Will raising my suspension with shorter dogbones change my chain length requirement?

CZroe · June 16th, 2012, 07:33 AM

I need to order a chain and sprockets for a pregen with newgen suspension (swingarm, wheel, shock, etc).

So no one thinks I'm doing this specifically for the chain: I'm not. I already planned to raise the tail. In fact, I plan to remove the blue paint from a proper 106-link chain and use that if possible, but the green one I want is only available up to 104 links. Because I really want that green chain, I will be extra sensitive to changes that might require a longer chain and extra appreciative of any change that might require a shorter one (smaller sprocket). Which category might this change fall under, if any?

I know that the chain tightens up when the suspension compresses, which is why you want slack and you don't want to ride with a tight chain. It seems to me that raising the rear would be the geometrical equivalent of unloading the suspension, which may contribute to the slack I need to get away with a shorter chain.

Any input?

Motofool · June 16th, 2012, 08:49 AM

Your max length plus some little slack for the centrifugal force on the chain is needed for the travel point of the rear suspension at which the front shaft, swingarm's pivot and rear axle are aligned.

That is what the specified measured slack in the extended position guaranties.

Will your new steup reach the alignment position?
If yes, then you still need adjusting your length and the new measurable slack by that condition.

CZroe · June 16th, 2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Your max length plus some little slack for the centrifugal force on the chain is needed for the travel point of the rear suspension at which the front shaft, swingarm's pivot and rear axle are aligned.

That is what the specified measured slack in the extended position guaranties.

Will your new steup reach the alignment position?
If yes, then you still need adjusting your length and the new measurable slack by that condition.

I understand. I guess I really won't know if it has enough slack and adjustment with 104 links until I try it. I may have to buy a smaller rear sprocket but I am willing to do that.

leed · June 16th, 2012, 10:07 AM

Yes, technically you would need to shorten the chain, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Worse comes to worst, you have to punch out a set of links, but I honestly don't think you have much to worry about.

alex.s · June 16th, 2012, 11:29 AM

the amount that you end up raising the tail will effect the chain only slightly. well within the adjusters limits

CZroe · June 16th, 2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leed

Yes, technically you would need to shorten the chain, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Worse comes to worst, you have to punch out a set of links, but I honestly don't think you have much to worry about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

the amount that you end up raising the tail will effect the chain only slightly. well within the adjusters limits

That's just it. I need to use an already shortened chain and I'm hoping it's long enough.

alex.s · June 16th, 2012, 02:33 PM

hmm... might just be me being ghetto fab but... combine old and new chain? you only need one link right?

CZroe · June 16th, 2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

hmm... might just be me being ghetto fab but... combine old and new chain? you only need one link right?

The bike currently has no chain. That's how I bought it. I already have a spare 106 link blue chain that I could throw on there, but I'd have to strip the paint and I'd rather buy the 104 link green chain. The 104 link green one fits my color theme perfectly but isn't available in longer link counts.

June 16th, 2012, 07:33 AM	#1
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Will raising my suspension with shorter dogbones change my chain length requirement? I need to order a chain and sprockets for a pregen with newgen suspension (swingarm, wheel, shock, etc). So no one thinks I'm doing this specifically for the chain: I'm not. I already planned to raise the tail. In fact, I plan to remove the blue paint from a proper 106-link chain and use that if possible, but the green one I want is only available up to 104 links. Because I really want that green chain, I will be extra sensitive to changes that might require a longer chain and extra appreciative of any change that might require a shorter one (smaller sprocket). Which category might this change fall under, if any? I know that the chain tightens up when the suspension compresses, which is why you want slack and you don't want to ride with a tight chain. It seems to me that raising the rear would be the geometrical equivalent of unloading the suspension, which may contribute to the slack I need to get away with a shorter chain. Any input?

June 16th, 2012, 08:49 AM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Your max length plus some little slack for the centrifugal force on the chain is needed for the travel point of the rear suspension at which the front shaft, swingarm's pivot and rear axle are aligned. That is what the specified measured slack in the extended position guaranties. Will your new steup reach the alignment position? If yes, then you still need adjusting your length and the new measurable slack by that condition. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

June 16th, 2012, 11:29 AM	#5
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	the amount that you end up raising the tail will effect the chain only slightly. well within the adjusters limits __________________________________________________

June 16th, 2012, 02:33 PM	#7
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	hmm... might just be me being ghetto fab but... combine old and new chain? you only need one link right? __________________________________________________

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June 16th, 2012, 10:07 AM	#4
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	Yes, technically you would need to shorten the chain, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Worse comes to worst, you have to punch out a set of links, but I honestly don't think you have much to worry about.