Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all, getting my2007 Electra X ready for the boxing day Run (The Pied bull Public House, Farningham Kent) yesterday. Thaught i'd replace the rear drive chain as its original and has done 10k miles (3K with me as its new owner in a year).The original chain is endless (no spring link) so ground off the rivets on the side plate pushed out a link, connected the new chain and pulled it through, (you old boys know all this stuff). New chain link hitting primary chaincase. on inspection the chainlink pins stick out quite a way from the grooves for the clip. So reversed the link, still touching (jamming).As I still had my dremmel to hand, GENTLY ground back the pins as much as I dare, as of last night as I turn the wheel in neutral, I can JUST feel it touching again. Link now correct way round clip facing outwards. When I finish this cup of tea going back out the shed and have another look.

Best REgards and Merry Christmas From the Medway Towns

Kentish Man

You are not alone! I've had this problem in the past, I think only on Japanese bikes which seem to have quite narrow crankcases and often quite enclosed around the gearbox sprocket. It's usually when replacing the chain for a better quality item than the originals for some reason. I did the same as you, faithful Dremel to the rescue! Good luck with it!

REgards, Mark

I suppose the best fix is to use a softlink instead. This probably isn't much help for your boxing day run unless you have the link and a tool to fit it.



I personally hate spring links. I've had several fail catastrophically over the years, I won't use them on anything bigger than a 125. That said, an Enfield isn't exactly stressing them, it's the same chain I have on my 160mph sports bike.

Hi again, revisited the chain this morning, ran a few passes of a flat hand file across the chainlink pins, and there is now clearance. it was fouling the primary chain casing at the front sprocket area (as correctly diagnosed by Mark M). been out for a blat, filled up with petrol, ready for boxing day. All is well

REgards Kentish Man (was a Man of Kent)

I fitted a number of "O" ring chains to these but I had to make up a 2mm spacer for the primary. Works well in particular for people who don't want to have to keep adjusting their chain