My M21 primary chain is loose and there's no more adjustment on the gearbox mounts. I have a 19 tooth sprocket on the engine and the chain is 70 links long. The only reference I've found to sprocket vs chain links is on Dragon Fly's site. They say 19/20t should have a 70 link chain. I suspect I need a 69 link chain. Can anyone confirm that or is there somewhere I should be looking for that information?
Also, it seems the number 110046 is a Renolds number for 1/2" x 5/16". Here in Aus I can get 'Elite' 428 chain. Its also 1/2" x 5/16". Any reason I shouldn't use that? Its cheap(ish), available and I can get cranked links for it.
With a 19T engine sprocket the primary should be 69 links...
No problems at all using the Iwis 'Elite' chain as a replacement for Reynolds chain...Reynolds don't make chain that they sell specifically as 'Motorcycle Chain' anymore...Ian
I've seen mentioned that some versions of an Elite branded chain, although possibly made by Iwis are marketed by Wassell and follow modern outside dimensions. I don't know how tight things are in a BSA chaincase. Nortons have very little room and the best choice is from the Regina Classic range.
It would certainly be worthwhile to compare pin length and side plate dimensions of any replacement against your existing chain.
On the 16H, I'm using Regina primary and Iwis rear. There was a reason for that at the time but I can't recall exactly. I stocked up when Jane and the late John were still trading and I was always happy to take their advice.
I fitted a Wassell Elite chain from eBay to the rear of the 16H. A poor cheap chain and the price reflects this with constant adjustments needed. Iwis chain is a quality chain at twice the price but well worth fitting. I use Iwis chains on all my rebuilds now which I think are German manufacture.
My M33 has developed a slack spot in the rear chain which i fitted a few years ago, this was a genuine Renolds motorcycle chain not industrial chain. On examination half way down the chain it has a set of link pins that are very worn the rest of the chain seems unworn. Again a poor chain and poor quality control, Iwis chain now fitted and all's well.
As for Renold chain, avoid it! All their chains, even if marked as "motorcycle chain" is cheap industrial chain in a different box. Some of it is made in Europe and the rest in China. The market for the real motorcycle chain they used to make is not large enough for them to bother making it anymore as the Japanese pretty much own the motorcycle chain market.
If the Renold chain box says:
Designed and packaged in the UK - cheap industrial chain.
Renold Manchester - cheap industrial chain.
UK flag on the box - cheap industrial chain.
And other markings on the box to fool you in to thinking your getting a UK made chain.
The good motorcycle chain as would have come on your WM20 when new, will always say on the box "Made in England". Unfortunately Renold has not made chains in the UK since 2013.
Yes, quite correct..I contacted Renolds customer service department on a previous occassion when this topic came up...They confirmed, eventually, that they don't make anything they are prepared to commit to for motorcycle applications....Ian
