

My question is, how do I fix/replace the broken tensioner & where can I find this part if necessary? Also finding a compatible front wheel would be nice, but not a "must do" thing yet. The trails, they are a calling & my new mini bobber just isn't suited for that type of duty, lol.

katoranger · 07-13-2010, 05:06 PM

I think I may have a tensioner for you.

Allen

Rago · 07-14-2010, 10:46 AM

That would be awesome! I know this has got to be a dumb question, but how does the old one come out? I'm not wanting to leave any broken parts inside of the swing arm & I've never had to change one before.

Rago · 07-16-2010, 02:46 PM

Went to the local bike warehouse that I mentioned in a previous post & started digging through stuff. I found a chain, CDI, & tensioner all for $15. The chain turned out to be too short, but the tensioner only cost $1! They didn't know what the part was for & figured since it was so small, it wasn't worth much. If I would have found any more, I would have bought a handful. The CDI should come in handy in the future & for $5 who can complain? I tested it on the bike & it works fine.

As far as the chain goes, I looked at the Maxfine & noticed that one link is bent. :( Should I try to knock the link out like when I was a kid working on bicycles or should I just chunk the old chain & buy another new one that actually fits? I'm budget minded, but do a lot of hard trail riding so I'm riding the fence on this issue. $60+ for a chain seems excessive, but that's what I've found so far. It is a 428 chain, correct?

SpudRider · 07-16-2010, 03:25 PM

I wouldn't use a drive chain with a bent link.

If it fails, it could cause major engine damage, and leave you stranded in a remote place. 8O I encourage you to buy a Tsubaki 428HQR drive chain for you bike.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=7356

Spud

Weldangrind · 07-17-2010, 10:57 AM

You should also be able to get a 428H (for heavy duty) RK or DID non o-ring chain for around $30 from a local bike shop. O-ring chains cost power and money.

Rago · 07-17-2010, 11:39 PM

Spudrider, TYVM for the link! I'll be buying one of those. I didn't plan on using the chain as is, but knocking out the bent link & reattaching the chain. I guess if it won't get me aroiund & since those chains you pointed out are so cheap, I'll just get one of those & keep my bike out of commission for a little while. They are now clearance items at $9.99 each, so I'm gonna jump on it immediately!

FastDoc · 07-18-2010, 12:29 AM

GREAT PRICE I got one myself and I don't even need a chain, yet.

SpudRider · 07-18-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rago

Spudrider, TYVM for the link! I'll be buying one of those. I didn't plan on using the chain as is, but knocking out the bent link & reattaching the chain. I guess if it won't get me aroiund & since those chains you pointed out are so cheap, I'll just get one of those & keep my bike out of commission for a little while. They are now clearance items at $9.99 each, so I'm gonna jump on it immediately!

You're welcome, Rago.

Give the vendor a call, and ask him about the flat rate shipping.

He can ship you six drive chains for the same cost as one. Therefore, I bought six drive chains, and I always have a spare chain handy.

Spud

FastDoc · 07-18-2010, 12:52 AM

Spud, how many miles are you getting out of a chain?

I'm going to see what else I need that they sell to save on shipping.

SpudRider · 07-18-2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Spud, how many miles are you getting out of a chain?

I'm going to see what else I need that they sell to save on shipping.

I don't know for sure, Doc.

However, if you clean and lubricate it properly, the Tsubaki 428HQR should last more than 10,000 miles. Therefore, you are only spending one-tenth of a penny per mile, or less, to replace the drive chain.

Spud

Rago · 08-24-2010, 08:52 PM

Ordered the chain, but still haven't got it on due to being really busy the last few weeks. Should be ready to go soon, but now I'm wondering about the front wheel.

Yeah yeah I'm hi jacking my own thread, but oh well. Can anyone tell me how to find out what wheels will fit on my bike? I know the Honda XL fenders swap on & a LOT of XL parts look similar, but I don't want to take the risk of paying for an XL wheel if it doesn't fit. How about Suzuki parts? I find Suzuki dirt bikes on CL regularly for $100-$300 with no motors or missing other parts. I'm mechanically inclined, just motorcycle stupid.... if that makes sense.

SpudRider · 08-24-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rago

...Yeah yeah I'm hi jacking my own thread, but oh well. Can anyone tell me how to find out what wheels will fit on my bike? I know the Honda XL fenders swap on & a LOT of XL parts look similar, but I don't want to take the risk of paying for an XL wheel if it doesn't fit. How about Suzuki parts? I find Suzuki dirt bikes on CL regularly for $100-$300 with no motors or missing other parts. I'm mechanically inclined, just motorcycle stupid.... if that makes sense.

Don't hijack your own thread, Rago.

If you start a new thread posing this question, you will get many more helpful responses.

Also, if you start a new thread, the information you receive will be more easily found by others who seek this knowledge in the future.

Spud

TurboT · 08-25-2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rago

I'm mechanically inclined, just motorcycle stupid.... if that makes sense.

Makes perfect sense to me.

That's why I rely on these fine folks here. 8)

Rago · 08-25-2010, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Don't hijack your own thread, Rago.

If you start a new thread posing this question, you will get many more helpful responses.

Also, if you start a new thread, the information you receive will be more easily found by others who seek this knowledge in the future.

Spud

New thread started.

07-13-2010, 04:04 PM	#1
Rago Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 80	Chain & sprocket woes I have a slight problem with the Maxfine & I need help. Basically, I ride her through the woods.... hard. :twisted: Obviously this has put some wear on the bike like a front rim that's starting to warp & now a broken chain tensioner. The rim I wasn't so concerned with, but I guess I should start looking for a replacement. What is getting me is the tensioner breaking. My bike has some sort of odd set up on the back of the swing arm that's basically a nut, bolt, & flat plate. I noticed it was broke when I was riding down the road & my chain popped off. That started a "chain" reaction (sorry for the pun, lol) because it balled up & completely locked up the motor. Well to shorten the story up some, I got the chain back on, fired up the bike, & now the chain keeps making a popping sound. I noticed a small nick in the chain just big enough to catch my fingernail on but that can't be my problem. I either bent my rear sprocket or possibly the rear wheel needs lined up. My question is, how do I fix/replace the broken tensioner & where can I find this part if necessary? Also finding a compatible front wheel would be nice, but not a "must do" thing yet. The trails, they are a calling & my new mini bobber just isn't suited for that type of duty, lol.
	0

07-13-2010, 05:06 PM	#2
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I think I may have a tensioner for you. Allen __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

07-16-2010, 03:25 PM	#5
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I wouldn't use a drive chain with a bent link. If it fails, it could cause major engine damage, and leave you stranded in a remote place. 8O I encourage you to buy a Tsubaki 428HQR drive chain for you bike. http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=7356 Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

07-17-2010, 10:57 AM	#6
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	You should also be able to get a 428H (for heavy duty) RK or DID non o-ring chain for around $30 from a local bike shop. O-ring chains cost power and money. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

07-18-2010, 12:29 AM	#8
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	GREAT PRICE I got one myself and I don't even need a chain, yet. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

07-14-2010, 10:46 AM	#3
Rago Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 80	That would be awesome! I know this has got to be a dumb question, but how does the old one come out? I'm not wanting to leave any broken parts inside of the swing arm & I've never had to change one before.
	0

07-16-2010, 02:46 PM	#4
Rago Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 80	Went to the local bike warehouse that I mentioned in a previous post & started digging through stuff. I found a chain, CDI, & tensioner all for $15. The chain turned out to be too short, but the tensioner only cost $1! They didn't know what the part was for & figured since it was so small, it wasn't worth much. If I would have found any more, I would have bought a handful. The CDI should come in handy in the future & for $5 who can complain? I tested it on the bike & it works fine. As far as the chain goes, I looked at the Maxfine & noticed that one link is bent. :( Should I try to knock the link out like when I was a kid working on bicycles or should I just chunk the old chain & buy another new one that actually fits? I'm budget minded, but do a lot of hard trail riding so I'm riding the fence on this issue. $60+ for a chain seems excessive, but that's what I've found so far. It is a 428 chain, correct?
	0

07-17-2010, 11:39 PM	#7
Rago Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 80	Spudrider, TYVM for the link! I'll be buying one of those. I didn't plan on using the chain as is, but knocking out the bent link & reattaching the chain. I guess if it won't get me aroiund & since those chains you pointed out are so cheap, I'll just get one of those & keep my bike out of commission for a little while. They are now clearance items at $9.99 each, so I'm gonna jump on it immediately!
	0

07-18-2010, 12:52 AM	#10
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Spud, how many miles are you getting out of a chain? I'm going to see what else I need that they sell to save on shipping. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-24-2010, 08:52 PM	#12
Rago Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 80	Ordered the chain, but still haven't got it on due to being really busy the last few weeks. Should be ready to go soon, but now I'm wondering about the front wheel. Yeah yeah I'm hi jacking my own thread, but oh well. Can anyone tell me how to find out what wheels will fit on my bike? I know the Honda XL fenders swap on & a LOT of XL parts look similar, but I don't want to take the risk of paying for an XL wheel if it doesn't fit. How about Suzuki parts? I find Suzuki dirt bikes on CL regularly for $100-$300 with no motors or missing other parts. I'm mechanically inclined, just motorcycle stupid.... if that makes sense.
	0