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:

http://www.arseaboutface.com/oz/sprocket1.jpg

http://www.arseaboutface.com/oz/sprocket2.jpg

http://www.arseaboutface.com/oz/sprocket3.jpg

It's the top from my WD40 can and a couple of cable ties. :thumbup1:

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!

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!

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 beers and talk tales of the infamous Cape York.

Nicely done man. :thumbup1:

Love reading about, and especially viewing, those innovative bush mechanics at work.

Great tip always worth knowing .

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.

Every right to be proud of that one.

Thanks for sharing it.

What a fab idea! Genius :-)

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!)

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.:oops2:

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 .

Tell me Mr. Fox, have you ever owned an LC4 KTM?
Very elegant bodge mate!

It's Technique, Not Technical

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. :thumbup1:

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

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!