moose bash plate question//

[e. rhoads]

> I've recently installed a Moose bash plate to my A3. I notice that the

plate

> seems to cover the balance chain adjuster area. I plan to cut a section

out

> that roughly approximates the size of the holes that cover the rest of the > bash plate. This should > > I was curious if those of you that have the Moose bash plate have

similarly

> modified your machines, or have you found a way to adjust your balancer > chain that allows you to get a driver in there behind the bash plate.> > Kev >

======= Here's one way to do it.... Although I can get at the bolt ok, I finally decided to make it easier. I just grabbed a router that has a 1/4" straight two-flute carbide bit in it, set it for about 3/8ths depth and carved out what I needed in less than 5 minutes. The job is easy and I was able to get it reasonably smooth. With a little filing on the sharp edges it's fine. If you do this be careful of your depth adjustment as the nearby engine case is the same material as the plate and the router bit will cut it just as quickly/easily. If the bash plate is ever off I'll do a minor bit of round-file smoothing. Additionally.... I recommend not doing this from a bad angle in the dark on the lawn as you may cut out more material than you intended. If the local area on the bike is a bit greasy it will really sparkle with all the aluminum bits thrown onto it. If you're thinking of doing this with one of those handy new router-like cutting tools be careful. Having a base to keep cutting depth constant is important in using a tool like this. I'd not recommend using a router with no base. If I make it to Moab next year (hopefully) I'll bring the router and do the plates of whoever would like it done, on or off bike. You do the hand filing if desired. ....such a deal eric