So I replaced my chain recently. It looks like I had plenty enough space on the tensioners to add 2 links to the chain if I wanted to, maybe more. With the Monster tending to be light on the front end I thought this might be an easy way to shift the balance forward a bit. I expect the longer wheelbase would also affect the handling some but was still curious.
Anyone done this? Any idea what kind of a difference it would make? Any reason this is a horribly bad idea?
Thanks,
Scott
You should be able to go down in the front 1 tooth or up in the rear 2 teeth without changing the length of the chain. Ideally, you should always replace sprockets and chains at the same time to get maximum life, but unless you have high mileage or visible wear it should be OK to reuse your chain and rear sprocket.
I just changed the chain and sprockets as a set. I'm running stock gearing and I'm happy with it. I just wondered about adding links to stretch the wheelbase a bit.
Scott
You will lose a little turn in but you'll find it easier to keep the front wheel on the ground and you'll get better feedback from the front end. Just make sure you have enough travel to adjust chain stretch in the future.
Yeah, it looked like I could add 2 links easy. 4 links and I may not have the room for future adjustments. Maybe I'll get some master links and add in some of the spare links. The turn in is already slower from getting new fork springs which raised the front a half inch or so. I could get the adjustable link for the rear but the Monster is a street bike, not a track machine, and I'm fairly broke right now anyway. It's more than fine for the riding I do.
Scott