I have a 1987 LT230EH. I just put a lot of work into fixing the swing arm bearings. The reason for this is that I have had a hard time keeping my chain on. When I would climb a steep hill, the chain will work its way off. It is like the front and rear sprockets don't line up perfectly. So, I noticed that there was a lot of play in those bearings, so I replace them. I got everything put back together and adjusted properly and took it out for a ride. I rode it for a quite a long time and everything was good. I took it up some moderate hills and put quite a load on everything and it worked great. So , I decided to take it up one last hill before I headed home. When I was about half way up the chain came off and down I came. Does anybody have any advice on what I might try. I also need to get some new handle bars. Mine are shot now. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Mine only through the chain once and that was because it got hung on a sand bar in a creek and something wedged itself between the chain and sprocket. You might check the axle bearings and chain rollers as well. And a tip that I read on here was too run the chain a little loose ~ 2 inches of play.

 

In reguards to your chain problem there is a guy on here named Jagerzzz and he has alot of good ideas for the 230. I have a 230 in reconstruction and he was telling me to beware of the chain problem. Anyways if you can PM him he has a chain tensioner that he designed and he says that his chain never comes off. He told me what to do but mine isn't quite ready for any chain work yet. About the handle bars go to ebay and run a search on LT230 a guy is selling brand new handle bars in all different colors, white, black, blue, gray. I can't remember if they are under LT230S or under LT230 but check it out I think he only wants like $15 plus shipping. Good luck !

 

I had a buddy that bought one new back in the day and it had the same problem....is this common guys?

 

Hi. I will put some pics on here soon of one of my chain tensioners. They're very simple but effective. (I've promised others that I would put pics of one on here but I've just been too busy. I'll do it within a week and start a new thread so people can see it.) DO NOT overtighten your chain to keep it from coming off. You'll ruin your swingarm, not to mention your chain and sprockets. This is the source of all problems! Do a search to read some of my past threads on this subject.

We have several ruined swingarms from people overtightening their chains (including us before we designed our chain tensioners) I have purchased at least 5 new sidecovers at some point in my life for this machine because of this factory flaw. We currently have three 230s (1 quadsport and 2 E's) that have chain tensioners on them. We have not thrown or stretched a chain in over 6 years! (The stock 230 engine will not stretch a chain. However, compressing the rear suspension will.)

yagerzzz

 

Hey Yager,

What parts are needed to make the tensioner?

Thanks

 

Yeah never over tighten your chain. They say 1 1/2 inches of play.