09 sporty chain conversion clearance issues

[WVDevil]

hey guys,

Just finished a chain conversion on my 09 Sportster. All is great except getting some contact noise from inside the sprocket cover. Sprockets are 24/62.

I've already gone in and trimmed the lower mount as much as I can without blowing through but still noise. Chain is as tight as I'm comfortable making it (about 1/2" play).

I've looked at aftermarket covers but they all use the same 3 mount point so would almost certainly have the same issue. Most of them look like shit anyway.

Anyone had the same issue and successfully fixed or do I just need to go without the cover?

Thanks for your help!
Tom

[JBinNC]

Why use such large sprockets? Serves no good purpose, adds weight (longer chain) and causes clearance issues as you have discovered. The stock transmission sprocket for the five speed chain drive XL is 21T. You can go as low as 19T with readily available sprockets and the chain will not be wrapped too tight.

Jim

[Tattooo]

^^^^^ I agree.....^^^^^^^^ Also is that an O ring chain it's hard to tell by the pic????? If it is loose it............ There is no good reason to run one.......

[WVDevil]

Why use such large sprockets? Serves no good purpose, adds weight (longer chain) and causes clearance issues as you have discovered. The stock transmission sprocket for the five speed chain drive XL is 21T. You can go as low as 19T with readily available sprockets and the chain will not be wrapped too tight.

Jim

I went with these because of supply issues. I wanted approx 10% lower ratio than stock, these were the available sprockets that could get me there. On all the sites I checked rear sprockets are mostly sold out. When it's time to replace parts I will, hopefully, be able to get smaller ones on both ends. You are right, the sprocket size is causing the clearance issue. Thanks for your time.

[WVDevil]

^^^^^ I agree.....^^^^^^^^ Also is that an O ring chain it's hard to tell by the pic????? If it is loose it............ There is no good reason to run one.......

It's an "x-ring" chain, so yea, basically an o-ring chain. Seems to be what all the kits come with. I was under the impression that this is the best street chain.

Why is that wrong please?

[JBinNC]

It's an "x-ring" chain, so yea, basically an o-ring chain. Seems to be what all the kits come with. I was under the impression that this is the best street chain.

Why is that wrong please?

FWIW, I have been selling and using o-ring chains for decades with complete success. They do last longer with a modicum of care. Some bikes, like the early ironheads, do not have enough room for a wide chain, but on other H-Ds, at least, that is not a problem.

Jim

[Tattooo]

FWIW, I have been selling and using o-ring chains for decades with complete success. They do last longer with a modicum of care.
Jim

Plain old simple and much cheaper non O ring chains last just as long if you clean and oil them twice a year. But people never do. Hell people don't even check the air in there tires so why oil your chain. O ring chains are for those kinds of people in my opinion.
The way more expensive O ring chains have many clearance problems even on Shovelheads also it's not just a Sportster problem.