Motorcycle Chain + Sprocket Clock

This is a project I originially did almost ten years ago when I had to change the chain and sprocket of my motorcycle. I liked the look and did not want to just throw them away. A couple years ago I made some changes to the design when I had access to different tools. I will include both versions in this instructable so you can decide which one you prefer or which one works best with the tools you have access to.

Supplies

Most importantly you need a spare sprocket and optionally a matching chain.

Other than that, you only need a clock mechanism and some material you want to use to mount the clock mechanism. This piece could be made of wood, a sheet of acrylic, a 3D printed piece or whatever you prefer. Make sure the shaft of the clock mechanism is long enough for the material you will mount it to.

Finding the Right Layout

At first I started with cutting the chain. I used an angle grinder, and cut close to the sprocket, so there won't be much slack on the chain. But still you should be really careful if you decide to use an angle grinder.

The way I cut the chain, I was able to remove one of rivets and later on push it back in place to create a seamless look - at least from the front. On the back you can see where the chain was cut.

After cutting the chain I tried different layouts and decided on a very simple layout with the chain tightly wrapped around the sprocket with a wooden piece holding the clock mechanism. For a cleaner aesthetic I created a recess on the outside of the wooden piece, which allowed me to inset in into the sprocket. The wooden piece is held in place with the screws which also add to the aesthetic.

Altering the Design

A couple years later, while I still liked the overall look of the clock, the warmth and look of the wooden piece in the middle didn't really match the industrial look I was going for. With access to a 3D printer I redesigned the clock mount and printed if out of white filament with a black acrylic insert.

While being at it I also added some 3D printed numbers to the clock which where simply superglued to the sprocket.