Primary chain question

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Apr 4, 2011 | 04:23 PM

Dynamohm

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Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL

Primary chain question

Did a full service on my 2003 RCK today went to check the primary chain adjustment and change the fluid. I noticed the sprockets were kind of worn not pointed yet but almost and the chain had only about 1/2 inch of play when hot.
I guess it's time to replace should I just go to the dealer and buy OEM parts or is there something better. Bought the bike used last month 36K and don't know the history. That's why I did a full service.
How much $ am I looking at will install myself, I have no problem with that.

Apr 4, 2011 | 04:37 PM

Beav

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From: North Georgia

Just went through this myself. I put the "new & improved" primary chain tensioner instead. Maybe it's placebo effect, but I feel that it's smoother around idle & low speed.
Worth it IMHO. Your results may vary.
Can't recall the specific cost...went through a bunch of coin during my "project."

Beav

Apr 4, 2011 | 04:57 PM

Captain Itch

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From: Granville, Tennessee

I would think that the new and improved version he is speaking of is the automatic upgrade..one less worry on your scoot..

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Apr 4, 2011 | 05:33 PM

asm481

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Southeastern Wisconsin

I didn't think you were suposed to be adjusting either the primary chain or clutch when it was hot. Thought all measurements in the service manual were for cold.

Apr 4, 2011 | 06:28 PM

Dynamohm

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL

Maybe I was jumping to conclusions to quick. I've been looking online at new chains and sprockets, and the teeth on the sprockets seem a little pointed to me. I am used to changing sprockets on my dirtbikes when they start to point. I guess they are different type sprockets. Come to think of it the adjuster had a lot left to adjust and the pad was not worn. When I have time I'll take pix of the front sprocket and post them.

Thanks to all who have responded.

Apr 4, 2011 | 06:37 PM

xxxflhrci

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

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At 36k your primary set up shouldn't be worn out....Mine has 81k miles on it. It still has the original adjuster shoe in there, too.

Apr 4, 2011 | 11:58 PM

Potato_Potato

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by asm481

I didn't think you were suposed to be adjusting either the primary chain or clutch when it was hot. Thought all measurements in the service manual were for cold.

If I recall there is a hot measurement for the primary chain.

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Apr 5, 2011 | 07:22 AM

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,675

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From: Billings,Mt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamohm

You can measure it hot or cold the manual has specs for both

Yep,either way .
I found it easier to do it when cold,dont get burned!

Apr 5, 2011 | 07:36 AM

#10

smokindave

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Oh

I know people with over 100K mi. on stock primary chains and adjusters. Unless yours was adjusted wrong, 36K seems very low mileage for replacing these parts.