cam chain extenders

[wolfrider2013]

I've been reading/following thread about installing cam chain extenders and the benefits thereof. Just thought I'd get an opinion or consensus on the benefits of installing these. Also, could someone detail for me that if necessary, what would be the level of difficulty of diy.

[cranky]

... I tend to focus on tech stuff... why do I think Gary Van.... the guy that put 1 million klicks
on a voyager, once said they weren't needed on a 1700, and never ever going there, did not
focus on it a lot... just thought I saw it.... tickle VROC? FWIW

[Lucasind]

cam chain extenders
Postby wolfrider2013 » Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:29 pm

I've been reading/following thread about installing cam chain extenders and the benefits thereof.




.....How about posting a link to these threads that you speak of I would like to read them also.

[wolfrider2013]

Sorry...different forum. Thought someone here might have experience on these. Newby mistake.

[gv550]

At the risk of sounding like a nit picker, I'd like to comment on a few points mentioned here.
There is no such thing as cam chain extenders because no engine would ever need its cam chain extended. There are tensioner extenders available for some engines to keep tension on worn cam chains after the stock tensioner runs out of stroke. The Vulcan 1500 and 1600 do need extenders after about 30,000 miles, and they are available from Kawasaki Canada. For some reason Kawasaki USA never had them so some enterprising machinists make them available.
The Vulcan 1700 has a different cam chain design and layout so the stock tensioners never run out of stroke. No extenders needed nor available.
And...... I have rode over a million kilometers combined on 3 Vulcan bikes, my current Voyager has only 570,000 kms so far.

[cranky]

Thanks!!! I thought you'd mentioned that on VROC... How's your
new scoot workin' out for you??!!!

[gv550]

New Yamaha runs great! And I really appreciate the 330 lb weight reduction.
I still have the Voyager and ride it often, it will be our 2-up bike and the Super Tenere my solo ride.
And of course still cranking away on my 'real' bike.

[cranky]

You are my idol!!!! GBG You do it all!!! Envious!

I do what I can, got 4500 on the cranky machine last year,
not much on the scoot, only made it to Taos, NM, but it
was a GREAT trip!!!

Hope to get MANY more in '17 on my new to me '03 voyager!!!!

[wolfrider2013]

Many thanks, Garry. Guess I should've checked on VROC for your expertise. I have just under 37K on my '13, no where near the miles you've logged. Glad that bit of maintenance isn't necessary. Been doing a bit of non-motorized two wheeling myself lately, incorporating it into my weekly cardio routine.

[cranky]

... yer body will thank you a few years from now, when everything still works
and you feel much better for being in good shape!!! JM2C