Atlas chain

MikeG

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Well, I'm down to the more mundane tasks on my Atlas puzzle. The final drive chain that came with it has back to back master links and is (still :rolleyes:) too long. Subtract 1 and it's too short. From years ago I seem to recall my buddies Atlas needing a half link, but I was always under the impression that it was his fix for a totally sacked chain that he couldn't afford to replace. Reading Roy Bacons book I see the Atlas chain listed as 97 links so I guess the half link is supposed to be there?
 
As long as you chain is not totally worn out, then half link chain is perfectly acceptable- I still have some in my chain box ready for use.
 
I am currently finishing a late '66 Atlas an even after fitting a 20 tooth gearbox sprocket I have had to go to a half link.
AL
 
Could this be the result of fitting a Commando rear sprocket which I think had an extra tooth ? 43 instead of 42 ?.
 
no as per the Roy Bacon Norton Restoration it states 97 links = an odd number of links it must to have had a half link from new!
 
no as per the Roy Bacon Norton Restoration it states 97 links = an odd number of links it must to have had a half link from new!

I am not with my original Norton Owner's manual, but IIRC, the chain should be 96 links. There was never a 1/2 link from new.

Slick
 
Both the Maintenance Manual and Instruction Book and the Master Parts List states 97 links.
Even the Haynes book says 97.
 
Sorry, tried 96 links to short though mine is late '66 with the 5/8 x 3/8 type chain
 
Sorry, tried 96 links to short though mine is late '66 with the 5/8 x 3/8 type chain

Mine too is 5/8 × 3/8.

I have original Owners Manual which should be the definitive reference, but I am travelling and will not be home for 4 more weeks. As I claimed above, 96 links is from memory. I do not remember half links.

Put in a half link if you must ..... I see no reason why not.

It is hard to dispute Mike40M's post.

Slick

Edit 3.6.20

If one takes a 96 link chain, adds a master link, is it now 97 links?
 
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As I remember Renolds used to make a 97 link chain. Never saw one on this side of the pond. I have used half links before, when I get a bit of stretch I take it off and use a regular master link.
 
If one takes a 96 link chain, adds a master link, is it now 97 links?

No, it's not possible to just add a master link to a normal roller chain as a standard drive chain has alternating inner and outer pitches.


For a normal drive chain to have an odd number of links it therefore, must have a cranked 'half' link.
Atlas chain
 
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Wouldn't the slot in the swing arm for the axle be long enough to make up for the +/- 5/16" ( from +/- one link)? I suppose tire clearance to swing arm could be an issue though.
 
Wouldn't the slot in the swing arm for the axle be long enough to make up for the +/- 5/16" ( from +/- one link)?

It isn't possible to remove "one link" (pitch) from a standard chain and then reconnect the ends with the master link, it has to be two links/pitches (one inner and one outer).
 
Sorry, tried 96 links to short though mine is late '66 with the 5/8 x 3/8 type chain

5/8 x 3/8 final drive chain was part of the standardization programme with Matchless in 1964 for the '65 models. Matchless heavyweight bikes had used this chain size for years.
The countershaft sprocket and rear wheel sprocket followed suit (#040451, #030052).

-Knut
 
5/8 x 3/8 final drive chain was part of the standardization programme with Matchless in 1964 for the '65 models. Matchless heavyweight bikes had used this chain size for years.
The countershaft sprocket and rear wheel sprocket followed suit (#040451, #030052).

-Knut
What was the chain size used before this? The bike in question from my original post is a 64 Atlas, but in the bins of parts that came with it is a size 428 chain with half link. I know this is primary drive chain size as well, just wondering why there were two of them in the bins.
 
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