Drive chain Timbersleds

[thewwkayaker]

Did timbersled change their chain to a lower strength chain at some point?

I have a new 2022 aro3 premium.
Bought a new 2022 yz450f (left over from 2022 stock) and swapped the kit over to the new bike
Chain link failed the other day (about 3 rides in this season). Had a replacement link but the pins were too thick to fit thru the holes in the chain. Long way out and back in (I was testing riding with ski boots and so had my skis and skins). Brought everything I could including my old chain from my 2016 Mountain Horse (Timbersled). In the end (3.5hrs working on it in the snow) had to use that chain.

I'll look for a chain link that will fit the chain that came with it but it was odd having a different size link (just the pin thickness).

Also I'm still wondering what happened. It's possible the locking pin (whatever it's called) wasn't in the groves on the pins. Could have been ice that pushed it off some how. My other thought is the chain got too tight.

The adjustment uses a bolt to tighten (or loosen) the chain and a lock nut in addition to tightening two bolts as anyone who has a timbersled knows. The locking nut would prevent the chain from getting slacker but what would prevent it from getting tighter (other than the friction by the two side bolts tightened to spec)?

Just trying to make sure it doesn't happen again or is less likely. It was a long day - 7km and 700m climb, 3.5hrs with frozen hands - good times!

 

[GlennRMK]

Go buy a DID VX3. That is the only chain I run on dirt and snow. Have had very good luck with them and the older VX2. From what I've seen, the OEM Timbersled chains are junk.

 

[M5-]

I'm not sure what brand of chain TS supplies these days but It's probably a crappy one. I only run DID chains and I carry 2 spare DID links plus an assortment of other brands of master link for guys I ride with who haven't figured this out yet . I had this argument with some dumb ass punk at the parts counter who swore all 520 chain links are the same, news flash they aren't. ALWAYS buy spare links of the same brand as your chain. All the chain failures I've had have been the link, (Knock on wood). I also carry a complete spare chain in my tools as well as a spare Yeti belt. Yes its heavy but its a day saver, we've used them often. It's just a cost of doing business. If you buy the longest DID chain available (130 links?) it may be long enough to change out your drive chain and your chain case chain which in all likely hood is also a cheap ass POS. If you are riding say 20 days and never have to adjust your chain then on day 21 it suddenly needs an adjustment, its done, replace it.

M5

 

[teal_210]

Sounds like you have the Rolon. They have an odd size pin, best to just replace it with a DID as others mentioned.

 

[Archie]

I’m also running a DID chain for both the drive and chain case. And like M5 I keep a couple extra links and a spare drive chain on board all the time, the little extra weight is worth it in the event I or someone has a failure.
All that said, my kit is an Aro I bought new in 18 and I never had a chain break. I replace both chains every third season (only get out a handful of times a season).