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97 links on rear chain?

Submitted by mick_adams on Sun, 11/08/2013
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Heavy Twins

Haynes "Owners Workshop Manual" (1974 ed), and Roy Bacon's "Norton Twin Restoration" (1987 ed) both say that 97 links are required with the standard 19 tooth rear sprocket on a 650cc Dominator or Mercury. How is this done? Links come in pairs surely and 96 links make the chain too short and 98 links use more adjustment than the tensioners provide. Was a half link fitted from new or is there another answer that I am missing? Would a brand new 98 link chain be that bit shorter than my worn one?

Submitted by michael_sullivan on Sun, 11/08/2013

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Does not the length of the chain depend on the size of the gearbox output sprocket? Maybe someone installed a larger one?

Submitted by martin_rowe on Sun, 11/08/2013

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Chains do come in odd-link lengths, or at least Renolds ones do. The last one I bought for my Dommi was 107 links, I just shortened it to size. The 'odd' link is indeed a half link, riveted properly not added on with a clip.

Submitted by mick_adams on Sun, 11/08/2013

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Previously michael_sullivan wrote:

Does not the length of the chain depend on the size of the gearbox output sprocket? Maybe someone installed a larger one?

Michael,

You are correct. Someone did - me- a very long time ago. I have now reverted back to the standard 19T. Hence the chain is now too long at the 98 links the bigger 20T sprocket needed. It was so long ago that a) I do not have the chain for 19T sprocket and b) I do not know whether or not it did have a half link, as has just been suggested. If chains are still available with odd numbers of links I will try to obtain one.

Thanks to both of you for your replies.

Submitted by simon_ratcliff on Mon, 12/08/2013

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Previously mick_adams wrote:

....... It was so long ago that a) I do not have the chain for 19T sprocket and b) I do not know whether or not it did have a half link, as has just been suggested. If chains are still available with odd numbers of links I will try to obtain one.

Mick,

you can get chains of any number of links from Sprockets Unlimited, also known as The Chain Gang, 01386 831341, speak to Jane the chain! Very good service.

Submitted by richard_mills on Mon, 12/08/2013

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Previously simon_ratcliff wrote:

Previously mick_adams wrote:

....... It was so long ago that a) I do not have the chain for 19T sprocket and b) I do not know whether or not it did have a half link, as has just been suggested. If chains are still available with odd numbers of links I will try to obtain one.

Mick,

you can get chains of any number of links from Sprockets Unlimited, also known as The Chain Gang, 01386 831341, speak to Jane the chain! Very good service.

Or Andy "The Chain Man" on 01299 403688 (www.the-chain-man.co.uk).

Richard

 


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