Britbike forum Forums British motorcycles in general The triple forum Number of rear chain links

manual says 107.
Then 73 supplement page says 105
I have 108 and a lot of excess, the logical plan would be to take a link at a time out, till close to the front of the slot.
Did they shorten the swingarm when they went to conical hub? I knew they changed it for rear disc. Or is it some function of different size sprockets?
The fact that I'm putting a chain on is 🔥😀 but of course the brand new chain
Is not the right size (was in box from PO)

With the original US sprockets the chain came with an offset "half link."
I replaced my rear sprocket with a 50 tooth just so I could use a 106 link chain.

You cannot remove one "link" at a time, it has to be two.

A chain needs the half-link DavidP mentions to have an odd number of links and that half-link has to be riveted to the chain (or two joining links fitted which isn't recommended).

I’ve been down this road before….lots of times. Half links are common no real mystery…..they were stock on some bikes.

All I can add is……if you use a half link IMO you’re better off making sure it’s for the chain you’re using. Not all chains offer a half link….. pins and plates can very a LOT for the same size chain ( 520, 530 etc).

Thanks for the replies. As is typical something that seems straightforward gets complicated fast.
Just wish I would have counted the sprocket teeth yesterday before I installed the wheel and chain guard (after I had fed the chain in) At least I'd have a ballpark. It just occurred to me to check the old chain too.
I have a new gearbox sprocket that came with it as well, but was going to get the bike going and check the clutch operation before that maddness. Been accumulating clutch tools just in case. I feel like if I get all the tools, it'll be fine, but if I don't it'll be totally knackered.

I think this one came out of a roadside repair kit?

I've used those before without issue, but the original chain which came on my Trident had the half link riveted in place.
The original US rear sprocket is 53 teeth, front is 18.

I found the old chain (I had taken it off last summer) it has 106. I'll take it to that and see what's what

If that chain fits you probably have a 50 tooth rear sprocket. I put one on mine because it was cheaper than buying a good chain breaker and rivet tool.
No need to count, the sprockets usually have a number stamped on them.

I use an X-ring chain, for which half links aren't available. I use a 108 link chain, and with the original 18/53 sprockets it was almost at the end of the adjusters. It didn't worry me much as I never needed to adjust it. I ran with this combination for some 6-7000 km, and then changed to a 19/53 combination as a part of an overhaul. This leaves me with a little more room for adjustment, but when any is needed, the chain is about to expire anyway. The chain has some 10.000 km on it and shows no signs of wear.
The IWIS non-sealed I used first almost fell off by 4000 km and needed adjusting ever so often.

SR

I was under the impression x- ring chain had clearance issues with the cases.
I may be superimposing that from the A65 in my brain.

DavidP: good to know....going out to CK it right now!

Addendum:
50 tooth rear sprocket, 106 links adjusted up just fine.
I even figured out why the guy got a 108 link chain; the new gearbox sprocket with the bike is a 21 tooth.
Anyone running the 21/50 combo care to share their thoughts?
Seems like a good highway/ long distance gearing.
Of course now that I shortened the chain by 2 if I want to use that I'm going to need a chain.....

I run with a 22/50 and a 525 [had the sprockets shaved to suit] X ring chain.......but I'm using a Nova 991cc kit.
100km/h [60mph] is 3600 rpm. But I also have a Synchroflex at10 belt drive which also affects the final ratio by approx 5% - or so they quote?

Checked out an old thread about your build (came up when searched Nova)
Things a beast!
Cudos!