The Chopper Compendium

Jeff L
Thanks but the material in question is on top of the aluminum swing arm.

Jeff L
Thanks,but the material in question is on top of the aluminum swing arm.

I see said the blind man.Im doing this on my Ipod.Didnt even see that till you pointed it out.Looks like its there to keep the chain from slapping the swingarm...Teflon maybe?

Jeff L
Thanks for sticking with me on this .
I think teflon would wear faster then UHMW.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-hig ... lyethylene
My problem is the chain has only about 1/2" before it will hit the top frame because I have lowered the bike about 4".
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb166/lakesmod/

On a swingarm bike you need a tensioner with a lot more 'travel' than what most of us use on a rigid frame but most swingarm bikes don't need a tensioner to begin with so why is this an issue on your particular project? Are you planing on running a jackshaft for the bike or is there some other design element that requires the use of the tensioner? As a general rule the use of a chain tensioner on a chopper frame is because you're running a non-adjustable axle block or you have a clearance problem with the chain. On a swingarm frame you should not have any clearance problems and it's almost mandantory that you have adjustable axle blocks. Try to post some diagrams or photos of the particular issue or design element on your project and we can provide some better input.

gww25
I have lowered the rear about 4-5".The swing arm is now running at a angle putting the chain a 1/2" from frame at the bottom of the oil tank.
Take a look at the above address for photo bucket,A good picture is the 3rd row 4th picture from the left.

I should have said the chain is 1/2" from where the frame go's behind the oil tank.

I see the problem and it looks like a tensioner should keep the chain below the tank but I haven't looked at the specific geometry with repect to the chain for the full range of travel. It may be easier just to build a custom tank and chain guard. Nice work by the way of getting that bike lowered.

Someone here built a really nice yellow pro-street style chopper years ago, and used a chain tensioner.
I think his user name was Jacked800, or something like that.
Haven't seen any posts from him in years tho.

gww25
Thanks for the complement.
I have looked at McMaster-Car and Grainger web sites for a sprocket to make a idler.
They list there sprockets as #40-50-60,my chain is a 530. Dose 50=530?

lakesmod wrote:gww25
Thanks for the complement.
I have looked at McMaster-Car and Grainger web sites for a sprocket to make a idler.
They list there sprockets as #40-50-60,my chain is a 530. Dose 50=530?

Not to answer Gary's question, but yes Ansi 50=Bike 530.

Made one. Trying a picture.
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb16 ... MG0319.jpg
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb16 ... 0316-1.jpg

lakesmod wrote:Made one. Trying a picture.
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb16 ... MG0319.jpg
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb16 ... 0316-1.jpg

How did this work out?