Is my new chain too short?

[foster]

Got a new chain and sprockets for the ol' '82 185s, but when i go to put it on, it seems too short.
Am I missing some kind of "trick" to put this on? :wondering
I have everything all loosened up, axle, chain tensioner . . .
Did I just get a wrong chain? Or is there some trick to this that I don't know?
The masterlink almost reaches, alllllllllllllllllmost, but not quite.
Thanks in advance!

[Russell 350X]

Sounds like you may be a link to short, how many links are in the chain?


Russ

[foster]

I'd have to go home and check. I'll do that when I get off work and report back.

[MichiganRedneck]

even though the adjuster is loosened, doesnt mean the axle is slid all the way foward. kick the axle from behind and see if it moves. that worked for me. :wondering

[foster]

I think it's all the way forward. I've pushed it and kicked it and coaxed it as hard as I can.
I'll count the links when I get home, and I'll try pushing the thing forward some more and post my results.
If I have no luck, is there a simple solution to having a chain that's less than 1 inch too short? Can I just add a link if that is the case?
(Obviously, I've never changed a chain before!)

[atctim]

If it almost fits, try putting the mastlink in the chain before it is on the back sprocket, then start the chain onto the bottom of the rear sprocket and roll the machoine forward. If it's too tight, and won't roll up on, then don't force it or it will be super hard to get it back off. This is what I do alot.

[nouseforaname90]

Yeah. Make sure that the tensioner (/bearing carrier?) is all the way forward. Even a tiny turn makes a big difference. The carrier on my R was about 1/8th turned and the chain wouldn't fit, but when I loosened it completely, it had quite a bit of slack in the chain..

[foster]

If it almost fits, try putting the mastlink in the chain before it is on the back sprocket, then start the chain onto the bottom of the rear sprocket and roll the machoine forward. If it's too tight, and won't roll up on, then don't force it or it will be super hard to get it back off. This is what I do alot.
I did this and it worked like a charm. Thanks!!!
I figured I was missing some simple trick to this job, and I was.
The chain is still real tight, though. I'd say there is 1/4-inch or less of play in it.
Hope that is ok and it will stretch a bit with a little riding?
Cheers and thanks again.

[nouseforaname90]

I think that 1/4 is probly enough play.. and yes, unless you got an RK or pre-stretched chain, it will stretch a little as you use it.

[foster]

Thanks.
You should have seen my front sprocket -- worst stripped sprocket in the history of chain-driven bikes!
If I think of it, I'll post a pic. You guys will LOL! I can't believe this thing still pulled itself along!

[nouseforaname90]

The same goes for my 250R. When I took the chain off to change it, I couldn't believe the sprocket still worked! Out of the total 13 teeth, 6 are broken off and 3 are chipped.. haha.

[foster]

:lol:
Man this trike has treated me better than I've treated it!