Chain Problems-'90XLH
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Chain Problems-'90XLH
Hello all, I can't figure this out.
I have the OEM adjusters on the bike as well as chain/sprockets.
1. I adjust the chain per the manual-it gets loose.
2. I adjust the chain a little tighter-it gets real tight.
3. Chain pops a little even when adjusted to OEM specks rolling forward, it's like the teeth are not the same width as the sprocket/lining up, BUT when I spin the tire backwards, no popping.
So that causes me to believe the front sprocket is worn, but I don't know.
Note: PO had a new chain/sprocket installed two yrs ago but still had a problem with the chain staying tight/specks so he might have worn them out.
A friend has a chain that is an "O-ring" type chain and it is beefy/a lot more meat than the skinny OEM style.
4. Recommendations on a fix/chain-that will fit the sprockets/match?
5. Recommendations on if I should go up one tooth on the front sprocket with this 4spd 883 to give me a little more top end/less rpm at cruise speed-or should I stay the same being a 883?
Thanks for the help,
Jim
I have the OEM adjusters on the bike as well as chain/sprockets.
1. I adjust the chain per the manual-it gets loose.
2. I adjust the chain a little tighter-it gets real tight.
3. Chain pops a little even when adjusted to OEM specks rolling forward, it's like the teeth are not the same width as the sprocket/lining up, BUT when I spin the tire backwards, no popping.
So that causes me to believe the front sprocket is worn, but I don't know.
Note: PO had a new chain/sprocket installed two yrs ago but still had a problem with the chain staying tight/specks so he might have worn them out.
A friend has a chain that is an "O-ring" type chain and it is beefy/a lot more meat than the skinny OEM style.
4. Recommendations on a fix/chain-that will fit the sprockets/match?
5. Recommendations on if I should go up one tooth on the front sprocket with this 4spd 883 to give me a little more top end/less rpm at cruise speed-or should I stay the same being a 883?
Thanks for the help,
Jim
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 3,973
From: San Diego, CA
You need to rotate the back wheel until you find the tight spot in the chain, then adjust in that position. If you have a couple tight spots, or you can pull the chain away from the rear sprocket at the 9 O'Clock position, you need a new chain.
I went with an RK X ring on my 1991 and could not be happier. Also, Bel Ray Super Clean Chain Lube makes life much less messy.
Good luck.
John
I went with an RK X ring on my 1991 and could not be happier. Also, Bel Ray Super Clean Chain Lube makes life much less messy.
Good luck.
John
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Ok thank you for the information. I will be checking these tip out this week.
Question, where can I buy a front sprocket that is made in America?
Also, what is the stock tooth count for the front/rear sprocket (I'm trying to look for it in the book now). I was thinking of going up one tooth.
P.S. A friend of mine just replaced his and it is made in Taiwan or China and I'm not so sure of that metal.
Thank you again,
Jim
Question, where can I buy a front sprocket that is made in America?
Also, what is the stock tooth count for the front/rear sprocket (I'm trying to look for it in the book now). I was thinking of going up one tooth.
P.S. A friend of mine just replaced his and it is made in Taiwan or China and I'm not so sure of that metal.
Thank you again,
Jim
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 419
Likes: 344
From: Brick NJ
I bought a DID X ring 110 link chain new 21 tooth PBI front sprocket and a new 48 tooth rear, I like the stock hearing has a lot of pep, also bought these chain adjusters from V-Twin, makes adjusting a snap.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Thanks John.
I looked on V-Twin and for my year they have the stock one listed for adjusters.
I looked on V-Twin and for my year they have the stock one listed for adjusters.
Last edited by Rollbar; Apr 20, 2015 at 02:30 PM.
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Supporter
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From: Brick NJ
V-Twin PN is 44-2011
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Ok I went to VTwin in Tampa and bought this chain.
I found a receipt in the manual from the PO and he bought a very inexpensive RK chain. He said he could not keep the chain adjusted but I thought it's because he didn't buy one rated enough for the bike.
As with a lot of things I have corrected on the bike I think he just wasn't one who knows.
But his loss, I have put over 2k on the bike and no problems except with the chain.
So here is what I bought.
I asked the tech the tensile strength but he didn't know.
Was $125.00 and I got it for $99.00, pretty good deal I guess.
Thanks for the help,
Jim
I found a receipt in the manual from the PO and he bought a very inexpensive RK chain. He said he could not keep the chain adjusted but I thought it's because he didn't buy one rated enough for the bike.
As with a lot of things I have corrected on the bike I think he just wasn't one who knows.
But his loss, I have put over 2k on the bike and no problems except with the chain.
So here is what I bought.
I asked the tech the tensile strength but he didn't know.
Was $125.00 and I got it for $99.00, pretty good deal I guess.
Thanks for the help,
Jim