Counting chain links...

stopintime · May 04, 2011, 11:01:59 AM

Anything else than counting side plates?

New chain X minus rivet link?

bikepilot · May 04, 2011, 11:14:51 AM

I always just wrap the chain around the sprocket and cut to fit. Counting links is pretty darn tedious/annoying and too easy to screw up. Also gets complicated if you want to change gear ratios as well as the chain.

Nomad · May 04, 2011, 11:29:04 AM

Quote from: bikepilot on May 04, 2011, 11:14:51 AM
I always just wrap the chain around the sprocket and cut to fit. Counting links is pretty darn tedious/annoying and too easy to screw up. Also gets complicated if you want to change gear ratios as well as the chain.

+1, did it this way, no issues.

ducpainter · May 04, 2011, 11:56:14 AM

He might be trying to decide how long a chain to order...you know 98, 110, or 120 links.

You can see how this calculator works.

http://www.scootersperformance.com/tools/belt_rpm_calc.html

64duc · May 04, 2011, 11:56:30 AM

When counting chain links on any drive chain or driven chain (also chainsaw chain) count the spaces between the rollers, not sideplates.

corvtt1969 · May 06, 2011, 10:35:24 AM

www.gearingcommander.com
awesome website

stopintime · May 06, 2011, 11:47:56 AM

I've been playing with GearingCommander for a few days now.
Very interesting, but be aware that they list stock Monster gearing as 15/42 - I'm pretty sure it's 15/41.
Easy to fix though.

On the single sided swingarm Monsters, the hub position varies quite a bit with chain length.
For me it has been better to have some weight forward and I've tried to accomplish that by raising the rear, lowering the front, almost climbing the tank and lean forward. It works well, but I think it's also a good idea to choose a chain length and gearing that positions the hub at 4 or 5 o'clock.

Prior to my recent chain/sprockets change it was there and it worked.
Now, by accident or thoughtlessness, the hub is at 8 o'clock and I swear I can feel a major difference.
Yes, I felt the difference before I checked.

My current set up is 14/40 with a 102 chain. Sprocket distance 592mm.
My desired set up is 14/41 with a 104 chain. Sprocket distance 603mm.

By doing so, I get a longer swingarm with the hub at about 6 o'clock.
That's also the position that gives the highest ride height (as far as the hub alters height)

ducpainter · May 06, 2011, 05:52:31 PM

mine was 15/39 stock

stopintime · May 06, 2011, 06:15:31 PM

Quote from: ducpainter on May 06, 2011, 05:52:31 PM
mine was 15/39 stock

, but with a different gear box / output shaft speed?

ducpainter · May 06, 2011, 06:41:20 PM

Quote from: stopintime on May 06, 2011, 06:15:31 PM
, but with a different gear box / output shaft speed?

I believe so...

I have the old wide ratio gearbox, but I think it also depends somewhat on engine size.

The later 900's had a close ratio box like the 748 and still are listed as 15/39

671M900 · May 06, 2011, 11:00:32 PM

Quote from: 64duc on May 04, 2011, 11:56:30 AM
When counting chain links on any drive chain or driven chain (also chainsaw chain) count the spaces between the rollers, not sideplates.

WHAT?!?! When I put on the chain for my 900, I counted 98 side plated (the gold ones), and it fit perfectly. Damn, did I eff up again? does that mean my chain should be half as long as it is now? WTF?

EDIT: double checked, and the chain is correct. I remember counting 49 sideplates and wondering why it wasn't 98, and then someone told me to include the inside links. I'm slipping! At least my chain isn't.

stopintime · May 07, 2011, 12:14:37 AM

It would explain your loose chain.....

To get over a hundred, I counted the "axles" - 102 of them.
Don't know if that's the correct method though.

Howie · May 07, 2011, 04:30:10 AM

The Monster 900 is 98 links.

Speeddog · May 07, 2011, 08:46:04 AM

Quote from: ducpainter on May 06, 2011, 06:41:20 PM
I believe so...

I have the old wide ratio gearbox, but I think it also depends somewhat on engine size.

The later 900's had a close ratio box like the 748 and still are listed as 15/39

Carbie M900 had the wide-ratio
M900ie had the close-ratio

S2R800 has the small-case 6-speed, very similar to the close-ratio big-case 'box.

Primary gearing varies as well.

All the info here:
http://www.bikeboy.org/ducgearing.html

64duc · May 07, 2011, 12:50:41 PM

Quote from: 671M900 on May 06, 2011, 11:00:32 PM
WHAT?!?! When I put on the chain for my 900, I counted 98 side plated (the gold ones), and it fit perfectly. Damn, did I eff up again? does that mean my chain should be half as long as it is now? WTF?

EDIT: double checked, and the chain is correct. I remember counting 49 sideplates and wondering why it wasn't 98, and then someone told me to include the inside links. I'm slipping! At least my chain isn't.

If you check your picture you'll find that by counting both inside and outside side plates, you are counting spaces between rollers. Another way of saying the same thing.

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Counting chain links...