Hawk Loose Front Sprocket

[Michigan Sportsman]

After searching for info everywhere all I found was a video suggesting placing the sprocket retainer on the shaft first, then the sprocket and the bolts would be difficult but possible. (begin at 06:30).

I invision using shims behind the assembly.

Any suggestions?

Maybe it’s like my old girlfriend said, “It’s supposed to be loose”.

[Johnetattoo]

Mine wobbles around as well. I believe they all do. I've seen a video on YouTube of a guy putting shims behind it but I assume it's like that for a reason. I'm interested in what others have to say about it myself.

Pretty sure the retainer shouldn't and can not go behind the gear though.

[toneloc6530]

They all have some play. Don’t worry about it

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Michigan Sportsman

After searching for info everywhere all I found was a video suggesting placing the sprocket retainer on the shaft first, then the sprocket and the bolts would be difficult but possible. (begin at 06:30).

I invision using shims behind the assembly.

Any suggestions?

Maybe it’s like my old girlfriend said, “It’s supposed to be loose”.

Thats me in the video, and that flipped front sprocket wasn't because of the loose fit, it was for better alignment with the rear sprocket.

The front sprocket will always have some slop, just how the design works. It doesn't hurt anything.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Johnetattoo

Pretty sure the retainer shouldn't and can not go behind the gear though.

It can go behind it with zero issue. Doesn't affect it in any way other than the alignment. The retainer is just there to sit in the groove and keep the sprocket from sliding off. There is no magic to the design or advanced engineering. It is just a plate of metal. The only annoying thing about it is tightening the bolts from behind. Another gentleman and I took it a step further and cut down the stock sprocket to the shape of the retainer. Put it on first, then the retainer, then the actual sprocket, who's holes we drilled the threads out of so bolts could pass through. That gave us double the spline engagement along with better alignment and we could bolt it on from the front. 7000 miles later and no negative side effects.

[Johnetattoo]

Then I stand corrected I guess. So, Megadan.... what do you think about the way the hawks front sprocket is loose on the Shaft? Good? Bad? Doesn't matter?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Johnetattoo

Then I stand corrected I guess. So, Megadan.... what do you think about the way the hawks front sprocket is loose on the Shaft? Good? Bad? Doesn't matter?

Doesn't matter. There are several small Honda engines that are this way from the factory, including the original cg125. Tens of millions of miles and it's never been an issue. Low power, low revolution, singles. Plus, that bit of slop is likely a saving grace with the single cyl torque pulses and the mostly uncushioned drive hub.

[China Rider 27]

I run both my HAWK and Magician with the retainer on the inside of the sprocket. I found the chain and rear sprocket just line up better and look as if they were machined to work that way. Yes, it is tough to remove the retaining clip but like many things china bike you find a way to get it done! If you have a new bike, I would take a look at how the sprockets and chain line up. This is especially an issue when you upsize sprockets to say a 428 17T or a 520 13T and the sprocket cover will not go on. How I came to understand it. This is because the sprocket is sitting to much to the inside and if moved out by moving the retaining clip to the inside it fits and works much better all around.

[Johnetattoo]

I'm not seeing all replies instantly.....sorry about asking questions that were already answered. Thanks!

[Ol,fart]

JT sprockets fit looser than stock.
I used a muffler cutoff tool and with the sprocket off cut 2 new grooves one behind and one in front of the original (with the bike idling in 2nd gear) so I can run a 12 tooth sprocket off road with 2 snap rings in place of the retainer. It also makes it a quick change setup.