How do you go about adjust the chain on an LT500?? I assume it has something to do with the 2 bolts coming out of the back of the swingarm, but im not sure. Thanks for any help,

-Joseph

 

Welcome to the world of the 'poorest designed' chain adjusting system in the world!

Well, until Suzuki produced the Z400 (Which 'appears' to be identical)

Warpath: You'll need to loosen the 4 bolts that run perpendicular to the swingarm (Look like they hold on the skid plate) before any adjustment can be made by the rear pointing 'adjuster' bolts.

Be vewwy vewwy caweful to get both sides adjusted evenly (It's easy to get the axle running crooked)

That's it! Oh, by the way... enjoy all the different sized tools you'll need to accomplish this... Suzuki had thier head way up thier A$$ on this one!

 

What is the proper amount of chain tension?

 

Ha, that was fun, but we did get it done. Thanks Addict.

 

Freak:

I tend to run mine a little loose, because as the suspension is compressed, it gets a little tighter.
Typically 1.25" slack....

 

i agree with duneaddict . i run mine loose also . 1.25 works great

 

Anyone try a Sidewinder Ti-Moly setup on their Zilla yet??


I have it on my 250R. It Really is a nice setup. I havent needed to adjust it yet !!! Got about 30 hrs. on it
and it shows no wear at all. The stainless chain looks great.


With the torque of the Zilla would it be worth spending the extra cash ??

Seems like Ive had to adjust the Zillas chain about every 10 hrs. or so. I think the chain on it is RK.

 

Freak: The only chain that I can personally recommend is the Krause Racing Quadramax... IT's way heavier than the others.. I use the cheap steel sprockets (Primary drive) from Rocky Mtn ATV in Utah.

This chain DOES NOT stretch... I adjust my chain once / year and that's because I've usually had something else apart. I'm very hard on chains too... second and third gear launches...
These wear like iron.... I ran my first qmax for 4 seasons before handing it down to my 250R, and putting a new one on the LT.

I saw the sidewinder stainless chain snap on a mildly modd'd banshee last summer.... I wasn't impressed... and you can keep their soft sprockets too...


My $.02

 

The stainless chain from Sidewinder is a Krause chain, every link is stamped. To my
understanding Sidewinder sprockets can only be used with their chains. Somthing
to do with the pitch of the gears, and distance between the pins on the chain.
Seems pretty beefy for the R, but its really smoooooooth feeling. It has been worth
the extra dough so far. It will probably end up an heirloom.

Hey Addict,
Checkout ebay, Cool 5 seat full suspension buggy I think its in AZ.
The price on those things are outrageous!!! What does it take to build one. I could
do a VW rail for about $5000.



Freak

 

hmm, I was unaware that the stainless was also a Krause chain.... I learned something today.
as far as specs go... a 520 is a 520.
The krause chain employs larger diameter pins and heavier side plates, but the pitch is std 520, so you can use any sprocket of your choice... AT least this is the case with the quadramax.

Yeah, those long travel buggies are WAY expensive! Too rich for my blood.
If a guy had a tubing bender and all the shop stuff... you could build one with all the latest goodies for around $25k-$30k.
As you know, I'm building one this winter, and have a pretty good start already.
I think I'll have less than $8k before it's said and done... but I'm taking alot of shortcuts too..
#1) I don't have the motor I want... Carb 350, want Vette LS-1
#2) Have porsche 911 trans, want Mendeola
etc etc... but that stuff can come later. The biggy is getting on the sand next spring.

IMHO, it's still going to be way better than a VW, and it will have 24" + suspension travel and 4 seats. VW motors can be built to run hard, but there's no replacement for displacement (Also why I ride a 500) besides, it's nice to be able to run down to autozone or checker and get parts... nothing like a ruined vacation when your toy breaks.

Regards,