Chain Tension with new 80 link chains

[Paul_from_Thornbury]

Recently had to rebuild my engine, upper standard chain device was knackered and wouldn't take up slack so purchased a new 80 link chain and an AF chain tensioner. I have a standard 15/46 tooth arrangement, but new chain would not fit, the chain was so tight I couldn't get the clutch basket into the clutch sprocket with no chain tensioner fitted at all. I had to revert to my old slack chain with the AF tensioner which took up slack to within limits.

Now currently rebuilding a friends engine, and chain was slack, so just bought the AF tensioner but that wouldn't take up slack enough, so bought an 80 link chain as well. Exactly the same, it is very tight, I have just managed to get this one fitted, but had to revert to standard chain tensioner, couldn't get the AF one in with the new chain.

What is going on with these 80 link chains, why are they so tight?

[Digger]

What chain is it?

[Paul_from_Thornbury]

Mine was a chain from Torbay Lambretta, 80 link quality chain from Italy, spoke to Mike about it and he hadn't had any previous issues.

The 2nd one was the 80 pitch Italian chain from Scooter Restorations.

These are both cheaper chains, so should we be spending more and getting 'better' chains or are these the same length?

[Digger]

IWIS chains are some £6 more expensive than SR's prices and are usually good.

However for two chains not to fit seems odd - have you checked your sprockets?

[HxPaul]

For them to be too tight for a 15x46 combination is very odd.I always use iwis chains and in my opinion there the best.