Guys, I'm still running the 420 chain on my sons 120, but they are giving me problems. (yes I've been through multiple chains!!)

I think that some of the problem was alignment which I have fixed. Also, I need to get a good chain tensioner, as the aftermarket one I bought got chewed up.

I have this sled pretty tweaked and its running 18-20 MPH . I need to get some more reliability on the chain setup.

Anybody tried a belt drive instead?

This sled is going to get a complete tear down and new motor this summer, so changing sprockets won't be an issue at all.

Thanks!

Jay,
We run the 420 chain for no other reason than thats what it had.
The 35 chain is smaller giving you multiple choices for your front sprocket, which gives you more gear ratios. (good for racing)
We have been using the Recmotors tensioner in the #716 sled 3 years and the #289 sled 2 years.
Chains are a big problem regardless of pitch, some people have good luck when they bake them, I have not noticed any real difference.
Both of our sleds have gone through 4 chains each this year total of 8.
Belt drives from what I can tell still need a chain and a jack shaft. Oh and are any where between $800.00 - $1000.00.

Instead of doing all the engine changes, you might want to take a look at some used champ sleds. Since the onset of the 8 - 10 year olds being able to race the Freestyle 300 there has been a decline in champ sleds and not a lot of interest in people buying them. The Freestyle is cheaper than what it costs to build a champ sled or a ton of mods to a regular sled.

This is just my 2 cents, as I am not a big fan of modifying sleds.

RMR Classifieds 120 cc

There are not many ads in the RMR forum now but in the next couple of weeks there will be a lot of sleds.

Shawn,

Thanks, but I can get a knock off Honda motor for about $200 which is alot less than buying another sled..........

The belt drive is probably not an option for me, since it cost too much.

I have been through 2 chains this year, so I guess I can't complain. I'm actually glad to hear that I'm not the only one experiencing this.

NOT TO HIJACK YOUR THREAD...But on the topic of chains, what does everyone use to lube?

I have been using just motorcycle chain lube.........the other night I soaked the chain in some old 10W-30 for the night and put it back on.

I have another one soaking now, gonna see how it works.

Try baking it on the BBQ at about 350 - 400 for an hour or two.

Yes, we only went thru one this year so not to bad. But that Freestyle thing seems to be the way to go. My son is wanting to ride a bigger sled so I think I can hold him off one more year but I will keep my eyes open for a Freestyle. I haven't seen any yet but hopefully soon. He saw some race this winter and liked them.

Any idea what a Freestyle is going to run me?

Used or leftover probably my best option.

Since they stopped making the 300, leftover or used is the only option. Ski Doo
We are buying one this weekend used $2600.00 extra shocks and some other stuff. They even offered to let my son race it Sunday since their son is the points leader and does not even need to race this weekend.

That is cool, is he going to try it this weekend?

No
I will quote the current owners dad.


My son is not afraid to squeeze the throttle. I would like him to get some seat time first, we may see if he can run the practice laps.

We are buying sled #765 here are some photos of the sled at one of the races.
Ossipe 300cc Freestyle photos

You bought a good one. The 120 deal has gotten so out of hand that the freestyle is by far the way to go. I have kids that race each. I have put more money and time into the 120. My 6 year old wants to race the freestyle next year. I know of 2 brand new 06 leftovers for $3200 each. The only problem with a freestyle is they are very tippy.

Where are they located?

PM if necessary.

Thanks

wallingford racing in Maine 207-782-4886

thanks

Back to the original subject. Because 35 chain is widely used in kart racing, there are several styles available that are far better and more suited for racing then the common "bicycle chain" of the same design as the bigger chain that comes on these sleds. Good racing chain has double rollers, usually sealed by o-rings to retain lubrication and will last much longer even on 30 HP karts. It is available through most any kart shop local or internet.
Bob
www.4cyclecentral.com

I disagree. 420 chain is used on many small motocrossers and there are plenty of very high quality chains that are way better made than go kart chains. If you didn't last the season on one chain, you are mechanically challenged. Bake it on the BBQ? Well, I see why you are hard on equipment. Another reason I use the 420 is for its flywheel effect.

I use a (very expensive) 420 chain and a rec. motors tensioner. The tensioner had to be highly modified to roll with my chain to my expectations. I spent no less than 2 hours aligning the sprockets as well as making sure the axle sprocket was concentric. Tension is critical as well. To get proper tension, the sprocket has to be concentric.

We didn't make it to all the RMR races this year, but when we did go, my son (Ethan #999) was near or at the front more than not. Motor is 100% stock. Most people in this game think the speed is found in the motor. Well, it isn't. There is more power to be lost in the chassis than you could ever hope to gain in the motor in a stock class.

Are you going to Mount Snow this weekend?
As far as the 420 chain I have tried a few different brands with no luck. I know it's a lube issue but I can't find one that will last 1/2 a day, I think its because it runs so close to the exhaust making the lube thin out and fly off.