Hitchcocks Forum

I am dropping two teeth on the gearbox sprocket. How many links should I shorten the chain by?

Just push the wheel forward as far as it will go, fit the chain around the sprockets and mark the one which needs cutting off to give the correct length. As they say in the classics, "simples".

You forgot the "innit" after Simples

Whatever you do to drive/driven spockets the chain is adjusted as per the normal procedures

I'd be interested to know why, on what bike, and starting from how many teeth? If it's a Bullet, it's unlikely you'll actually need to shorten the chain, as the difference in sprocket circumference will equate to no more than a half-link on each chain run, and there's quite a lot of adjustment allowed for. I didn't use a longer chain when going up (in stages) to a 20-tooth gearbox sprocket on my Bullet, even with a brand-new chain fitted.

Hi guys---------just a "Tad" off-topic but calling MARTIN C }----- was out on my 500 Classic today with a 19t sprocket on and had thoughts that maybe a 20t would be better... Any probs. fitting etc...Cheers--------

Martin C
Going from a 16 tooth to 14 tooth on my 350 bullet, as I only ride around town and want a bit more pep off the line and because I am tired of always either winding out 3rd gear or lugging 4th gear.
thanks, Dean

Hello DEAN---- yeah, know what you mean about that big.............................................................................................................................GAP 'twixt 3rd & 4th...If you fit the proposed 14t sprocket the gap wont "go away"--- it'll just be further up the rev. range with you spending a lot of time around town in 1,2 or 3....and then having a very LOW 4th gear road speed as well... Remember also that the box is definitely NOT a slick-shift type.... You could try our hosts gear ratio conversion kit that effectively closes that gap BUT it has a side-effect of altering the kick-start ratio a little....With the current standard set-up, but for more "Pep" off the line try increasing the Compression Ratio (say at 8:1 ) and flowing the inlet port and maybe fit the next size up carb. with a less restrictive air filter as well ??

Sage advice indeed Alan. Hmmmmm. Isn't it much cheaper, quicker and easier to change the sprocket and reduce/change the chain though? Ooops sorry. LOL. Now where did I put that corkscrew?

Greetings !-- he of the sanity-challenged variety..Yes, of course it would be BUT at a price elsewhere--That being his engine will be constantly running at an estimated 12.5% higher at all times (Greater fuel consumption----increased wear) and any dual carriageway will be a no-no as top speed is also reduced....It'll feel like riding a trials bike all the time....Our hosts now do a forged piston at Std CR.... so why not fit one of those and have the barrel reduced in height by the requisite amount ??