Author Topic: Balancer chain  (Read 1913 times)

Offline Oggers

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Balancer chain
« on: March 22, 2022, 02:18:35 PM »
Right - I fear I may rock the boat here! I have ordered a new DID balancer (kart) chain and a split link for it. I fully realize that I perhaps ought to use a rivet link, but several problems.

I am not confident or practiced enough to mushroom out a rivet link correctly.
I don't have the right tool.
No-one around here can seemingly do it for me - despite several attempts with the local bike shops.

So, am I asking for trouble using a split link in lieu of a rivet link?

My thinking

Not much torque on a balancer chain - it's not like a drive chain.
Relatively small chain.
Cam chains operate in a similar way, and I have seen cam chains with split links.

Thoughts welcome as ever.

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2022, 05:33:36 PM »
Ask Oddjob, he might do it for you he's 'The Don' at all things chain related,
drop him a pm, he's on here.
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Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2022, 05:59:30 PM »
Hmm, a big single and in particular the CB250RS is well known for knocking out drive chains due to the firing pulses of these bikes. Personally I wouldn't fit a split link and especially considering the balance chain is pretty lightweight compared to the final drive chain.
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline Oggers

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2022, 06:12:07 PM »
Dave

The balancer chain being pretty light is surely an advantage? Drive chains - final drive to wheel? - even my big Suzuki with a chain the size of the Titanic slip chains has a split link.  Surely the balancer chain would not be under undue pulsation/torque ripple, as it is er.. balanced? ....but yes, I would prefer a rivet link, but just cannot find anyone to do it - Mr Oddjob may be an option for sure. Cheers for that.....

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2022, 06:54:21 PM »
What size is the chain? eg 219. Look on the side plates, it's sometimes on there.

Does it need to be split to fit or can it be rivetted and fitted after?
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Offline Oggers

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2022, 09:13:42 PM »
Hi Oddjob

It's a 219  - one of these.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382209546818

Needs to be cut to size, preferably rivet link fitted and mushroomed, then can be fitted when fully assembled - unless Dave says different! 

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2022, 09:32:38 PM »
How many links?

I presume you've already bought one?

If it's a 219 you might as well upgrade it and fit a 219FTH if you haven't already bought one. The FTH is a heavier duty chain with full side plates instead of the figure 8 of the normal chain, it's stronger, last longer and is supposed to be quieter.

Yeah I can rivet that for you if you wish.

Easier for me to cut one down and rivet it than you providing one as it doubles the postage.

TBH if the link length isn't too great you may be able to get 2 chains out of one length, that way you can keep one for spare or maybe sell it on and cover the cost of buying it.

Let me know your thoughts
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Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Oggers

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2022, 09:44:04 PM »
Hi Oddjob

Let me consult the manual and I'll get back to you with number of links - or I'll count the old one!

Yes  - I have already bought one, but chat later no doubt.

Many thanks for your help - much appreciated.

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2022, 09:53:26 PM »
Not a problem mate, it's what the forum is all about.

Did you get a rivet link with it as well or just a split link?

I have spare rivet links but they are for the 219FTH chain so your going to need one.
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Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2022, 10:26:28 PM »
I wish I had known of the heavy duty option at the time, I would have fitted one!
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2022, 04:31:01 AM »
Maybe next time it comes apart then Dave.
Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Oggers

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2022, 08:19:39 AM »
Just got a split link with the chain. Rivet links for it seem hard to come by. I'll keep looking.....

Offline Oggers

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #12 on: March 23, 2022, 10:29:44 AM »
Oddjob - sent you a PM - hopefully!

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2022, 04:20:29 PM »
Just got a split link with the chain. Rivet links for it seem hard to come by. I'll keep looking.....

I can get a rivet link for a 219 chain no problem. Costs £1.20 where I get my chains from. 92 links seems to be the longest 219T chain available these days as the 219FTH seems to take over after 92.

You got a link count yet? Asking here so other can read the answers Mark.

Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Balancer chain
« Reply #14 on: March 23, 2022, 10:52:02 PM »
I think it's 104 from memory, I remember one of the timing marks is on link 88 but I'll have to check tomorrow when I'm fully awake!
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

 

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