Drive chain recommendation

[al pushpak]

hi, just wondered if anyone can advise me what size chain I need to fit with a 19 x 47 sprocket combination, I know it should be 83 pitch but I've just tried to fit an 83 link iwis chain & its as slack as a slack thing ! so its either very worn or not an 83 ! even though I'm sure it is ?! can anyone recommend a good quality chain that will fit. thanks for any info

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

I’m very wary of saying too much about drive chains, as I’m aware that there are those that are scathingly cynical

However, I haven’t amassed many years of experience as a scooterist & engineer without some knowledge, which I’m happy to share in an attempt to help.

The chains of Indian manufacture that I have tried are very poor, despite being sold by companies with an excellent reputation. They stretch/wear within a very short time of being fitted.

Iwis might be very good, but so are genuine Regina, Renold, T D Cross & Morse along with others obtained from industrial power transmission stockists. Because their price may appear to be a bargain does not make them ‘cheap & nasty’ though some Forum users seem to find that hard to believe.....

If you can get beyond that prejudice, then shop around.

Personally, I make up my chains to suit & have stock of chain with both ‘half’ & ‘one-&-a-half’ links as well as connecting links that I have never had fail, fitted correctly, of course. However, I have invested in a chain splitter/riveter specifically for 3/8” pitch duplex chains & have made up endless chains to suit friends’ 19 x 46 & 19 x 47 primary sets.

Whether an 82 or 83 link chain will fit any 17 x 47 set-up depends on the wear within the sprockets as well as the chain & you might find a ‘hardly used’ (‘run in’) 82 link chain will just fit & an 83 link chain to be baggy as you have experienced.

One alternative is to purchase/make a pull down tensioner so that you can utilise the 83 link chain that you have bought.

I hope that helps

[GeorgeS]

The gearbox visualiser sheet states 19x17 as '83 Link Chain with Tensioner'

[burnside]

19x47 needs a pull down tensioner, it's either that or a stretched 82 link. Treat yourself to a GT pull down tensioner and you're sorted.