Dirtbike/dualsport on road question

[xrocket21]

I have an ATK 605DS, its going to be pretty much on road only, I dont think it weill ever see much more dirt than a back road.

This is my first dirtbike. I dont recognize the part on the swingarm that the chain goes through.

It says ATK just below 605 on the swingarm in this pic



I assume its a chain guard, cleaner?

The chain seems like a pretty tight fit, it moves okay now that it's through, but it was pretty tough to get it in there when putting a new chain on. Do I need this if its gonna be a road bike? Can I / should I take it off, or should I just leave it on there? I havent connected the chain yet, so I can still decide.

[markbvt]

That thing is a chain guide and helps to keep the chain from coming off the rear sprocket. Dirtbike chains need to be run much looser than streetbike chains due to the large amount of suspension travel (at full compression, the chain gets much tighter). If you were to tighten the chain so it's like a streetbike when the bike is on its sidestand, you'd end up putting a lot of tension on the countershaft and probably destroying the seal, possibly even bending the countershaft. So, since the chain needs to be slacker, it can get kind of floppy, especially when the suspension is extended, and could potentially come off the rear sprocket without that guide.

BTW, I just have to ask... why did you bother buying a dirtbike if you're not going to ride dirt with it? Or are you going full-on supermoto with it?

--mark

[xrocket21]

That thing is a chain guide and helps to keep the chain from coming off the rear sprocket. Dirtbike chains need to be run much looser than streetbike chains due to the large amount of suspension travel (at full compression, the chain gets much tighter). If you were to tighten the chain so it's like a streetbike when the bike is on its sidestand, you'd end up putting a lot of tension on the countershaft and probably destroying the seal, possibly even bending the countershaft. So, since the chain needs to be slacker, it can get kind of floppy, especially when the suspension is extended, and could potentially come off the rear sprocket without that guide.

BTW, I just have to ask... why did you bother buying a dirtbike if you're not going to ride dirt with it? Or are you going full-on supermoto with it?

--mark

I have an RC51, and love it. I have always wanted a supermoto though. They look badass and any comment from people who have ridden them, pretty much are about how much fun they are. I finally got a chance to try one and LOVED it. What people say is true, you have as much fun 35-70 as you do on a sportbike 70+.

So I got a deal on 2 of them (from the friend who had the supermoto I tired). One is an ATK 605ds for me, and the other is a 225 Yamaha Serow for my girl. She is going to use the 225 to learn to ride, its a great first bike. Actually, I love the serow, its light and fun. I have 12 miles on it now in the back yard.

So long story short, yeah, pretty much supermotos. Really looking forward to having someone to ride with. Her on the 225 and me on the RC would be silly. I think both of us on dualsports will be a blast.

Thanks for the advice, Ill leave the guide on.

[xrocket21]