A DRIVE CHAIN TENSIONER THAT WORKS

[EricZ]

terrible, it is comparing apples to lemons because the suspension geometry/ chain length/ chain slack is much different than on the XB. You have the ability to adjust the position of your rear axle and can set chain tension with it. The XB has no axle adjustment and relies on the chain length/idler arm to set proper chain tension

 

[go cytocis]

It's a misnomer to refer to that device as a 'tensioner'. It's more of a 'guide pulley'.

My BMW G650x has one from the factory. They're common on off-road bikes with lots of suspension travel and extended wheel-base customs with long chains.

They are really intended just to temper chain slop, but not actually to place any tension on the chain. They're certainly not meant to take the place of proper chain tension adjustment.

I wouldn't feel safe riding with one installed on an XB as shown above.

 

[terrible]

That was kind of what I wanted to show..LBV makes a good product and works well when used as design.I don't think it was ever design for a Buell maybe a tuber but not an XB.When you have no chain adjustment provision in the swing arm it brings its own bag of head aches.I don't know if there is a good second choice over the EBR swing arm.At least with out spending a lot of time and a big wad of money.

 

[theMelvster6]

I already described a solution...one which Eric Z and many racers use that works well...Unless he changed his setup.

Notching the stock arm so you have a range of adjustment...then drilling and tapping it for a set screw. This works great. set your chain tension, tighten down the idler arm, then tighten the set screw so the idler can't move back under a load...boom

 

[slag kustom]

Take the pulley apart and make a center spacer for between the bearings. I have run many on Harleys and the way they come is crap. You can not tighten the idler wheel