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VH 500 drive chain clearance
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 11:43 am
by Alan G
I have a rigid vh from 1946.
I have a new drive chain which has a width 1.5mm larger than the one that came off, and that 0.75mm per side is enough to have it kissing the primary case, or the box has moved when I replaced and retentioned the primary chain.
I read somewhere about packing the primary case mount with an additional washer to increase clearance. How do I access the appropriate bolt? Is it an easy thing to do, or is the case having to come off for access?
Thanks in advance.
Re: VH 500 drive chain clearance
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 12:38 pm
by Roger Gwynn
The extra washer is probably a reference to the one added between the inner and the frame to prevent distorting the case when a gap has appeared usually due to the bolt falling out in the past and the case chaffing against the frame. You could pack it out there to give you extra clearance to fit the wrong size of chain but you would also need to pack it out at the front and move the clutch out a bit as well. The latter would be rather difficult and i would suggest that you buy the right chain from a reputable source who would warn against fitting a modern heavy chain. Don't worry many of us, including me, have done it in the past, which is how I know about the problem.
https://draganfly.co.uk/product-categor ... s-4stroke/
Re: VH 500 drive chain clearance
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 12:54 pm
by Vincent.vanGinneke
is it kissing the case all the way or in a specific spot?
If it is the point Roger is referring to you might have dropped the washer that was behind the inner case?
I mean the one right below the clutch dome tying front and inner chaincase together and in the same straight as the lower gearbox bolt.
Re: VH 500 drive chain clearance
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:05 pm
by Roger Gwynn
Just to be clear there isn't a washer there as standard
Re: VH 500 drive chain clearance
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:16 pm
by Alan G
Maybe I am just being paranoid. It is not rubbing continually, maybe I don't have a problem just a paranoid disposition; I'll have a better look tomorrow.
Quite possibly I have a slight misalignment after adjusting the tension, and that may be affecting the run.
I bought as thin a standard duty chain as I could find, didn't go with Draganfly as delivery has been a little bit tardy compared with some other suppliers, and I wanted a quick fix.
Thanks all.