Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Hang on to your front sprocket... Hang on to your front sprocket...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: location, location.
Posts: 89
Hang on to your front sprocket...
I was unfortunate enough to have the retaining nut and lock washer on my Yamaha XT 600, part company with the bike somewhere in the outback of Australia. In order to get to Cairns (where I could get a replacement), without the front sprocket parting company with the bike in a messy and rather dangerous manner, I came up with this:







It's the top from my WD40 can and a couple of cable ties.

Worked a treat, and am now in Cairns awaiting a replacement. Just thought it could be a handy tip if anyone was in a similar position.

Also if anyone fancies seeing a few pics from the Telegraph Track up to Cape York, they're on the blog at Arse About Face - A motorcycle misadventure around Australia

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Jun 2007
loxsmith's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ex Bris, Australia
Posts: 490
Bush mechanics at it's best, who ever would have thought you could hold on a drive sprocket with 3 pieces of plastic. It's amazing what you can get by with, good job!
__________________
Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC

Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jun 2007
loxsmith's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ex Bris, Australia
Posts: 490
Just had a quick read of your site, looks like you have had a ball. I see you are travelling south again, when you get near this neck of the woods, let me know and we can sink a few s and talk tales of the infamous Cape York.
__________________
Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC

Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
Thumbs up
Nicely done man.

Love reading about, and especially viewing, those innovative bush mechanics at work.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jul 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ashford Kent UK
Posts: 163
Great tip always worth knowing .
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the hills of Norfolk
Posts: 249
Brilliant Sly-Fox, brilliant.
I like to think I would have come up with that idea if I was in a similar situation although I suspect not.
I will now though, thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 89
Every right to be proud of that one.

Thanks for sharing it.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jul 2007
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
What a fab idea! Genius :-)
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: location, location.
Posts: 89
Glad it's proving useful The new one is thoroughly 'loctited' on, it's not going anywhere in a hurry. (Except attached to the bike of course!)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jul 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
great bodge but brave !!

If it failed then the chain and sprocket would of ripped through your crankcase. Just a snapped chain can do that.

Slap on the wrist for not torquing up the sprocket nut correctly.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Jul 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Nice bodge Sly Fox !

Sometimes in situations like that you can use a Jubillee Clip [ hose clamp] on the shaft to prevent the sprocket moving .
Old farm machinery used to have wooden blocks as chain tensioners and guides , very crude but you can also use wood as a bodge sometimes ,oil it well though .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Jul 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Tell me Mr. Fox, have you ever owned an LC4 KTM?
Very elegant bodge mate!

It's Technique, Not Technical
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 27 Mar 2009 at 20:31.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: location, location.
Posts: 89
Well would you credit it? Maybe I can get some dosh out of KTM for pinching my idea. Probably not though. It did prove surprisingly effective at keeping the bike going til a replacement could be sourced. The thread on the shaft is pretty shoddy though, which is why it worked itself loose the first time.

Red Loctite is definately the way to go, I've not had any similar problems since I added a bit of that stuff. Plus it saves me having the whole bloody thing re-threaded while I'm on a tight budget.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 49
Mcguyver would be so proud.........
Note to self: do not throw away the cap on my wd-40 can and carry more wire straps!! Really brilliant! Creative, just like the latino mechanics would do! LOL
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Good Bodge!
Excellent Bodge! Thats what I like about us bikers.we are just so innovative... stuck in the middle of "where the heck am i" most people would have a panic attack and cry.... not a biker. a biker looks at the problem and says...."hmmm...what have i got /can i find/ beg borrow/ etc that will FIx this"
well done!
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
front sprocket XT 600 philip Yamaha Tech 3 6 Aug 2018 19:06
Front sprocket wearing strangely... jim Yamaha Tech 9 16 Apr 2007 16:37
Thought on front sprocket wear.. jim Yamaha Tech 2 23 Jun 2004 00:47
Front Sprocket Change hunternielson BMW Tech 1 16 Sep 2003 07:35
Front Sprocket Removal sjbarrow Yamaha Tech 4 29 May 2001 18:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:51.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top