Chain Wear Question

[number1kyster]

I'm at 5,000 miles on my original chain. I'm out of adjustment on my chain tensioner bolt with the spacer. Can I remove the spacer for more adjustment, or is it time for a new chain?

 

[STAIN]

I would say new chain. I changed mine when I was at that point.
Maybe check out some different ratios at the same time.
I assume you are running the stock 21-41?
I am changing my 21-41 to a 24-50.

 

[Turboflash]

IMO, new chain (& check gears maybe). The last thing you need is chain failure!

 

[number1kyster]

I would say new chain. I changed mine when I was at that point.
Maybe check out some different ratios at the same time.
I assume you are running the stock 21-41?
I am changing my 21-41 to a 24-50.

Yes, I want to try 24/50. I think it's better suited for VT.

 

[Sevey]

I would also say 'new chain'.
As the tensioner begins to bottom out, and there is no more adjustment - the angle on the return chain gets to be pretty crazy.
MS

 

[Big_Phil]

24/50 will be a disappointment. I tried it on my sled and it was slower and less fun to ride. Maybe it would be good if you have a 1.75 inch track.

 

[STAIN]

24/50 will be a disappointment. I tried it on my sled and it was slower and less fun to ride. Maybe it would be good if you have a 1.75 inch track.

I would agree if high speed running is your thing. Trails here are more of the twisty/ throttle on/off variety.
I have ridden multiple T-cats and ZR9000's with 24-50 gearing and they seem more responsive than the 21-41 gearing in my Sidewinder.
I know the comparison is not apples to apple's with the Team clutch starting in a higher gear due to the bearing in the primary.
I think also the fact that the Team set up with the auto belt tensioner making that belt banjo string tight contributes to the responsiveness.
Either way, I am going to try the 24-50 in my new S/W . I know what the 21-41 feels like and can go back if needed.

 

[Big_Phil]

I would agree if high speed running is your thing. Trails here are more of the twisty/ throttle on/off variety.
I have ridden multiple T-cats and ZR9000's with 24-50 gearing and they seem more responsive than the 21-41 gearing in my Sidewinder.
I know the comparison is not apples to apple's with the Team clutch starting in a higher gear due to the bearing in the primary.
I think also the fact that the Team set up with the auto belt tensioner making that belt banjo string tight contributes to the responsiveness.
Either way, I am going to try the 24-50 in my new S/W . I know what the 21-41 feels like and can go back if needed.

Maybe it’s the clutching setup on yours that is different or the cat had better traction. 24/50 setups are usually cheap enough to try so why not. I ride super tight trails and noticed the 24-50 had less snap, didn’t pull the skis as easy, etc. high speed trails wasn’t much difference as both ratios can cruise at 100mph+ no problem.

 

[Turboflash]

IMO, turbos like load; more load = faster spooling. Less load (lower gearing) = slower spool. TCats came with 24/50 (yes, Team clutching) but as per Big_Phil, even in tighter trail systems, they pull harder corner to corner with higher gearing (22/41? 21/38?) and 60 & 330 ft times are faster (on Dragy) (assuming traction). IMO, Cat used 24/50 to limit top speed (makes lawyers less nervous) and extend belt life. From the start (2017) Winders had better MPH than TCats due to higher gearing. But with 24/50 TCats just don't pull hard, they just spin.

 

[Motorhead]

Here’s my thoughts with that.
For sure, new chain and top gear.
Check your internal wear on that post/nub, whereas the stock 21 top gear allows that chain to hit that. It happened on mine (2017) during the first 1100 - 1200 miles, and I caught it during my second chain case oil change and inspection.

At that point I had talked to my dealer concerning that, and that is a common problem for vipers before the winders came out. So I added a 22T and a light EcoTrail tune and tested with both gears, 21 and 22.

What I found was that extra tooth with it’s larger diameter kept the chain away from that internal post/nub, and the 22T gave my sled set up, a smoother faster pull throughout!

I ride pretty hard and fast on both medium and Big trails.

So good luck with your upcoming gearing choices!

 

[jonlafon1]

What I found was that extra tooth with it’s larger diameter kept the chain away from that internal post/nub, and the 22T gave my sled set up, a smoother faster pull throughout!

What he said !!!!! 22 Top.

 

[STAIN]

IMO, Cat used 24/50 to limit top speed (makes lawyers less nervous) and extend belt life.

I think they used the lower gearing to compensate for the higher starting ratio the Team primary has vs. a primary clutch without auto-tensioner. It keeps them from burning belts down low/ low speed maneuvering.
Either way, I am gong to give it a shot with my new 1.5 rip saw and will see what happens.

But with 24/50 TCats just don't pull hard, they just spin.

The ones I ride with made the track change away from the 1 inch and are well studded. Spinning is not really an issue.

 

[number1kyster]

I have picked up a set of 24/50. I'll pick up a 22T top gear to have on the shelf in case I don't like 24/50.

 

[1nc 2000]

Replaced my chain at around 9000 miles.
Installed 22 tooth top gear at that time and really like it. Pulls harder out of the hole but I am running ss header tunes which comes alive instantly and has huge power for trail.

 

[Motorhead]

Here’s my thoughts with that.
For sure, new chain and top gear.
Check your internal wear on that post/nub, whereas the stock 21 top gear allows that chain to hit that. It happened on mine (2017) during the first 1100 - 1200 miles, and I caught it during my second chain case oil change and inspection.

At that point I had talked to my dealer concerning that, and that is a common problem for vipers before the winders came out. So I added a 22T and a light EcoTrail tune and tested with both gears, 21 and 22.

What I found was that extra tooth with it’s larger diameter kept the chain away from that internal post/nub, and the 22T gave my sled set up, a smoother faster pull throughout!

I ride pretty hard and fast on both medium and Big trails.

So good luck with your upcoming gearing choices!

I should point out that since that Ecotrail tune, I updated to the MS16 tunes with same gearing for the past 4 seasons.

Replaced my chain after 5500 miles because it was stretched to the point of no adjustment left also, and I replace my T22 almost yearly. $24 last season...