My Recently Acquired, 2005 Honda XR650L

[katoranger]

I noticed that wear on the original CST that my lifan had. I was thinking that was your reasoning for the rotation.

[SpudRider]

About three weeks ago I decided to substitute chain rollers for the "chain slipper," and the chain guide slider on my XR650L. Today I inspected my chain guide rollers after 1,000 miles of wear. Here is a photograph of the front roller.



Here is a photograph of the rear roller.



Here is a photograph of both rollers.



I believe the sizes I selected for these chain guide rollers is very close to ideal, and I am pleased with their wear after 1,000 miles. The bolt for the rear roller had loosened a little, but it was still securely attached to the chain guide. Based upon these promising results, I am going to keep using these chain guide rollers.

The roller I substituted for the chain slipper looks almost new! I believe this roller is perfectly sized for this application.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Spud, was that to preserve chain life? What was the original slipper material?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, was that to preserve chain life? What was the original slipper material?

I substituted the chain rollers because they are more durable than the rubber "sliders" they replaced, WaG. The stock, chain guard slider also produces a bit of friction, increasing chain drag. :roll: The chain rollers should require less inspection, and less maintenance. Also, the chain rollers should be less expensive to maintain.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Thank you. I never thought of that.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thank you. I never thought of that.

You're welcome. Here are some photographs of the chain roller I substituted for the "chain slipper."





This roller appears almost new after 1,000 miles of wear. I greatly prefer employing this chain roller to the stock, rubber "chain slipper."

Spud

[Weldangrind]

I can see where the stock slider would rob a little horsepower; that's a good idea. :idea:

Most Chinese 125 pit bikes use a similar system, but the rollers are of poor quality. Yours are clearly better; where did you find them?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I can see where the stock slider would rob a little horsepower; that's a good idea. :idea:

Most Chinese 125 pit bikes use a similar system, but the rollers are of poor quality. Yours are clearly better; where did you find them?

Thank you, WaG. Since I installed the chain rollers, my 520, X-ring drive chain seems to turn more easily when I lubricate it. Therefore, I think I have significantly reduced the drag induced by the rubber sliders. The chain guide slider on the XR650L is notorious for fast wear, and troublesome maintenance. :roll: When I bought this Honda it had 7,800 miles on the odometer, and the chain guide slider was badly worn. In fact, the chain was actually cutting a kerf in the bolts that held it in place, producing a great deal of chain fricition in the process! :x

Two of the chain rollers are Primary Drive rollers from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. The smallest, most rearward roller is marketed by Moose Racing. If you wish, you can read my installation thread at the following link.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667646

Spud

[FastDoc]

Thanks for the education on chain rollers, Brother Spud! My KLX came with them, now I know enough to appreciate them.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Thanks for the education on chain rollers, Brother Spud! My KLX came with them, now I know enough to appreciate them.

You're welcome, Brother Bill.

Spud

[davidsonsgccc]

any reduction in drag on a smaller bike such as the zong sounds like possibly a noticable gain. i think i will try that. thanks for the idea.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by davidsonsgccc

any reduction in drag on a smaller bike such as the zong sounds like possibly a noticable gain. i think i will try that. thanks for the idea.

You're welcome. Quite frankly, I think you could completely remove the chain guide on the Zong, and substitute a lower chain guard, such as the rubber "shark fin" on my XT225 swingarm.



I believe chain guides are necessary on larger bikes, with more suspension travel, to insure the chain will not become disengaged from the rear sprocket. However, I don't think a chain guide is needed on the Zong. As you can see, my XT225 swingarm doesn't employ a chain guide, merely a lower chain guard.

Spud

[SpudRider]

I grew tired of cleaning the baked mud off my bike’s exhaust header. :roll:



Therefore, several days ago I installed a stainless steel, FMF, Hi-Flo header.









Based upon the color of the header, and my engine's performance, I think the stock, carburetor jetting is just about right for my altitude. What do you gentlement think? :?:

Spud

[JTCAndrew]

I Think it looks good. In Fact I'm curious what the seat height on that bad boy? I Probably wouldn't be able to touch ground but I'd love to see how much power that baby has.....Sweet Ride......I like it!

[Weldangrind]

I think that header needs to be polished, but I have a compulsion when it comes to polishing metals.


It never occurred to me to read performance by header colour.