sprocket question

[AnderBlast]

ive got a smaller sprocket for the front the old one is 16 tooth and the new one is 14 tooth how many teeth biger would i need for the rear to keep the chain the same size if that makes any sence
any help much appreacited

 

[anderkart]

ive got a smaller sprocket for the front the old one is 16 tooth and the new one is 14 tooth how many teeth biger would i need for the rear to keep the chain the same size if that makes any sence
any help much appreacited

Maybe I'm missing something here but I'd think the answer would be a 2 tooth larger rear sprocket.

 

[AnderBlast]

i tought that aswel but someone told 1 tooth on the front is the equivilint of 3 teeth on the rear so i dont no thats why im askin to see if anyone can help me

 

[anderkart]

i tought that aswel but someone told 1 tooth on the front is the equivilint of 3 teeth on the rear so i dont no thats why im askin to see if anyone can help me

Yeah I agree, that does seem strange... maybe we need to get some math expert here to explain it.

I've never even worried about chain lengths before, but gear ratio wise: going 1 tooth smaller on the front is usually equal to 4 teeth larger on the rear.

Are you thinking about replacing your rear sprocket just so you dont have to shorten the chain?

 

[AnderBlast]

the reason i ask is cause with my new sprocket on the front the chain is too long and i cant take up the slack and to make the chain smaller it will be too small so im kinda stuck with what to do

 

[anderkart]

They make those half-links for situations like yours:

What size chain are ya running? (#35 - #40/41?)

 

[AnderBlast]

iv heard of a half link but i couldnt see how it would work so i didnt tink they excisted
what way do they work

 

[anderkart]

They just allow you to extend/shorten just 1 link pin length, instead of 2 at a time like normal.

 

[AnderBlast]

aw rite i may get one so i dont no what size the chain is the engine is a 1986 honda cb 350 if thats any god to ya

 

[jrmints1415]

measure the distance between the teeth on the sprocket and because it is a 14 tooth i am almost positive it is #35 chain

 

[anderkart]

I found some info claiming 1986 CB350 originally used a #525 size chain.
But if anyone has replaced the engines original drive sprocket, chain and rear sprocket you'll need to double check and make sure they ALL match each other, and what pitch they are.

Here's a chart to help ID the different chain pitch/sizes:

OK, Evidently no one makes regular half-links for motorcycle chains any longer because they were pretty much all weak and eventually failed.

However I think you can still buy a diferent type of half-link that achieves the same goal. If you research the first few sites in this link I think you'll find some info about these alternatives, and hopefully find the correct part for sale: http://www.google.com/search?source...r.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=73fc2eee6b126d9&pf=p&pdl=3000

 

[AnderBlast]

cheers for the help man i will measure my chain today and see what i can come up with

 

[anderkart]

Here's a pic of the part I was talking about:

I think this style half-link was made by Renold Chain company in the UK.
You'll find this one for sale in the USA here --> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RENOLD-NOS-5-8x3-8-Half-Link-110056-AJS-BSA-Triumph-/110663918720
I'm not positive this particular model would work on a #525 chain, or if that's even the size you need anyway...

Just so you understand, all drive chains are setup so you have to use an even number of links to connect the ends with a masterlink or chain breaker tool. The half links just alow you to end up with an odd number of links to more closely size the chains leinth.

Anyway I just wanted to follow up and let you know you might be able to buy one of these in the UK that's the right size to fit your chain. All you'd have to do is correctly shorten your chain and install 1 of these with 2 master links.

Here's a couple more search links that might help you find the corect one for sale:
http://www.google.com/search?source...S369&q=RENOLD+(NOS)+5/8x1/4"+Half+Link+110054
http://www.google.com/search?source...v=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=d3cf963e1097ce14&bs=1