Recommendations on rear chain

[panz4ever]

Getting to the point where I will soon be ready for a rear chain. Looking for a decent rear chain and need to know the number of links it should be. Bike was a barn find and there was no chain. This is going on a 49 EL with a STOCK rear fender so sheet metal to chain clearance is definitely a factor.

[CraigArizona85248]

Not sure if you can use a o-ring chain with stock sheet metal.  Maybe someone who's tried it will let us know.  If you can, that is the way to go.  I've had good results from the Tsubaki Sigma chains as well as the EK chains.

Regarding length, you're probably looking at something around 100 links for stock gearing.  I usually buy a 110 link chain and then cut a few off.  My larger front sprocket (24T) requires a couple extra links above stock.

-Craig

[easyricer]

I'll second the Tsubaki chain. Been running one now for almost a year. It's on a stock 76 FLH and have not had any problems with it clearancing anything on it's own.
EASY

[Hillside Motorcycle]

We've used the Tsusaki's now for years.
Run 'em on our personal bikes, and used 'em on our AHDRA racer back in the day.
Scott

[panz4ever]

Can anyone get a measurement for me if they are running an o-ring chain. need the width of the outside link (the widest points). Attached are a couple of pics to get you an idea of the clearance problems. Once I have the measurements, I will align the tranny and rear wheel sprockets and use an old beat up chain to figure it out

[easyricer]

I got 1.088 on mine at the master link.
EASY

[CraigArizona85248]

There is some information on o-ring chain widths (comparing different brands and types) in this thread:  http://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php/topic,24877.msg254407.html#msg254407

[panz4ever]

Thanks all for the info. This weekend i will temporarily put on the junk chain and get some accurate measurements in order to see what will fit.

[Snuff™]

I installed the Tsubaki o-ring chain on my '60 FLH a couple months ago.  Haven't fired it up yet, but the chain is rubbing on the backside of the inner primary while I've wheeled the bike around in the garage.

-Snuffâ,,¢

[CraigArizona85248]

I installed the Tsubaki o-ring chain on my '60 FLH a couple months ago.  Haven't fired it up yet, but the chain is rubbing on the backside of the inner primary while I've wheeled the bike around in the garage.

-Snuffâ,,¢

Yep.  I've had that problem too.  It's easily rectified by putting a couple small spacers at the rear "floating" mounts for the inner primary.  It makes the clearance between the clutch hub and the inner primary tight, but it's workable.

-Craig

[Snuff™]

Thanks Craig!  I'll look into that this weekend.

-Snuffâ,,¢

[panheaddreamer58]

Same here but also turn the master link clip to the inside helped  a bunch. Jim