I dont run Timbersleds, I just suggested the mostercraftsman chain tensioners because they are bullet proof and have worked perfectly on all of my bikes, which have some similarities to the TS in terms of the drive system. If you are interested in the monstercraftsman tensioners call Jon from the number on the monstercraftsman.com website and order one up!
Is anyone having trouble with broken drive chains with TSS kit?
- Thread starter SuperchargedWS6
- Start date
I dont run Timbersleds, I just suggested the mostercraftsman chain tensioners because they are bullet proof and have worked perfectly on all of my bikes, which have some similarities to the TS in terms of the drive system. If you are interested in the monstercraftsman tensioners call Jon from the number on the monstercraftsman.com website and order one up!
I'm thinking if I have a spring/tensioner it is going to force the chain into the track on compression of the TSS. If it is a little loose I should be fine with a chain slider frame guard, so working on that first. It might still come in contact with the track, but won't be forced into it, the chain tensioner is in a terrible position and lines right up with the track, would be better slightly forward.
I had a good chat with Jon, from Monstercraftsman today, he said he has had a few guys contact him on tensioners but not much progress has been made in terms of determining what is the best option for the TS. Like I said earlier, I have had zero problems with running these tensioners on similar bikes, but not timbersleds, so I can not say 100% if they will work on a TS. Jon, is 110% behind working on a solution if guys with TS kits are willing to work with him on finding the best option. I could potentially see a modification of his weld on version working with a piece of angle bolted on the inside of the side plate, or his clamp on version working on the tube that goes through the chain and bolts to the side plate. even bolting a small piece of round stock to the back side of the side plate and attaching a clamp on tensioner to that. Just some thoughts, I am sure there are other snow bikers who are problem solvers that could add some insight. "if you got a problem, yo I solve it. Check the hook why my DJ revolves it" -Vanilla Ice 
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UPsnowbiker
Well-known member
I truly appreciate everyone's problem solving skills but, as mentioned several times, shouldn't TS be doing the problem solving?
Initial reviews have been very positive on the performance increase for 2016 but this could be a major problem for them if not remedied.
Initial reviews have been very positive on the performance increase for 2016 but this could be a major problem for them if not remedied.
Supposedly they are, and supposedly a spring loaded tensioner isn't needed. And that just need to fix the contact point on frame with a slide of some sort.
I assume we will get a fix soon from them, but until then some of us want to hit the snow, so we have no choice to make shift something in the mean time.
U
UPsnowbiker
Well-known member
Very true. I wish I had the same problem but supposedly El Niño is taking its toll on us here in Northern Michigan.
ZERO SNOW
ZERO SNOW
So this thread had me a little worried, and maybe I still am but here's what I did and plan on doing.
Put the chain on. It's tight. And I mean TIGHT!! I had to lift the kit up (w/o tss bolted on) to get the chain on.
Ran minimum pressure on my TSS (200 psi) in hopes that it will sag a little more and allow for some tension release.
NOT JUMP! Don't hit big bumps where the kit can fully extend quickly. Do this until chain stretches.
So I got one ride in so far w/o issue and my plan is to continue to take it easy until the chain stretches, which I'm told will be soon but at 2 gallons of riding, it's still pretty tight.
I am carrying an extra chain just in case.
Here's what I mean by "taking it easy"
First ride
Put the chain on. It's tight. And I mean TIGHT!! I had to lift the kit up (w/o tss bolted on) to get the chain on.
Ran minimum pressure on my TSS (200 psi) in hopes that it will sag a little more and allow for some tension release.
NOT JUMP! Don't hit big bumps where the kit can fully extend quickly. Do this until chain stretches.
So I got one ride in so far w/o issue and my plan is to continue to take it easy until the chain stretches, which I'm told will be soon but at 2 gallons of riding, it's still pretty tight.
I am carrying an extra chain just in case.
Here's what I mean by "taking it easy"
First ride
Forgot to say, I also took an old inner tube and cut out some rubber from it. Wrapped that around the ST frame where the chain gets close and zip tied it on. It actually survived one ride! But my chain is still so tight it hasn't had a chance of touching it yet. The clearance for me is about 3/8" on the bottom side.
and why aren't the youtube links working for me in my previous post? Ok maybe they are, it's just my browser that is being dumb.
and why aren't the youtube links working for me in my previous post? Ok maybe they are, it's just my browser that is being dumb.
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I modified the gearing, 14 and 18, with longer chain, although I was using sx kit that was 13,16. I also installed a chain guide guard, seemed to work well.
Still have the same issue as you, 5th gear tapped, and still tons of power and not enough speed, 1st is like a tractor.
Thinking I need more than just moving the 16 down into the chain case.
C
Corban_White
Well-known member
Here is my solution:
Full extension:
Full compression:
Full extension:
Full compression:
so this issue is on the 2016 kits as well???
I just ordered a ST + TSS and im worried!!
I just ordered a ST + TSS and im worried!!
For now I bought a fixed Strut Rod.
I am moving from a 2013 ST to a 2016 LT and wanted to evaluated the other 2014 2015 2016 Changes without being blurred by adding TSS all at the same time. It seems to be a major commitment to install the TSS fit kit and concerned about getting it worked out for X-mass Break.
I have burned up all my extra time on a tunnel cover and cargo rack. To help mid-agate and elevate the holiday stress I just bought a TFS fit kit or now.
I will Put the TSS on the shelf and go ride and have the time of my life on my new 2016 LT.
Come January I will be all over the Install and updates for the TSS.
I am moving from a 2013 ST to a 2016 LT and wanted to evaluated the other 2014 2015 2016 Changes without being blurred by adding TSS all at the same time. It seems to be a major commitment to install the TSS fit kit and concerned about getting it worked out for X-mass Break.
I have burned up all my extra time on a tunnel cover and cargo rack. To help mid-agate and elevate the holiday stress I just bought a TFS fit kit or now.
I will Put the TSS on the shelf and go ride and have the time of my life on my new 2016 LT.
Come January I will be all over the Install and updates for the TSS.
ST + TSS kit will be in soon by the time I get it installed and its all done I leave for Wyoming the next day.
wondering what to do??
weighing my options , just would hate to be broken down after 12+ hr drive & $6k+......
wondering what to do??
weighing my options , just would hate to be broken down after 12+ hr drive & $6k+......
U
UPsnowbiker
Well-known member
If I were you I would get a new or at least old chain and a 14t sprocket. Get the chain cut to the right length and have it as a spare. Rig a pvc slider when you install the kit as well, should be easy.
Maybe I'm wrong but I think that would solve ruining your trip if it actually broke. The breaking is happening but not to a majority of people.
Some positive news for timbersled
Hello all I thought I'd give timbersled a little bit of credit I was worried just like everybody else but I just got back from a three day trip to cooke city mt used all their original chain and had absolutely no problems in three days just pay attention to how You install your kit and there chain Per timbersled instructions. I had a LT 2016 TSS and we also had a 2014 with TSS and had no problems make sure you check your tension on the chain with no load on the bike. hope this gives someone peace of mind.
Hello all I thought I'd give timbersled a little bit of credit I was worried just like everybody else but I just got back from a three day trip to cooke city mt used all their original chain and had absolutely no problems in three days just pay attention to how You install your kit and there chain Per timbersled instructions. I had a LT 2016 TSS and we also had a 2014 with TSS and had no problems make sure you check your tension on the chain with no load on the bike. hope this gives someone peace of mind.
