185s Questions

[79fordblake]

I have a 1981 Honda 185s and I adjusted the valves and the timing chain. Still sounds noisey around top end. I don't know if I didn't do a good job of setting the valves or if the timing chain is to far streched and needs to be replaced. Would it be a big under taking to replace the timing chain?

Second question is can I change the sprocket on the engine to a different size to gain more power? I would like the gears to be a little lower anyway since right now I seem to hardly ever use 5th.

After I get these few things done I plan on getting Douglas aluminum wheels for it and putting on 22x11-8 GBC Gator tires on it. Thanks in advance.

[harryredtrike]

if you set the valves to spec,should be good.did you use the cam chain adjuster?sometimes they are still noisy though,it is old.and yes you can ordera different front sprocket to get more torque,go a tooth smaller

[79fordblake]

I adjusted the timing chain as discribed in the manual, loosen the nut on the outside while it is idling then tighten? It took up some slack, it is quieter. Prolly new chain time.

How many teeth are on the stock sprocket? What should I change it to to get a little more "umph"? Also where should I look at getting one? Thanks for your help.

I mostly do trail riding and look at the sights so it needs to be slowed down anyway.

[MonroeMike]

Stock is 11/41.

[Yamaha_Rules69]

The front sprocket will cost right around $10. There are a lot of places online, such as denniskirk.com , rockymountainatv.com , dratv.com , and ebay to name a few. Otherwise, go to a motorcycle shop, and they will be able to order you one, and probly cheaper because of free shipping through them. Keep in mind you will have to tighten the chain after installing the new rear sprocket. Good luck!

[79fordblake]

Thanks. If stock is 11/41, what should I change it to to slow it down some cause I have no idea. I don't want to make it to slow.

[jeswinehart]

When I used the 185-S I had to pull gang mowers ( a gang of 3) I lowered the front sprocket to 9 tooth.
You could take off in 3rd. gear (w/o mowers) and hit maybe 25 mph with the motor screaming in high gear.
it will be a real stump jumper with the 9 tooth front sprocket.

johhn

[79fordblake]

Any idea how fast it is in 1st gear with the 9/41 setup? Compared to first gear with the 11/41 setup? I can still use the same chain right?

This change sounds like its going to make my joy riding alot more enjoyable since ill be able to go slow. When I want to go faster ill just change back to the stock sprocket. Thanks.

[jeswinehart]

You literally will be able to out walk the machine at a normal pace if it is in first gear, running at normal rpms.
And yes, i used the same chain and would do the same thing as far as swapping back to normal gearing when i would want to ride it at the Badlands orv park in Indiana.
For my back along the river riding, i would also just putz and creep along the back waters and rivers edge.
I never was one for being in much of a hurry, still ain't for the most part.

[79fordblake]

Oh that is awesome, thats what I am wanting. I am looking through my Dennis-Kirk catalog. Im not exactly sure how to tell them that I need a 9 tooth front sprocket for a 1981 185s. Do you have some sort of part number? Will they know what to send me if I call or send an email about what I need? I don't see a 9 tooth in the catalog. Thanks.

[jeswinehart]

Many of the parts stores do not list each and every piece they sell. it would be best just to call and ask.
I recall that the sprocket I had did not have the mounting holes for the sprocket retainer device.
I just used a correct size cir-clip that i got from uptown at the hardware so don't get too excited about not having the politically correct part, a good cir-clip will keep it from wandering off the shaft.

john

[79fordblake]

Thanks alot. I will do some calling around tommorow.

[Frankencelery]

Dunno, from what John said, it sounds like 9 tooth might be too slow. Is there a such thing as a 10 tooth that will fit this engine?

[79fordblake]

I can't find anybody that has a 9 tooth sprocket for the 185s. I tried Bike Bandit, Dennis-Kirk, and Rocky Mountain ATV. Dennis-Kirk has a 10 tooth but I don't know if thats slow enough.

[Mr_RPM]

go with the 10, a 9 is to slow, but if u really want the tractor feel to it, go to your closest dealer and have them look for ya, they will find a 9 im sure, they can normally find alot more then i can

[Mr_RPM]

and if u do really want that 9 but cant get it, then get a bigger rear sprocket, if stock is 41 then go with a 43 (1 tooth on front is like 2ish teeth on back)

[79fordblake]

Makes since, thanks for telling me that, I didn't think about it. I may go with a 10 front sprocket then. If I want slower Ill get a bigger rear sprocket.