Reviews:TM Designworks Chain Roller
Some of you already may be aware of the chain roller issue with Bombardier’s DS650. If not, let me enlighten
you. There is an upper chain roller located near the front sprocket. Due to stock quad settings you may not experience
a problem. However, shortly after receiving my quad I noticed that the chain tension was extraordinarily tight.
So I adjusted the chain to a proper slack (roughly ½” to 1” slack @ center of chain WITH rider). After two
hours of riding I heard this God-awful noise, upon examination I saw that the upper chain roller had disappeared
and my chain was smacking the frame! I searched the grounds nearby to find my roller split in half.
After checking several different message boards I found out a couple other people had experienced the same exact
problem. I heard through the grapevine that TM Designworks was making a prototype roller that could withstand much
more abuse.
I called TM Designworks and asked them about a roller for the DS. The rumor I heard was true! They were, in fact,
making prototype rollers. So I had them send me one.
Tools needed for the job:
-12mm Socket wrench with extension.
-12mm Open End wrench.
-Medium size flat head screwdriver.
Removal and Installation
|
|
|
| 1) In this first picture you can see the noticeable size difference between stock and our new prototype. | 2) You’ll want to remove the original roller (or what’s left of it) prior to the installation of the new one. |
|
|
|
| 3) Here you can see the new roller.TM Designworks includes all new mounting hardware so it’s entirely up to you in regards to which nut & bolt combo you want to use. | 4) I went ahead and installed the new supplied hardware (but kept my original just in case). Also supplied are several washers (see comparison picture) in which I used on either side of the new roller (these are what you may need the screwdriver for, depending if you have fat fingers). NOTE: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN NUT/BOLT. ENSURE YOU CAN SPIN THE ROLLER FAIRLY EASILY BY HAND. |
|
|
| 5) Without thinking, as soon as I had the new roller installed, I hopped on and tore around the yard. What I didn’t realize was, being a large guy and not pre-setting the pre-load on my rear shock, I quickly wore 4 grooves (2 on each side) of my new roller. |
Things to consider prior to riding
After examining my quad I noticed that it sagged in the rear, soaking up as much as 3” of travel WITHOUT a rider! Having the shock set this way leaves the suspension constantly in a compressed state. Leaving minimal clearance for the chain and roller. Not to mention, you’re just asking to bottom the shock out!
What to do
If, in fact, you’re noticing a tight clearance between your chain and roller while seated (as seen in initial installation picture), you’ll need to adjust the pre-load or tension of your rear shock.
Tools needed
-Long flat head screwdriver
-Hammer
How to make the adjustment
1)First, you’ll need to take the weight off the shock. You can do this by using a ATV lift or floor jack and jack the rear end of the DS up until the rear wheels are off the ground and the shock is fully extended.
|
|
|
| 2) From the left side of the bike slide your screwdriver in front of the rear fender onto the top adjusting ring of your shock. You’re going to tap this ring counter clockwise just like loosening a bolt. Don’t loosen this ring too far because we’ll be using it as a marker in regards how far we’ll adjust the shock. | 3) After loosening the locking ring just simply turn the spring to adjust it! Thanks to Bombardier’s user friendly design we won’t have to spend hours tapping the second ring to adjust the pre-load. Just grab hold of the shock and start twisting clockwise as if tightening a bolt. |
Basically the final result we’re looking for here is…To have the bike sit WITHOUT rider and not squat more than 1” if need be. How do you measure something like that? Easy! Simply use a tape measure or yardstick and measure (on a flat surface) your rear grab-bar height to the ground. Then have a friend lift up lightly on the grab-bar without lifting the wheels off the ground yet extending the shock to it’s full potential and measure again.
After you’ve adjusted the spring, to where you feel necessary, don’t forget to tighten the locking ring! We’ll
be using the same process, but this time spin the ring clockwise by hand, at first, until it’s snug with the shock.
To finish this job up, tap the locking ring a few times, using the screwdriver and hammer, about ½ to 1
notch worth.
Checking clearance
Lower the quad, hop on, and check the clearance between the chain and roller & the chain and frame (you may
need a friend).
Notice the clearance difference now compared to before!
CONCLUSION:
PROS
Much higher quality than stock roller.
High quality ball bearings.
Fit was perfect!
CONS:
Not in full production yet. First come first serve, prototype only.
Delivery is long (3 to 4 weeks) due to being a prototype.
Cost was $40.00 including shipping. I’m sure price would come down if it were in full production.
If you’re interested in seeing this roller hit full production than call TMD and let them know!
Contact Information:
TM Designworks located in Phoenix, Oregon (NOT Arizona).
Phone (541) 535-1612
