Spring loaded chain tensioner???? Hawk KPX ?

Bill Hilly · Yesterday, 09:12 AM

I see a lot of inexpensive spring loaded chain tensioners on Amazon, and AliExpress. A lot seem to be universal, BUT I never see them used on these bikes. Is there a reason they don't work? , or are they just junk?
If they are worth getting, could someone recommend which ones to get ? I have a Hawk, and KPX. Thanks

superjocko · Yesterday, 08:35 PM

Spring loaded chain tensioners were far common back before manufacturers realized that placing the countershaft as close as reasonably possible to the swingarm pivot minimized chain slack variation throughout the articulation of the rear suspension. This problem, when it existed, was significantly exacerbated by longer travel suspension. Hawks, and other Hawk-type bikes don’t suffer from a great deal of chain slack variation. That being the case, a spring loaded tensioner isn’t really necessary. Installing one wouldn’t provide any real benefit.

Megadan · Yesterday, 09:03 PM

I tried one, and it lasted about 2 weeks and I took it off. In theory it's nice to have because you can leave the chain a bit on the slack side, or it can go a bit too slack over time and you won't immediately suffer from throwing chains. As far as controlling chain whip is concerned, they do work ok, but not as well as you might think. It really depends on how strong the spring is. Too strong and it can cause increased chain and sprocket wear. Too weak and it won't really do much of anything other than cost you money.

Yesterday, 09:12 AM	#1
Bill Hilly Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 934	Spring loaded chain tensioner???? Hawk KPX ? I see a lot of inexpensive spring loaded chain tensioners on Amazon, and AliExpress. A lot seem to be universal, BUT I never see them used on these bikes. Is there a reason they don't work? , or are they just junk? If they are worth getting, could someone recommend which ones to get ? I have a Hawk, and KPX. Thanks
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Yesterday, 08:35 PM	#2
superjocko Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Lincoln CA Posts: 116	Spring loaded chain tensioners were far common back before manufacturers realized that placing the countershaft as close as reasonably possible to the swingarm pivot minimized chain slack variation throughout the articulation of the rear suspension. This problem, when it existed, was significantly exacerbated by longer travel suspension. Hawks, and other Hawk-type bikes don’t suffer from a great deal of chain slack variation. That being the case, a spring loaded tensioner isn’t really necessary. Installing one wouldn’t provide any real benefit. __________________ -2024 CSC TT250, stage 3 motocult kit, Nibbi PE28FL with custom-made cable controlled choke, modified stock muffler (larger diameter tailpipe), custom oil cooler installation with relocated stock evaporative emissions canister, oversized stainless steel footpegs, IMS folding tip shifter, a few little blingy bolts and bits. More personal preference mods to come.
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Yesterday, 09:03 PM	#3
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,011	I tried one, and it lasted about 2 weeks and I took it off. In theory it's nice to have because you can leave the chain a bit on the slack side, or it can go a bit too slack over time and you won't immediately suffer from throwing chains. As far as controlling chain whip is concerned, they do work ok, but not as well as you might think. It really depends on how strong the spring is. Too strong and it can cause increased chain and sprocket wear. Too weak and it won't really do much of anything other than cost you money. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
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