Chain adjustment/alignment

[LoneRanger]

When you remove an exhaust can there is a wire type mesh fabric around the pipe. Should that be replaced ? What is the purpose of it ?

Is it around the whole pipe, or just under joint between pipe and can? I'm wondering if you mean an exhaust wrap, which some use to hide less than perfect pipes. Alternatively, it is something used to seal a slight gap between pipe and (oversized?) can?

 

[atomsplitter]

That's what I do. Does not matter what spot you measure from just do it the same on both sides. I dislike chains, my Rocket has shaft but the wife's Speedmaster is chain. I wish Triumph would go the a belt.

My T-bird uses a belt, it's not a lot of fun to align, trust me,

 

[aj7840]

I use a laser pointer on the underside of the chain on the road, laser level at home. BC Customs works with center stand. 42T rear sprocket from a Thruxton puts the axle in the middle of the slot. Did not affect gas mileage, but moved max torque spot to 55-60 mph and 6th perfect for the two lanes.

 

[dakardean]

Another chain adjust question.
You measure slack midway between the primary sprocket and rear axle bolt. Where approximately is that on the swing arm ? (without having to remove primary cover and measuring)

 

[atomsplitter]

I don't worry too much about exact measurement because as you rotate the rear wheel chain slack changes. I check a couple spots as close to center as reasonable and call it good. Chain slack isn't an exact science like setting ignition timing. Close enough is usually good enough.

 

[rodsridin]

Just a comment to the above: Generally it's better to be a bit loose than a bit tight.

 

[dakardean]

Just a comment to the above: Generally it's better to be a bit loose than a bit tight.

What kind of miles are you getting out of OEM 525 chain ?

 

[atomsplitter]

Can't say with the T120, but I went thru 3 chains in 45,000 miles on my Trophy 1200.

 

[Elliot]

I changed my 2019 T120 chain at 23000 miles, mainly because the sprockets were worn especially the 17T front sprocket

 

[dakardean]

I changed my 2019 T120 chain at 23000 miles, mainly because the sprockets were worn especially the 17T front sprocket

Good to know. It seems the OEM Triumph 525 chains are pretty good. I have had a few OEM 520 chains that were totally knackered at 5000 miles (on small bore bikes). They tend to go suddenly near the end of life.

 

[dakardean]

Can't say with the T120, but I went thru 3 chains in 45,000 miles on my Trophy 1200.

I would think most of the 1200's would be similar

 

[brooke]

My Tiger 800 took 2 chains to do 75,000 km . My 850 sport is on the same track , The Thruxton might be wearing a little bit quicker . I imagine a triples smooth nature adds some longevity..

 

[DrPat]

My 06 Scrambler's chain has 53000km on it and is still fine; my 01 Bonnie has 40000km and is good (some terrible weather running over the years too...). Modern chains are MUCH better than the old ones, but also I have Scottoilers on those bikes. Different for the powerful triples of course, they're rougher on chains. 55hp isn't gonna bother an O-ring chain nowadays...

 

[dakardean]

My 06 Scrambler's chain has 53000km on it and is still fine; my 01 Bonnie has 40000km and is good (some terrible weather running over the years too...). Modern chains are MUCH better than the old ones, but also I have Scottoilers on those bikes. Different for the powerful triples of course, they're rougher on chains. 55hp isn't gonna bother an O-ring chain nowadays...

My T120 has a 525 chain which seems to be pretty tough. Hasn't moved much in the last 12k km